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Semi homemade hydro power
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21
comments (21 topical, 0 editorial)
Re: Semi homemade hydro power
(
3.00 / 0
) (
#18
)
by hydrosun on Tue Mar 25th, 2008 at 06:56:36 PM MST
(
User Info
)
I made several hydro units with the Harris wheel screwed on a Motorcraft 70 amp alternator. I mounted the alternator on the lid of a square plastic bucket and cut holes on four sides to aim pvc pipe with 1/2 inch thread to screw in the old style Harris nozzles. I used pieces of inner tube attached to the lid to try to keep water out of the alternator bearings. Stock alterators will produce 12 volts efficiently at 100 feet head. I did find rewinding sources for 24 volt stators.
I've since upgraded to the more efficient Permanent magnet Harris units. I've been very pleased with the extra power and less maintainance. I can still get them direct from Don Harris because I'm a repeat customer for years now. I have seen the price rise substantially if I bought it from my usuall wholesale supplier of alternative energy parts.
If I was trying to build a homemade unit today, I'd try the Fisher/ Paykel washing machine motor. Do a google search and you'll find someone making hydro kits using those motors. You can buy all or parts from the kit.
The problem with any non adjustable permanent magnet is it is at it's peak efficiency at only one rpm and power output. It's more efficient than the alternator but not as efficient at varying flows. So in the fall when the stream is just starting to flow and the sun hasn't been seen in 2 weeks the batteries are going to be low. Because I've never had a backup gas generator it has been great to start the Harris hydro with 3 gallons/ minute and have enough power to keep the lights and refrigerator going. With the old alternator system I usually would have to resort to unpluging the refrigerator to keep from totally draining the batteries. I consider the money spent on the PM unit the best investment I ever made.
I had alot of fun trying incremental improvements in the hydro and other parts of my system over the years. I learned alot and so will you.
Chris
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Semi homemade hydro power
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21
comments (21 topical, 0 editorial)
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