A 5 kWh microhydro system offers an affordable and simple way to meet the essential energy needs of a small household.
In places with little or no sun in winter, a year round energy supply is not possible with solar panels alone. Help is at hand for the lucky ones who have access to a stream or river. As well as providing you wlth fresh water, it can also offer you electrical power, without steep costs and complicated setups.
The Nitty-Gritty: Specifications and Costs
Water Intake (Approx. Cost: $100 – $200)
A basic intake structure, or small dam, can be built using affordable, local materials.
Penstock Pipe (Approx. Cost: $300 – $600)
An 8-inch diameter PVC pipe should suffice for this smaller system.
Turbine (Approx. Cost: $500 – $1,000)
Consider a second-hand or smaller Pelton wheel turbine to save costs.
Or an Impulse turbines for a small waterfall or fast-running stream.
A tiny version of this setup can be built for a few hundred dollars using this kind of turbine – https://amzn.to/3EQPPYp (In the UK – https://amzn.to/3t7sxLo)
Generator (Approx. Cost: $300 – $600)
A modest, possibly used, 5 kW generator will meet your requirements.
Tailrace (Approx. Cost: $50 – $100)
A basic channel to lead the water back to the stream.
Control System ( Approx. Cost: $100 – $200)
A basic electronic load controller should be enough for this setup.
Single Car Battery (Approx. Cost: $50 – $100)
One 12-volt car battery can serve as your energy storage unit.
Inverter (Approx. Cost: $50 – $100)
A simple 12-volt inverter should be sufficient.
Total Costs & Charging Abilities
You’re looking at a total cost of around $1,500 to $3,000, which is exceptionally budget-friendly.
Energy Consumption in a Two-Person Household:
Two Laptops
• Total: 0.8 kWh
• Suggested Charging Time: Early morning
Two Phones
• Total: 0.12 kWh
• Suggested Charging Time: Mid-morning
Four LED Lights
• Total: 0.2 kWh
• Usage Time: Evening
Small Rechargeable Brushcutter (Two Hours)
• Total: 0.2 kWh
• Suggested Charging Time: Mid-afternoon
Wi-Fi Battery-Powered Projector (Three Hours)
• Total: 0.9 kWh
• Suggested Charging Time: Late afternoon
Grand Total
0.8 kWh (Laptops) + 0.12 kWh (Phones) + 0.2 kWh (LED Lights) + 0.2 kWh (Brushcutter) + 0.9 kWh (Projector) = 2.12 kWh
By staggering the charging times and usage, you can ensure that all of these appliances and gadgets run smoothly within your 5 kWh limit. This leaves you with extra power to spare for any other activities or unforeseen needs.
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