Red Bank Hydro Commissioning

After inking agreements with MCEC and CEP (electric co-ops), Lee Ayers from MCEC unlocked the disconnect, and we began earning money! Maximum generation on this day was 165 Amps—at 240 VAC, this is about 40 KVA, but unlikely to be as many KW since part of this current is reactive power flowing to the induction generators. (Update: maximum power generation: 24 KW)

This video is also the YouTube debut for Hutch—the enthusiastic next generation power plant operator!

ELO's "Power of a Million Lights" added on Micah's advice.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• hydroelectric
• power
• generator
• micro-hydro
• green
• renewable
• energy

[joel4692]

@jthowery no idea what "lps" means. We do run it year around; during the driest parts of the summer it might run only 6-8 hours per day, and 24/7 during wet winters. And yes, we are always happy to show off our plant!

[RickMHobson]

Had you, at one point, considered having 4 motor/generators? It looked as though there would be room for one. It will be interesting to see what kind of wear you get on the belts. Congratulations!

[joel4692]

No, 3 is more than enough for the turbine and the amount of water flow we have. Actually, right now, we are experiencing a drought and only one motor/generator is energized, and for only 8-10 hours a day. Hopefully we will soon have some decent rain.

[FolkHopBand]

Simon could have chose a better color for commissioning day...

[jthowery]

so how many lps are you using ? and can you run year round? I have a project for you to consider helping out with

[jthowery]

so how many lps are you using ? and can you run year round? 

[jthowery]

I have a passion for micro hydro ..its in my blood for some reason? Id love to tour your place just for the info thanks guys Jason curious whats your lps?