Micro hydro giving the go ahead

[clytle374]

^given^

I'd called around a long time ago about getting whatever I needed to put a hydro setup in the creek here. Much to my surprise I got a message yesterday from the country extension office that we have water rights, and I don't have to go through any permits.

Basically, don't pollute the creek and all is good. The shocker was that we can legally use the water.

Anyone know what those huge rolls of orange conduit stuff the utility companies use is called? Been thinking that might be what I need.

Now to find out what the price of batteries have been doing. I'm betting there still not cheap.

I might get off grid yet.

[boneheaddoctor]

Thats cool they gave you the go-ahead. Particularly that you are in a position geographically to be able to do that too.

[rmac58]

Yeah, cool. I'm surprised you didn't have to do a study on fish migration.

[clytle374]

Originally Posted by rmac58

Yeah, cool. I'm surprised you didn't have to do a study on fish migration.

I expected having at least 3 union workers observe the creek for a few months to verify there are no fish.

Once I get it built I'm sure they will find an endangered amoeba and make me take it out.

[mashbrid]

Are you using 100% of the H20 flow? It would seem that if you left enough H20 in the natural stream no one would care. What do you expect to get KW wise?

I lived on solar for a while. You learn to vacuum only on sunny days.

[clytle374]

I'm still trying to get accurate flow and drop numbers. I wanted to record minimum flow and design around that, but a very wet summer made that impossible. Looking to get a minimum of 200W, with a with 1K+ being more constant. That will allow me to float the battery bank when it rains.

Now I'm looking into variable flow rate options, but complicates design considerably.

The best part is that it will provide a truly consistent input to the batteries. At least it will be a start and get everything in place to add solar later.

[boneheaddoctor]

How are you making out on this project?

[BenzDieselTuner]

Originally Posted by mashbrid

Are you using 100% of the H20 flow? It would seem that if you left enough H20 in the natural stream no one would care. What do you expect to get KW wise?

I lived on solar for a while. You learn to vacuum only on sunny days.

the old village mill of Affaltrach never used more of half of the creeks water flow, at "full power"........i imagine that neither would his setup......u would be surprised how much WORK a little water and and some gravity can accomplish.....especially with gearing.....