A low flow with a low head, whats available ?

I have some flood plain aside a small river. It has a workable 5ft drop and the flow is 160lps, in summer. I know Im going to lose energy production in the worst weather, so I need something that can withstand no little abuse from the elements. I cant be there to watch it all the time, so something that is safe to be left alone. Its gotta be within price limits, I don't want to spend huge amounts. Anything that can pay for itself with the energy it produces would be great, but, if there is something that could produce more than I need, that would be ideal.

Any idea's what I could use ? I want to keep it small but don't mind a largish footprint as it's a floodplain, this also cannot be impacted for various reasons.

I did think waterwheel but this is too large. In-channel device ? hmm doesn't seem very durable, I have to leave it alone, but I have to trust its still going to be there after a flood lol. Something I can trust to keep working through the night.

If you have any idea's which kind of solution fits around my needs, I would appreciate any expert advice.

A 5' head @ 160 lps/40+ gal per sec., sounds like a banki or vortex turbine. Read further down in this forum? how much power do you think you need? For durability take a real good look at your terrain and high water mark, consider a penstock/pipe to a Banki turbine out of the way of flood waters or building a weir to a vortex system, either way you should be able to get at least 1Kw with good survivability depending on how you build the system.
Good luck, I'm in the middle of design/build of my own similar system.

David Cain

This might interest you. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbowRUuP9Kk . It seems to be elegantly simple.

Tarkus McCoy wrote: A 5' head @ 160 lps/40+ gal per sec., sounds like a banki or vortex turbine. Read further down in this forum? how much power do you think you need? For durability take a real good look at your terrain and high water mark, consider a penstock/pipe to a Banki turbine out of the way of flood waters or building a weir to a vortex system, either way you should be able to get at least 1Kw with good survivability depending on how you build the system.
Good luck, I'm in the middle of design/build of my own similar system.

David Cain

Hey David, Im looking at a vortex system by the looks of it. They seem to tick all my boxes. I have been contacted by GriffithsHydro who claim they have a vortex system that can run a 10kw generator on my site. Iam a little dubious about this but if it turns out to be feasible I will definitely be investing some money in it. 10kw ? Thats huge compared to all these other systems I have read about or been told about by others. This vortex system you are developing David, can it match the 10kw GriffithsHydro claim to be able to achieve ?

Marcos Buenijo wrote:This might interest you. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbowRUuP9Kk . It seems to be elegantly simple.

This is way too flimsy for my area, I would fear it washing away. Thanks though.

David: where are you located on planet earth?
I'm one who enjoys building my own anything, often with the feeling that there is a better or more efficient way to go. At this time I'm real busy working with a "different" type of battery chemistry thats proving out so far and solar PV panels, which are on hold right now while I run a K of fencing to keep my goats off the local mountain lion menu (lost 3 the last week or so).
My water flow is variable due to how wet the year and the flood control dam 5 miles up river, so will feel lucky to get a steady 1Kw from 1 cubic foot a sec. and a 2m head, hence my developing the batteries and a diversified system. I've got a left testicle I'd trade for 10Kw constant I have learned over the years what I can live without and have lived off grid on 45 watt solar, RMH, propane fridge and running a small gas gen twice a week to watch a movie and charge up batteries and don't realy miss most of the so called modern conveinences.

Please keep us posted on your choices and progress and please post the data on that gen system so that you might get some feedback before investing?

Best always
David Cain

Im in the UK my friend. From what I have seen, this is like nothing I have seen before concerning hydroelectric. Archimedes, in stream, waterwheel, pelton , even vortex...this gen is definitely new thinking. I think the guys involved have seriously hit on something worthwhile for low head, low flow stuff like mine.

Initially, they asked some questions regarding my situation, about my river and land. After that, they requested a more detailed site study, the river, drop and area. They have asked for pictures and film of the land, lots of observations and measurements. When I know more or can say more, I certainly will. They have already made me sign a nondisclosure contract thing, so I gotta watch what I say I guess.

Im with you David, if my little river and head can give me 10kw, like this claims, 24/7, without babysitting it. Im sold, I just hope my land and river can accommodate it.

Well now you really have my attention, the mad inventor in me is is busting with curiosity. Respect your non disclosure but please share what ever you can.
I'm going forward with my own design/build as much for the experience as for the power, will post designs and results as they happen.

Definitely envious
David

Send the guys involved some questions mate, all they can say is no comment lol. I have been advised not to say anything more about the generator or its plans. I can understand their position concerning IP, its a little hard for me though as I like to talk, more so when Im excited about something lol. This thing has got me excited. All we can do atm, is wait for the next heavy rain. So they can get an idea of what water levels will be during inclement periods. They tell me that the gen will continue working on a 2ft head increase, they are currently waiting on data for anything above that, but, they hope to get nearer 3ft...Which would probably mean for me, the 3m would hardy ever stop working, maintenance and extreme weather excluded. Hoping for the best from this.

Tarkus McCoy wrote:Well now you really have my attention, the mad inventor in me is is busting with curiosity. Respect your non disclosure but please share what ever you can.
I'm going forward with my own design/build as much for the experience as for the power, will post designs and results as they happen.

Definitely envious
David

Hi all. Just dropped by the forum to keep everyone interested, informed on progress.

Since I last posted. I have been given test results for my resources. The maths that GriffithsHydro have given me, really do add up. As I said before, I would be surprised if what they told me and the reality of it where the same...So, 120lps is indeed going to deliver 10kw. Now I know how though its not as surprising lol.

We now move onto the next step in the process. Construction. I will strive to keep you all informed, hopefully maybe even some pictures when they arent looking.

Good luck with everything guys, I wont be able to post anymore here regarding my build. The company is questioning my understanding of their, nondisclosure agreement. Please feel free to contact the guys personally if you have any questions regarding their technology.

Their website, not much info but says to see them on facebook.

http://griffithshydro.webs.com/