FRIDAY, FEB 3, 2023: NOTE TO FILE
Small floating generators are easy to install and can generate useful power for a small community
New Low-Impact Technology opens up more sites
Economics good down to small creeks feeding individual buildings
Connection to local utility simple & important
Siphon Intakes - No breaching of dams, draw water over banks
Low Head systems down to 1 m @ 200 l/sec for 1 KW
High Head Systems down to 50 m @ 3 l/sec for 1 KW
Costs ~€3 to €15/Watt = payback of 3-20 years
Microhydro equipment can often be sourced from local industries
Can use existing off-the-shelf motors for generators
Low weight/kW = easily transported
Robust - not easily damaged
Low maintenance = low call-backs
Typical moderate sized installation
Head of 274.3m
Turbine output – 350kva, delivering 280kw
Auxiliary back up diesel generator
The village of Knoydart is in a remote part of the West of Scotland, where the hydroelectric system is their only source of electric power (more). However, with the greatly increased cost of electrical energy, small hydro projects are becoming increasingly viable.
If a settlement has access to the requirements for hydro at a reasonable cost, this is likely to be the best option for carbon neutral electrical power. Many remote mountainous regions have micro-hydro systems in remote villages.