Micro Hydro Turgo Turbine/Generator

Additional Information

The Micro Hydro Turgo Turbine/Generator operates on falling water through a small 4" water line. It requires between 70 feet and 200 feet of head (vertical drop) to operate, and requires a volume of water between 60 to 300 usgpm. Output power will depend on these variables and an easy formula for figuring the net energy in a falling stream of water is the head multiplied by volume in usgpm divided by 3960 = horsepower multiplied by .746 (convert hp to kW) and then multiplied by 60% ( turbine, generator and waterline losses etc). e.g. (200 feet head times 300 usgpm = 60,000 divided by 3960 = 15.15 hp multiplied by .746 = 11.3 gross kW multiplied by 60% efficiency = 6.78 net kW. If you had to buy that power from the utility at .08cents/kW, that energy would be worth $4,755 annually. The system would have a complete payback. in less than two years, including the water line, intake and powerhouse.

Energy is produced by an induction generator via belt drive, and the governor is a computerized load controller. This micro hydro generating unit would be ideal for farmers, ranchers and remote lodges wanting to supply power for remote applications where there is no utility power available.  It could also be used to supply power to their farmyard or shop, or to even sell the to their local utility for additional  income.

The basic price of the turbine, generator and computerized governor controls is $6,400 Cdn.  This does not cover the cost of the water pipe, powerhouse building, pickup dam or installation. This can be reasonably priced if you are able to do a lot of this work your self.

If you feel you may have a suitable site, please email specific information on your actual site. The information that is required for a preliminary assessment is:

1. The volume of water flowing in your stream, expressed as USGM, (US gallons per minute) CFS (cubic feet per second) or as L3/s (liters per second).

2. The head (height of drop) of the falling water, expressed in feet or meters.

3. The length of the penstock (pipeline) in feet or meters.

4. Your electrical requirements, such as kW requirements, voltage and any other relevant information, such as the distance of your powerhouse from where you will use the electricity.

Thomson and Howe Energy Systems Inc.
8107  Highway 95A
Kimberly, British Columbia,
Canada V1A 3L6
Tel: (1-250-427-4326)  Fax: (1-250-427-3577)
Web Site: www.smallhydropower.com/thes.html