Set Up Your Own Hydro Power System

If there is running water available you can set up your own hydro power system and harness the energy of water.  There are several ways that this can be done and mills and pumps are among the most popular.  All you need is something that will spin, fast flowing water, and a source of gravity.  You can also implement an electricity generator but this is not necessary.  By using these few things you can soon have a hydro power system that you can use to provide energy for your home.

Of course, not all sources of running water are going to be able to provide the same amount of energy.  The head and the flow are the two things that determine how much power can be provided by a stream.  The drop from where the water enters your pipe or penstock to the bottom is known as the head.  Keep in mind that the distance from the top and bottom of the system is not the same thing as the head.  The drop, or the distance in height is what matter because the greater the difference, the more potential there is for power.  The head is measured in metres and can be found with the use of survey maps or by using trigonometry or an altimeter.

The volume of water that flows past a specific point in the system over a one second period is the flow.  Before the turbine is in place, the flow should be measured to determine the potential power because once the turbine has been fitted the flow will reduce.  Potential power increases with a greater flow.  The easiest way to find the flow is to use a bucket where you know what the capacity is and find out how long it takes to fill it.  The flow is measured in litres per second.

Once you know the head and the flow you can determine the power that is available.  It is measured in watts and you simply multiply the head and the flow by the force of the gravity.  So (head x flow) x gravity = available power.

There are two main parts of a hydro system – the turbine and the penstock.  The penstock helps you get water to the turbine from the highest point in the system.  It has a minimum of resistance and as little obstruction as possible.  Landscape sometimes offers a natural solution but more often an artificial means is used in the form of pipes.  The turbine will determine how much power can be provided to the generator and off efficiently it will generate electrical power.

When you put your hydro power system together you should ensure that you have good direction and that everything is set securely.  Use quality equipment and tools.  The nuts and bolts that hold it together are important.  You should make sure that the nuts and bolts you choose are of adequate strength and will be long lasting.  Choose nuts and bolts that are resistant to corrosion since water and the elements of nature are involved and you will find that your hydro power system will last much longer.  Maintain it by making sure that they are in good condition and secured on a regular basis.