Editor’s note
The following abstract describes a publication that is only available as a downloadable PDF.
Developed by Montana State University Extension and the University of Wyoming
Adapted with permission
This guide is one in the Exploring Energy Efficiency and Alternatives (E3A): Micro-hydropower for the Home, Farm or Ranch series. Selecting the right equipment for your location is crucial to the success of a hydropower system. Although waterwheels are still available today, most micro-hydropower systems use turbines. Turbines turn when moving water comes in contact with turbine blades, which in turn spin a shaft connected to a generator. Two main types of turbines are used for micro-hydro systems: impulse and reaction. Each turbine has a different design that makes it better suited for high- or low-head applications. This guide describes these two turbine designs and discusses costs and incentives for a micro-hydro system.
Topics
- Financial incentives
- High-head systems
- Impulse turbines
- Low-head systems
- Micro-hydro system costs
- Reaction turbines
Pages
- 2