Water Rites: Page 3 of 3

A Microhydro Evolution
By: 
Jeffe Aronson
Issue Date: 
December / January 2008
Last Updated: 
02/02/12
Intermediate

Inside this Article

The author with the new turbine.
The author with the new turbine.
The view downstream along the weir.
The view downstream along the weir.
Microhydro turbine manufacturer Paul Cunningham measures the penstock.
Microhydro turbine manufacturer Paul Cunningham measures the penstock.
The author works on attaching the penstock to the stand box.
The author works on attaching the penstock to the stand box.
Up and running—the first power output test.
Up and running—the first power output test.
The new and improved clean-out procedure.
The new and improved clean-out procedure.
The old, cold clean-out procedure.
The old, cold clean-out procedure.
A close-up of the custom leaf mulcher.
A close-up of the custom leaf mulcher.
The power wall.
The power wall.
Here, the stand box is coated with silt from a flood
Here, the stand box is coated with silt from a flood, but the turbine itself is easily removed if the river is approaching flood stage.
The author with the new turbine.
The view downstream along the weir.
Microhydro turbine manufacturer Paul Cunningham measures the penstock.
The author works on attaching the penstock to the stand box.
Up and running—the first power output test.
The new and improved clean-out procedure.
The old, cold clean-out procedure.
A close-up of the custom leaf mulcher.
The power wall.
Here, the stand box is coated with silt from a flood
  • Intermediate

There are still some projects ahead. We’ll install a more permanent, metal turbine box, with a discreet cover to protect the turbine from flood debris and to hide the equipment from hikers, anglers, and our view. We’ll be using some of our newfound time to plan a better pre-screening system to prevent debris or fish from working their way to the turbine box. Finally, we have a water heater coil awaiting installation in a hot water tank, so the excess energy our system makes can be put to good use. After these upgrades, we’ll take a long break and have that ice-cold beer, compliments of our fully functional RE system!

Access

Jeffe Aronson is a 33-year veteran river guide, having rowed and paddled in South America, Australia, Africa, and the United States. He’s owned a natural foods store, pioneered river trips in the Grand Canyon for disabled persons, and directed the historic restoration of downtown Flagstaff, Arizona.

Turbine Manufacturer:

Energy Systems & Design • 506-433-3151 • www.microhydropower.com

Information & Help with Microhydro Systems:

Microhydro Listserv • microhydro-subscribe@yahoogroups.com • www.groups.yahoo.com/group/microhydro

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