Need suggestions for hydroelectric project.

[Charles Lyttle]

I am buying a place with 44 ac. of wood and an old mill dam. The Mill
has been sold/given by the previous owners to an historical restoration
project.The dam has about 10' head and flow will be in 5 digits ( well
over 10000gpm). I have no interest in selling power to the grid or
getting tax benefits.

I'm looking for suggestions that would permit me to do all my heating
and cooling without the local utility. I am on a fixed budget, so the
projects must be economical.

thanks.

 

[Awsome]

With 10ft. head and over 10000gpm, pretty good start for hydro electric
power project. Look for a generator head on ebay for 10-15KW range 1000RPM,
I think it will cost you some thing like $250-400 and rest of the turbine
just built it or buy ready made, cost you much cheaper if you built it by
yourself. I don't see any rocket science involve there in building a
turbine. Lot of info. available on internet about size and type of
turbines.

Here are few quick links:

http://www.altenergystore.com/cart/...ydro_power_calculation_site.html?j2I3QCxb;;15

http://www.bitterrootsolar.com/hydro/canyon.htm

http://www.renewableelectricity.com/hydro.htm

http://reslab.com.au/resfiles/hydro/index.html

 

[Michelle P]

http://www.waterwheelfactory.com/
Michelle

 

[Charles Lyttle]

The dam exists. It was built in 1907 and used up into the 1970's. It is
pretty silted up, so storage is low. The down stream neighbors would
like it cleaned, if possible, to help with some of the local flood
problems. Others miss the old mill and wheel that once stood there.
As things stand any flow that doesn't go through the gate, goes over the
top, so I won't be affecting normal down stream flow. I do have a
lawyer looking into my making non-commercial use of the dam.

 

[Charles Lyttle]

Thanks everyone.
I have decided to use a classic water wheel rather than a turbine. That
is purely emotional : It can be made to look good and will make some of
my older neighbors happy. I also think I can get some grants to do the
work if I keep things visually "historical".

I guess my next step is to get some actual flow data starting now up to
placing any orders. Also any links to site-preparation for a water
wheel project would be a help.

I've got an EE, ME, Biologist, and CE on the project (me, #2son, #1
daughter, #2 daughter), but none have done anything less than 500Mw.
The dam has had a considerable impact on the stream. It has built up
abut 15 acre of flat bottom land behind it. If I clean up part of the
pond, it will affect the life in the stream, possibly the water table,
and plant life in the area.

 

[Charles Lyttle]

thanks for the link. I know the wheel at Dollywood, one of my kids works
there.