How to convert a washing machine into a water powered generator - enough power to live off the grid

A step by step guide showing how to convert a smartdrive washing machine into a pelton wheel dc generator making 780 watts - enough power to live off the grid. All you need is a head of water.

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[sallymaggiespotty]

These conversions are great.I just completed a project.I have successfully converted a Stihl chain saw into a whole-house water heating unit and it only costs $4.00 a month to operate.We use on average 16,000 gallons of water a month with the majority being heated to 120 degrees fahreinheit.The chain saw no longer requires gasoline, yet is in use 24/7.

[Buddhanz1]

@sallymaggiespotty Well done, how about posting a vid? I'd love to see your setup in action.

[megaman11011]

this looks like it waqs designed for outdoor use, like with a stream or something of the like, any ideas on how/if this can be converted for city use?

[Buddhanz1]

@megaman11011 Yes it is outdoors powered by a stream. Probably not practical for city use, unless you had a good source of free high pressure water

[botiroti1]

Can anyone who really is experienced tell me what is the most effecient, cost effective ready to assemble alternate energy solutions that are availible for retail purchase????

[Buddhanz1]

@botiroti1 Check out the powerspout website, they sell turbines with a similar output.

[Buddhanz1]

@bgage42 incorrect, the pressure comes from the drop in height between the water intake & turbine - basic physics. Check out my other turbine vid & you will see the supply pipe next to the stream.

[Buddhanz1]

@ArcaneDevo Hi, I Have a large battery bank & the tubine is continuosly making 800 watts, so if I use a 1000 watt element, only 200 watts is taken from the battery bank (maybe 250 including inverter/wiring losses etc). The water heater is controlled by programmable logic controller, it only comes on for 10 second at a time when batteries are fully charged so my battery bank seldom drops below 85 % charged, they have lasted 5 years so far & plenty of life in them yet.

[stiantiger]

@megaman11011 If one were to use this in a city, one had to have been able to amass huge amounts of rainwater in some way. If one had used tap water to run it, it would have had major consequences for the environment unnecessary by adding volume to the contaminated waste water.

[jjc032681]

@sallymaggiespotty yes! video please!

[wufchyld]

Fabulous !!!!!!!

[rockethead555]

This would work in the city say for example in an apartment building where there is almost always someone using the water (regular pipe tap water) you could use that stream of water to move the turbine . . .

[tyreza79]

wonderful , and great work crowned with success

[mnazar09]

Hi its great project you had done. It be even better if you have time and put more details about the motor control valve you put on.Thank you