DIY Water Impulse Turbines

Preparation

• 1

  Gather the last 12 months of utility statements and add the monthly kilowatt-hours usage. Divide this number by 12, which equals your average monthly usage. Divide this amount by 30 to obtain the average daily kilowatt-hours usage per day.

• 2

  Determine if it is feasible to have a micro hydro on your property, by measuring the site capacity for generating the necessary water pressure or head. Work with the product supplier to calculate the head and flow. These are the pressure and flow — amount of water at the end of the pipe flow.

• 3

  Sketch the proposed layout of the system. Consult with the supplier about the materials required to complete the project, including pipe and fittings, intake system, jet pipe diameter and electrical components.

Installation

• 4

  Unpack the kit and unwrap the parts. Check the parts against the packing list. Follow the instructions for assembling the turbine.

• 5

  Determine the intake to suit the site location. Fabricate the intake from a plywood box and screen or other materials. Purchase one, along with the water turbine kit. Water flows over the intake screen, which removes debris and small biological life forms. Secure the intake by driving galvanized stakes in the ground to attach the intake to the riverbed.

• 6

  Lay PVC or polyethylene pipe the diameter recommended by the vendor. Also called penstock, pipe diameter ranges from 1 1/2 to 4 inches. Bury the pipe to guard against frost, if applicable in the region, or to prevent exposure to sunlight.

• 7

  Install the pressure gauge and shut-off near the end of the pipe run near the turbine. Follow the instructions for attaching the jets at the pipe termination. The jets accelerate the velocity of the water to strike the turbine runner or wheel, which turns the generator.

• 8

  Place the turbine at least 2 to 4 inches above the ground, which allows exhaust water to escape. Secure the unit above the level of floodwater. Line the bank of the return path with concrete or plastic sheet to create a chute and keep the return water as clean as possible. Follow the installation manual for protecting the generator rotor from the elements.

Electrical

• 9

  Disconnect the electricity at the house main panel before working on the system. Test the wires with a voltage tester to ensure the power is off.

• 10

  Run the electrical wire from the generator to the battery bank or house meter. Follow the installation manual and local building codes for the proper materials and wiring methods. Base the wire type and size on the distance between the turbine and the batteries.

• 11

  Install a charge controller when connecting directly to a battery bank for hybrid or off-grid systems. The charge controller ensures proper charging of the batteries and directs excess load to a resistor.

• 12

  Complete the battery bank installation. The battery bank serves as backup for system already connected to the grid. Use 6-volt, deep-cycle, lead acid batteries or other as recommended by the micro hydro supplier. Follow the direction for proper ventilation of the battery storage area.