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to solve low water problem
By bgarrett, Section Hydro Posted on Wed Oct 28, 2009 at 09:03:46 PM MST
what to do?

My creek has a great flow most of the year but slows to very little in August.
It doesnt seem like a good idea to put batteries by the creek if they will not get any charge for a month or so.
my building will be about 250 feet from the creek and the batteries should close to my point of use, right?
Is it possible to generate at 120 volts so the power can be sent about 250 feet then converted to 12 volts to charge my batteries?

to solve low water problem | 12 comments (12 topical)

Re: to solve low water problem (3.00 / 0) (#1)
by Ungrounded Lightning Rod on Wed Oct 28, 2009 at 09:29:02 PM MST

Yes.

Re: to solve low water problem (3.00 / 0) (#2)
by bgarrett on Wed Oct 28, 2009 at 09:59:41 PM MST

Great! Can you suggest a hydro generator?

[ Parent ]

Re: to solve low water problem (3.00 / 0) (#3)
by chainsaw on Thu Oct 29, 2009 at 04:56:08 AM MST

You need to know water head and flow in gal per minute to determine your potential output. Then look at units that meet those parameters.

[ Parent ]

Re: to solve low water problem (3.00 / 0) (#4)
by bgarrett on Mon Nov 16, 2009 at 10:21:32 PM MST

All the hydro generators I find on the internet at DC

Can you point me in the direction of 120 volt Alternating Current hydro generators?
My dam is about 600 feet from the house where the battery bank will be

[ Parent ]

Re: to solve low water problem (3.00 / 0) (#5)
by ghurd on Wed Nov 18, 2009 at 08:28:06 AM MST

Lots of alternators, probably most, will make 120VAC.

Unless you mean 120VAC 60HZ single phase, then you are out of luck without a lot more research. And the more you research it, the more you will find you are pretty much out of luck.

Most decent DC generators are actually 3-ph AC alternators, intended to be rectified to DC output.

So far the only thing we know is it is hydro, without enough water sometimes, 250' or 600' (?), and 12V batteries.

Without the head, flow, type of water wheel, etc, etc, etc,
nobody can point you toward anything relevant.
G-
Ghurd.info
[ Parent ]

Re: to solve low water problem (3.00 / 0) (#6)
by bgarrett on Wed Nov 18, 2009 at 01:46:58 PM MST

there is no reason for you to be rude

[ Parent ]

Re: to solve low water problem (3.00 / 0) (#7)
by ghurd on Wed Nov 18, 2009 at 03:10:32 PM MST

Correct.

Where exactly was I rude?

In my garage or basement I have:
A few 2" square stepper motors that will make 120VAC,
Several baseball sized 3-ph motors that will make 120VAC,
More than a few mid-sized AC conversions that will make 120VAC.
And a 80(?) pound Leeson that will make 120V.

Send me $250 and I'll send you an alternator than makes 120VAC.
Is that what you are looking for?
Because that's what you are asking for.
Ghurd.info
[ Parent ]

Re: to solve low water problem (3.00 / 0) (#8)
by TomW on Thu Nov 19, 2009 at 03:59:23 AM MST

bgarret;

If you think that was rude, you need to grow a thicker hide before jumping into the internet.

Seriously, lighten up.

I thought he was very accurate and honest about our inability to reply with useful information to your vague post.

You are welcome!

Tom

The Truth is the Truth, even if no one believes it; and a lie is a lie even if everyone believes it

[ Parent ]

Re: to solve low water problem (3.00 / 0) (#9)
by bgarrett on Tue Nov 24, 2009 at 05:00:41 PM MST

I have extremely limited knowledge about hydro power and I posted:

"All the hydro generators I find on the internet at DC
Can you point me in the direction of 120 volt Alternating Current hydro generators?"

I may have not been clear but I am asking if anyone can point me at a website that sells AC generators.

I did not ask for a specific make and model generator to suit a specific head and flow.
I did point out that the creek is about 250 feet away and the dam is about 600 feet away.

[ Parent ]

Re: to solve low water problem (3.00 / 0) (#10)
by camillitech on Wed Nov 25, 2009 at 06:56:36 AM MST

Hi there,

you seem to have a similar problem to me, http://www.hipowerhydro.com/ do small turbines in 120/240/440v with transformers to step them down for battery charging. ES&D do the 'Stream Engine' in 12/24/48/120& 240v http://www.microhydropower.com/ and I personally use a 200w Navitron 230vac high head turgo turbine http://www.navitron.org.uk/product_detail.php?proID=172&catID=81 operating at a head of 40m (130ft) with a flow as low as 1lt (6.3 gals) per second.

Mine was sourced in the UK where I live but they're Chinese and available worldwide through various outlets under different names.

Good Luck, Paul

[ Parent ]

Re: to solve low water problem (3.00 / 0) (#11)
by ghurd on Wed Nov 25, 2009 at 08:15:13 AM MST

At a minimum, we need to know the head. And so do you.
It is relative the operating RPM, and therefore the alternator design.
It is a specialized niche market. Not many companies make alternators suited both high and low RPM.

This may help your search:
AC is alternators.
DC is generators.
Gas powered 110VAC generator (like in the Sunday paper ads) is a misnomer, and probably will not be repeated by many companies making/selling what you are looking for.
Ghurd.info
[ Parent ]

Re: to solve low water problem (3.00 / 0) (#12)
by m8e on Sat Jan 02, 2010 at 09:11:11 AM MST

Maybe ecoinnovations high voltage pelton can be a fitting solution?
They generates 300-500vac and includes a transformator for 24/48V systems.

They can work with a head between 5-130m (16.4-426.5 feet).

to solve low water problem | 12 comments (12 topical)

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