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Micro/Mini Hydro
Micro/Mini hydro is the application of hydroelectric
power sized for small communities, single families
or small enterprise. It is a renewable technology
based on capturing the kinetic energy of rivers,
channels or chutes, spillways, irrigation systems,
tides and oceans with or without the use of dams.
Not everyone is lucky enough to have a source of
running water near their homes. But for those with
river-side homes or live-on boats, small water
generators (micro-hydro turbines) are the most
reliable source of renewable energy available. One
relatively small water turbine will produce power
non-stop, as long as running water is available, no
matter what the weather.
Why Hydro?
Hydro power is often the most desirable of all forms
of renewables because of its ability to produce
power 24 hours day for the whole year depending on
conditions.
Small-scale hydropower is one of the most
cost-effective and reliable energy technologies to
be considered for providing clean electricity
generation.
Hydro power sites can be connected to the grid or be
stand alone systems.
Hydro power is a domestic source of energy, produced
in the United States.
Over the last few years, the U.S. Government has
increased support for alternative power generation.
Many resources such as grants, loans, and tax
benefits are available for small scale hydro
systems.
Environmentally friendly
Micro hydro, or small-scale hydro, is one of the
most environmentally benign energy conversion
options available, because unlike large-scale hydro
power, it does not attempt to interfere
significantly with river flows and has little or no
discernible environmental effect on things such as
fish migration.
Micro hydro units convert the energy of flowing
water into electrical energy. The energy produced by
them is renewable and the process doesn't pollute
the air like power plants that burn fossil fuels,
such as coal or natural gas.
In micro hydro systems, water turns a wheel or a
runner (like a propeller) to rotate a turbine and
produce electricity. The wheels come in different
shapes and sizes depending on the site and the type
of turbine. |
