Water

Hydropower is based on simple concepts. Moving water turns a turbine, the turbine spins a generator, and electricity is produced. Many other components may be in a system, but it all begins with the energy already within the moving water.

Grid-Tied Batteryless Microhydro-Electric Systems

Systems of this type use a turbine and controls to produce electricity that can be fed directly into utility lines. These can use either AC or DC generators. AC systems will use AC generators to sync directly with the grid. An approved interface device is needed to prevent the system from energizing the grid when the grid is out of action and under repair. DC systems will use a specific inverter to convert the output of a DC hydro turbine to grid-synchronous AC. The biggest drawback of batteryless systems is that when the utility is down, your electricity will be out too. When the grid fails, these systems are designed to automatically shut down.

The following illustration includes the primary components of any grid-tied batteryless microhydro-electric system. Stand alone and grid tie with battery back up avalable too!

Call 423-422-4348 or email: greenetech@embarqmail.com for prices or a site visit.

(courtesy: Home Power Magazine)