First hydro power project

[Slawek]

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:

https://en.istabreeze.store/Products/700-2000-watt-permanent-magnet-generator-12-24-or-48-volt-version?variant=32116063895692

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

 

[OffGridInTheCity]

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.

 

[DG98]

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

 

[Redpacket]

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?