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hydro power
Greenearth Energy is an accredited installer of hydro power systems under the Clear Skies grant scheme.
Micro hydro is suitable for situations where there is a combination of sufficient water flow and 'head' (the height the water drops) to drive a turbine to generate electricity. The output from the system is a product of the two, with some efficiency factors to consider.
Not very much water is needed if the water drops more than 20metres (for example a mountain stream) or very large amounts are needed if the water only drops a few feet (a large river). See table here (PDF) for indications of the relationship between flow and head for the same output. Please note, not all the water in a stream may be taken for hydro purposes. Typically only up to 50% is allowed and it is necessary to obtain an abstraction license from the Environment Agency.
The system requires an intake for the water, a penstock through which the water is transported to the turbine. The turbine, generator and control gear need to be housed. Hydro can be used for off-grid or grid connected applications.
Greenearth Energy is currently working on a number of hydro installations. Our most recently commissioned hydro turbine, installed on a small farm in South Wales, produces 1.7 kilowatts continuously (equivalent to 1.7 units per hour). This equates to over 14,875 units per year - the average consumption per UK household is about 3,800 units per year.
If you have a potential hydro scheme, please refer to the following table first (PDF) . If this looks encouraging please do not hesitate to call us on 01981 241 399, if you have a specific product or project in mind.
Alternatively, please complete and return the Hydro Self-Survey form.
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