Microhydro Turbines

A basic understanding of micro hydro theory and application leads one to quickly grasp that the heart of an operative system is the small micro hydro turbine. This is where the real action is when water is utilized to generate electricity. The design and efficiency of the micro hydro turbine is the make or break link in the chain of circumstances that can take the flow of a stream and turn it into lamplight in a village that has yet to be connected to a power grid.

Most of the micro hydro generators in use today make use of micro hydro turbines in the same basic manner. Water enters the system through an intake pipe and then heads for the waiting turbine, forced through a nozzle by its own pressure. The fact that water dropping from one level to a lower level will create the necessary pressure for the system to work is at the very heart of the design theory behind microhydro turbines. In a typical “run of the river” system there will be a generator or alternator connected directly to the turbine.

Absolute reliability is vital when people depend on these systems to provide them with what may be the only electricity available to them. This is one of the reasons that micro hydro turbine manufacturers strive to produce equipment that will be durable and require a minimal amount of maintenance.

Who are some of these manufacturers, and what makes their micro hydro turbines tough and versatile enough to stand up to the long hours of use? Let's take a quick look at two of them.

ES&D makes the LH1000, a light weight turbine that uses a permanent magnet alternator, which makes it efficient at various output levels, from 200 watts of power at only two feet of head to one kilowatt with ten feet of head. The system includes a rectifier to convert the alternator's 3-phase AC current into 12, 24, 48 or 120 volt DC current. The LH1000 is designed to be easily installed and removed, making it ideal for moving between different sites.

A well-known and respected UK company is PowerPal. Their low-head micro hydro turbines are a combination of steel, cast iron and aluminum construction, with heavy-duty bearings. They have earned a reputation for durable and trouble-free equipment and their MGH200LH model can offer 220 watts of output.

So, if you are situated in a place where you have ample running water, you would be wise to look into the power generation potential that can be realized by using microhydro turbines.