Small Hydropower System Components

Part 3 of Small Hydropower Systems. Small run-of-the-river hydropower systems consist of these basic components:  Water conveyance—channel, pipeline, or pressurized pipeline (penstock) that delivers the water  Turbine or waterwheel—transforms the energy of flowing water into rotational energy  Alternator or generator—transforms the rotational energy into electricity  Regulator—controls the generator  Wiring—delivers the electricity.  Many systems also use […]


Is Hydropower Right for You?

Part 2 of Small Hydropower Systems. Of course to build a small hydropower system, you need access to flowing water. A sufficient quantity of falling water must be available, which usually, but not always, means that hilly or mountainous sites are best.  Next you’ll want to determine the amount of power that you can obtain […]