Homebrewed Electricity > Hydro

Floating Hydro Generator or ??

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PNW_Steve:
Hello Everyone,

I am new to the board and have thoroughly enjoyed all of the great info that the community has assembled.

I found this board while researching options for a hydro project at my home. My lot backs up to a year round creek that has plenty of flow but no usable head.

The creek level and flow vary hugely depending on season/weather. I have not measured the difference but would estimate that the water level varies over 20' at extremes. I have attached pictures taken in September (low) and late November (high but not max) showing the variance. In the second pic you can still see some rocks above the water in the creek. At the highest water levels they are not visible.

Where the creek passes my place it is running through a canyon that is quite steep on my side. Pretty much straight down for 25'+ in the summer. During winter storms the water coms up to within 3'-5' of the top of the bank.

As I have no usable head I am looking at some sort of undershot wheel or a submersed device. Given that the water level varies drastically I don't see any reasonable method of employing a conventional fixed water wheel so I have been looking at options that float.

I found an interesting option here: http://www.hydro-electric-barrel.com/

As far as I can find it is not commercially available so I though I may give a shot at building something based on a 55 gallon poly barrel. Perhaps using metal corner flashing attached to the exterior of the barrel for paddles?

I don't want to reinvent the wheel :) Have any of you tinkered with this sort of thing? Tips? Suggestions? Ideas?

Can you suggest a better alternative? My original idea was to build paddle wheels using bicycle wheels and place one in each side of a kayak....

Any input is appreciated.

Thanks

Steve

Harold in CR:

 Check out this youtube video

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4scG3cuL7I

PNW_Steve:
Cool video.

PNW_Steve:
Anyone have any thoughts or experience regarding an install of this sort?

Thanks.

S.

PNW_Steve:
Back to the original idea....

How about a pair of these: http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-26-48V-1000W-Electric-Bicycle-Motor-Hub-Front-Wheel-Conversion-Kit-Set-/201453686831?hash=item2ee793502f:g:FDUAAOSw~bFWIfpe

One on each side of a kayak or similar float with the tires removed and appropriately sized paddles?

I have to include this link.... I couldn't help but chuckle..... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spAxoOrC4PA

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