Project Conceptualization

Hi i live in Rural midwest and bought property along a decent sized creek. I was wanting to get a few ideas on how to start planning an undershot build. USGS states average mean discharge 1916-2016 is 651.2 cubic feet per second (39,072cfm). i dont own both sides so i cant just up and dam it. also it tends to jump its banks a couple times a year. theres a 90 degree bend in the creek right at my property edge forcing most of the water to hit my side of the banks with decent current. i dont really have head figures unless i map the entire thing from start to finish. was originally wanting to do a floating 8' by 2' wheel but considering 16' by 4'. i *think* i might be able to get about 18-20hp but not quite sure. im guesstimating at a few numbers with Waterwheel Factory calculator. This will be an undershot build unless it hits flood stage

thanks!
JM

Oh yeah i read something about microhydro exemption from department of energy. will i need to go that route if im still hooked up and the local coop is buying my excess?

Welcome to Permies!

I am not the person with any of the answers, but a person who is eager to hear of other's expertise on this. What a unique opportunity you have here!

Considering that you have no significant head and can't dam the creek, the only relevant practical factors are the speed of flow at your desired wheel point, and the available width and depth there.

How were you thinking of supporting and anchoring this wheel? You most likely need to consider a way for it to float or move out of the channel in big floods, or it would likely get jammed with debris and/or swept away by the flow. I doubt you could legally build it permanently in the channel without a permit, certainly not in New York State.


With the 90 degree bend you mention, you could put anchors with cables upstream of the bend, such that the flow at the wheel pointing downstream would be in line with the cables, thus keeping itself more or less centered in the stream. A cable to pull the wheel assembly sideways into & onto your bank might let it get out of the way of big floods. Getting it back down into the channel after a flood would be another challenge.