midway_hydro

This 3 kW grid-tied undershot waterwheel has been producing electricity in Midway, Utah, since 1983, and is still in operation. It was designed and built by the homeowner, including the custom-built concrete weir structure and powerhouse. There is a fish ladder (not visible in video) on the other side of the weir, as the paddles have very close clearance to the weir bottom and this is all located in prime Utah trout habitat. Everything has been properly permitted and licensed by all AHJs since 1983.

The wheel itself was damaged by floating debris during a high water event earlier in 2010, so it is producing only about 1/3 of the usual amount of power now (see meter readings in video), and the RPM is slower than usual. Repairs are underway to restore full output.

The shaft normally spins at 14 RPM, and is geared up at 125:1 to spin a 3-phase alternator powering a grid-tie inverter. If there is a grid blackout, the inverter cuts out, unloading the alternator. Because running unloaded would eventually damage the entire system, upon such an unloaded RPM increase a flyball governor triggers a counterweight system that lifts the entire paddle system out of the water until manually reset by the operator, as shown in this video.

Small-scale hydroelectric power generation is fairly straightforward when there is a large amount of head (drop) available, but becomes very challenging in low-head / high flow situations like this. This system is an excellent example of what is needed if such head is not available.....and a testament to the ingenuity, fortitude and engineering skills of the homeowner.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• renewable
• energy
• electricity
• microhydro
• hydroelectric
• waterwheel
• undershot
• homebrew
• grid-tie

[R1Martin]

What the fuck is that? 3kW? Hmmmmm

[SteffenReichel]

Well, for Homebuild it's okay... but with proper design more Energy can be produced... because floating wheels are very inefficient

[ikambor]

cool,,but all that time looking at it doesn't say much about it,, why bother to post?

[michael970]

Awesome setup I love these home built projects.I hope it gets back to full power for you soon