Micro-hydro Micro-hydro PowerPower

Alvin Chan, Benjamin Garber, Alvin Chan, Benjamin Garber, Lance Stratton, Philip PulitzerLance Stratton, Philip Pulitzer

Advisor: G FloAdvisor: G Flo

OutlineOutline1. To install a microhydro system at Springfield Plantation Guesthouse.

a) Reasons for installation

b) Standard microhydro sighting

c) Calculate flow rate and head

d) Power calculations based on flow rate and head

e) Location of system

f) Training

g) Power usage and economical/environmental advantages

h) Other organizations

i) Maintenance and training (personal and locals)

2. Equipment

a) Turbine (hydro unit)b) Pipec) Costs (limitations)d) Funding

Standard Micro-hydro Sighting

Prior Measurements needed to take before installing :

-Head and flow rate (Potential Energy)

-Expect fluctuations in flow (80-120 gallons/minute)

-Turbine must be able to handle flow rate

how to take flow rate :

1) use a bucket and stopwatch to measure (small) 2) Float method (large)

The Stream

This is a picture of the stream taken from the road. The pipe and the intake are on the other side of the road and that is where the majority of the work will be done.

Partially Completed Partially Completed IntakeIntake

Choosing a LocationChoosing a Location• Location avoid damage over time to area’s geography

• Site Problem: flooding by nearby Check Hall River chose location a few feet from the river

First proposed project site: deemed too dangerous

Second proposed project: few feet from river, actual chosen location

Training Protocol:

Standard training will be provided by UVM.

More information will be provided by the equipment manufacturer.

Economic AdvantagesEconomic Advantages Cost effective back-up energy production Initial investment could be recovered in less than 3 years Turbine could last decades with proper maintenance

Micro-hydro system diverts less than half of stream flow Renewable energy source that does not pollute the air or water Operates over wide range of head and flows

Environmental AdvantagesEnvironmental Advantages

EquipmentEquipmentNeeded:

Turbine (SES-P175 Turbine Unit)

Generator

PVC Piping

Wire to connect to load governor

Wire conduit

Dump load

Intake

Foundation and housing for turbine unit

Why use this type of Why use this type of turbine?turbine?

-Designed to operate on wide range of head and flow conditions

- Covers head and flow calculated previously

-Turbine sized for specific site based on head and flow conditions.

- System can be used to augment power and as back-up power supply.

WATER DELIVERED TO TURBINE BY PVC PIPE:• Length is approx 480 ft.• 4 inch diameter• Approx cost $1600

HYDRAULIC COMPONENTS OF TURBINE:-hydroelectric generator

Other EquipmentOther Equipment Belts for the belt driveBelts for the belt drive

To be purchased separatelyTo be purchased separately GeneratorGenerator

Included with turbine unitIncluded with turbine unit Oil filled pressure gauge at the inlet to the turbine Oil filled pressure gauge at the inlet to the turbine

To measure water pressureTo measure water pressure To be purchased separatelyTo be purchased separately

VoltmeterVoltmeter Included with turbine controlsIncluded with turbine controls

Gate ValveGate Valve To be purchased separatelyTo be purchased separately

FundingFundingFunding has been provided by several

different sources:

State University of New York: College of Environmental Science and Forestry

University of Vermont: CDAE

Clemson University: Archbold Consortium

SCEPTRE (Springfield Center for Environmental Protection, Training,

Research and Education)