First hydro power project

S

Slawek

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Mar 8, 2023
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Hello everybody!

Just few weeks ago my partner and I decided to renovate and move to the mobile house in Wicklow Mountains in Ireland. I would like to build hydro power on the small stream next to our house. I also have loads of battery cells from the bicycle batteries but it looks like the next step project.
What I was thinking to do is:

1. Build small hydro power with 1500w/ 24v permanet magnet generator:
its about 250euro
GENERATOR SPECIFICATION i1500G 24V
GENERATOR TYPE: Permanent magnet AC
Rated capacity: 1500W
ALTERNATOR BODY: Aluminum
Maximum current: 24V-55A
SYSTEM VOLTAGE: 24V

Then connect it to power Inverte:
VEVOR Hybrid Solar Inverter PWM 3KVA 2400W Pure Sine Wave Off Grid Power Inverter Charger 24V to 230V LCD Dispaly for Powering
about 250euro online.

I was thinking if I could connect this generator straight to the Inventor into battery input which is also 24V. Not sure if I need to have battery in this setup as the generator would give steady power.

About 1500w would be enough for fridge, lights, and lights in the house. We will have gaz/stove heating for water and heaters.

2. In next step I wanted to build the battery from the cells (I have about 20x 700wbatteries) I have and add solar power.

I'm just staring off with projects like this so any help and advice will be greatly appreciated!

Thank you!
Sławek
 
Welcome. Look forward to following you're progress! Envious that I don't have water or wind to play with like you do :)

I think you'll find a battery is key component because you can't keep steady output from the generator over time. A battery is a buffer to provide smooth/steady output to the inverter while the charge from the generator varies.
 
What is the flow volume like in your stream? I don't know a whole lot about hydro generation -- I looked at it briefly, because my property also has a stream and a small lake with controllable dam overflow at 16' of head. I came to the conclusion that I just don't have enough flow to generate any significant amount of power. Some generators are designed to be direct-stream in a natural flow installation, and others are optimized for a situation where they have "head pressure" on the flow (like at the outlet of a dam).

Also keep in mind that you aren't guaranteed to get the rated output of the generator head -- there must be enough volume / velocity / pressure in the water flow to reach those rated outputs. Think of it like solar panel ratings: you don't get full rated output (or even close to it) unless it's a perfect day of full sun directly over the panels.

Please keep us updated -- I'd like to follow along if you decide this project makes sense for your location.

Cheers, John
 
Like said above hydro depends a lot on the water flow and you have to match the type of turbine to the water flow type carefully.
You always need a charge controller to stop battery damage from over or under charging.
You always need a battery (except if grid tied). This is because the inverter can draw peaks & shut off due to under voltage from source.
Hydro turbines can spin up & down a lot with load/no load & voltage can change a lot from this.

Looks like that inverter is PWM (ie vs MPPT)? This means you would not get the best power from solar panels.
Maybe upgrade later?
 
Last edited:
Redpacket said:
Like said above hydro depends a lot on the water flow
Click to expand...
I think also a dam and a reroute of the water flow is needed.
Redpacket said:
Looks like that inverter is PWM (ie vs MPPT)? This means you would not get the best power from solar panels.
Maybe upgrade later?
Click to expand...
This concept is the same as for wind turbines, when spinning to fast it must break.
In case of water you can adjust the flow with a pound valve https://www.vijverexpress.nl/schuif...036885][a7ec9baf-677c-4e50-9ee2-cd5d15814a3b]
or make your wheel bigger or smaller as needed.

It seems to me that the generator is identically to the wind generators on ali express, but for half of the price.

Slawek said:
I was thinking if I could connect this generator straight to the Inventor into battery input which is also 24V. Not sure if I need to have battery in this setup as the generator would give steady power.
Click to expand...
NO YOU CAN NOT,
- its a ac generator
- it needs a permanent resistor load that will also function as a break, if the v is getting to high due to to much flow.
- you need a rectifier.

This one is like all of this kind: alternating current generators... you need a pwn controller with rectifier in bedded!
This must be connected to a batt bank to avoid damage to the rectifier and the generator.
It is nice to have 1500W continu's but when the fridge is kicking in, the power surge can be to much for the rectifier.

even if the surge is no more than 500w

You really need to connect the hybrid charge controller in between.
Speaking frankly and total honest, i think they are really over priced and expensive for what you get....

I hope this could shed some light in the shade, on the why and how.
My two cents, with best regards Igor
 
@Kris Harbour youtube is serious, real life DIY guy whos done his own hydro electric system + designs them for others. This playlist is his... more recently he did a huge one for a customer. I've seen a couple of systems use the Midnite Classic Charge Controller for hydro electric - it has specific algorithms and features for hyrdro.

I'd recommend starting with this playlist..
View: https://youtu.be/MUNMjdmGIPI
 
As a old school/fashioned carpenter myself:
Kid got some impressive old school carpeting's skills....but how he treads his plane's and chisels....nightmare
Nice vids, thanks
 
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