Introduction

Whole Systems Approach to Ecological Design

Appropriate Technology: Water

Organic Agriculture and Local Food

Appropriate Technology: Energy

Green Building & Retrofitting

Hydroelectric Generation

Can you write a short intro to hydroelectric?

Nano & Micro Hydro

• 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 is often a local industry

• 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

• Gilkes and Gordon Pelton wheel
• Head of 274.3m
• Turbine output – 350kva, delivering 280kw
• Auxiliary back up diesel generator

• Wind
• Solar
• Biomass
• Hydroelectric
• Marine
• Biofuels

Siphon intake systems has advantages to reduce initial civil construction cost

Knoydart Hydro

Small floating generators are easy to install and can generate useful power for a small community