Micro Hydro Power System Information
Micro hydro power is considered a very reliable and effective form of energy.
But aside from what may be a long list of advantages, there are also some drawbacks associated with it that you will have to know before you construct a small hydro power system.
Micro hydro can be a good method of getting renewable energy from small streams with just the right research and skills.
What follows are some of the advantages and disadvantages of small scale water turbines.
One of the major advantages of a micro hydro power system is that it only takes a relatively small amount of flow or a drop that is as low as two feet to be able to generate electricity.
This electricity can then be delivered as far as a mile away to the area where it is being used.
As hydro produces a continuous supply of electric energy compared to other small-scale renewable systems, it can be a reliable electricity source.
The winter months would be the peak season wherein large amounts of electricity are required.
The micro hydro power system functions as a 'run-of-river' system wherein the water passing through the generator will be directed back into the stream with little effect on the surrounding environment.
Most states and municipalities require a permit to operate a hydro power project.
Since the building of a small-scale hydro power system would cost you from $1,000 - $20,000 depending on the location and electrical requirements, it is still a cost effective energy solution.
Even the costs you will have to invest for maintenance are relatively small in comparison to other systems.
Let's move on with the disadvantages.
Now, a suitable site will be required in order to gain full advantage of the electrical potential of small streams.
And there are a number of factors that would have to be considered, and these are: the stream size, the distance from the power source to the location where energy is needed, and a balance of system components such as batteries, inverter, controller, transmission line, and pipelines.
The stream size will also tend to fluctuate seasonally in most locations, especially during the summer months wherein there will be decreased flow and decreased power output.
To make sure that your energy requirements are met, advanced planning and research is needed.
While there will be minimal ecological impacts of a micro hydro power system, these environmental effects must still be taken into consideration.
Proper caution may be needed to ensure that it will not cause any damage to the local ecology or civil infrastructure, since stream water will be diverted away from the portion of the stream.
But aside from what may be a long list of advantages, there are also some drawbacks associated with it that you will have to know before you construct a small hydro power system.
Micro hydro can be a good method of getting renewable energy from small streams with just the right research and skills.
What follows are some of the advantages and disadvantages of small scale water turbines.
One of the major advantages of a micro hydro power system is that it only takes a relatively small amount of flow or a drop that is as low as two feet to be able to generate electricity.
This electricity can then be delivered as far as a mile away to the area where it is being used.
As hydro produces a continuous supply of electric energy compared to other small-scale renewable systems, it can be a reliable electricity source.
The winter months would be the peak season wherein large amounts of electricity are required.
The micro hydro power system functions as a 'run-of-river' system wherein the water passing through the generator will be directed back into the stream with little effect on the surrounding environment.
Most states and municipalities require a permit to operate a hydro power project.
Since the building of a small-scale hydro power system would cost you from $1,000 - $20,000 depending on the location and electrical requirements, it is still a cost effective energy solution.
Even the costs you will have to invest for maintenance are relatively small in comparison to other systems.
Let's move on with the disadvantages.
Now, a suitable site will be required in order to gain full advantage of the electrical potential of small streams.
And there are a number of factors that would have to be considered, and these are: the stream size, the distance from the power source to the location where energy is needed, and a balance of system components such as batteries, inverter, controller, transmission line, and pipelines.
The stream size will also tend to fluctuate seasonally in most locations, especially during the summer months wherein there will be decreased flow and decreased power output.
To make sure that your energy requirements are met, advanced planning and research is needed.
While there will be minimal ecological impacts of a micro hydro power system, these environmental effects must still be taken into consideration.
Proper caution may be needed to ensure that it will not cause any damage to the local ecology or civil infrastructure, since stream water will be diverted away from the portion of the stream.
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