12 kW Micro-Hydro Turbines - Algonquin Eco-Lodge

The micro-hydro generator project at the Algonquin Eco-Lodge. The lodge is so deep in the forest, on the southern tip of Algonquin Park, that they are not connected to "the grid". Yet, thanks to their waterfall and a set of turbines, they can generate their own environmentally friendly electricity.
http://www.algonquinecolodge.com/hydro-frame.html

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• micro-hydro
• Algonquin Park
• Ontario
• Algonquin Eco-Lodge
• alternative energy
• micro hydro generator
• turbines
• off grid
• electricity
• waterfall
• green
• power
• run of the river
• microhydro

[SuperOffgrid]

Are the generators producing a.c. or d.c.? If d.c., are you inverting to a.c. or is the entire electrical system d.c.? If gens. are a.c., how is the frequency controlled?

[lilydipper]

@SuperOffgrid They are AC, and get stepped up to 640V for transmission, then another transformer tpo step down to 240 V as it enters the Lodge. The control mechanism (electronic) keeps it at 60 Hz.

[michael970]

very nice place.Great hydro system.Keep up the good work

[piestrak]

awesome.

[lilydipper]

@enticed2zeitgeist We are too far in "the bush" to be connected to the grid. 2.5 km away. So we have to use all of our power ourselves.

[enticed2zeitgeist]

@lilydipper Consider taking that excess power and using it for grid computations!

[lilydipper]

@B4119812B The 8kw turbine take 75 l/s, while the 4 kW turbine use 43 l/s.

[B4119812B]

@lilydipper

how many gallons per minute is used to run your 4kw or your 8kw?

Thank you

[lilydipper]

@Janigut The vertical distance (the "head") is 18m. The horizontal run is 150m.

[Janigut]

How many meters is the difference in height between the intake and outlet?

Looks very nice and it's a clean source of power.

Sorry for my bad english if i made any mistakes.

[lilydipper]

@TheHundrethmonkey There are no batteries - we produce too much power for batteries. The extra power go to the "dump loads" which are electric heaters. During winter that's great as it heats up the Lodge. During summer we have another bank of heaters outside and we just "blow off" the excess power when not needed.

[TheHundrethmonkey]

Is there a battery bank in this install or is everything regulated through the controllers on the wall? also just trying to figure out how you regulate the 60 hz with a system like this. Ive seen some setups that use heaters in the penstock to regulate the extra power not used. Very tight install!!! Just awesome!