Micro Hydroelectric Power Plants on Water Supply Gravity Networks

Dear colleagues,

does anyone have experience with power plats on water supply gravity networks? I am working on some consultancy projects where i noticed lot of energy being wasted in gravity networks from water source to water tanks. 

I would like to discuss with someone on their experience with such kind of power plants, lifetime, affordability, return period, etc.

Thanks for any help...

Taxonomy

• Hydropower
• Utility Pipe Network
• Hydro Power
• Power Plants
• Hydro Power Planning

7 Answers

1. Thank you all for your answers. 

   In my case, I am not working with open channel flow (river, irrigation channel, etc.) rather with water supply pipes. My case consist in situation where water intake is on 600 masl and water tank is on 450 masl .That means that I have 150 m of potential energy in water pipe with flow of around 100 l/s. This energy is lost when entering water tank and I want to install micro power plant to use it before it goes into tank. Any manufacturers for this case?

   Thank you..

    

   P.S. suggestion from P.S. Dilipkumar is rather interesting. Thank you...

2. There are cases of micro-hydro installation combined with irrigation schemes in the hills of Nepal. I studied a couple of these schemes in Sindhupalchowk district, eastern part of Nepal. To my knowledge the small turbines for electricity generation is produced in Nepal. You may search in the web with reference to micro-hydro in Nepal. 

3. There are a number of companies in Australia that provide micro-hydro power unites to farmers...look fir them on Google.

   Look for them on Google.

   Our company works with micro-hydro from time to time in various places around the world.

    

   www.soleco-technology.com

    

4. A classic solution would be to use a pump as a turbine. With a little modification to the shaft arrangement (to protect from damage due to reverse rotation and over-speed due to load throw off), you'll have an economical solution. You should consult a reputed pump manufacturer who would give you all the information you need.

5. Yes,  I know a company whcih has solution for this matter, do you want it?

   1 Comment

   1. dear Thierry...please provide me the name and some contact (web site) of the company, thank you!

6. I have assisted on a number of these micro hydro projects using drop structures on irrigation canals, low head dams, lock structures on canal systems and small high head water falls.  The work I did was for Canadian Hydro Developers and was primarily in Western Canada.  I believe the corporation was acquired by another operator but I will attempt to find the contacts at that firm for you. 

   Roy A. Crowther, President

   Aquatic Resource Management Ltd.

7. Dear Igor,

   Can I suggest you check the Kourispower.com website for details of a vortex-initiated microhydropower system suitable for run of river and canal situations with low head. This may assist you in what you are seeking.

    

   Regards,

    

   Chris Thomson

   Director

   Kourispower Pty Ltd