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North East Renewable Energy Directory
How it works
Typically, micro-hydro schemes utilize a flowing water resource that does not require any storage. Water is diverted from the main river through a channel and ‘dropped’ into a turbine via a penstock. Depending on the end use requirements of the generated power, the output from the turbine shaft can be used directly as mechanical power or the turbine can be connected to an electrical generator to produce electricity.
Often, for domestic applications electricity is preferred and this can be provided either:
- Directly to the home via a small electrical distribution system or,
- Through batteries that are recharged periodically – such systems are most effective where the cost of direct electrification is prohibitive due to scattered housing (and hence an expensive distribution system).
Where a generator is used alternating current (AC) electricity is normally produced and must be maintained at a constant 50 or 60 cycles/second for the reliable operation of any electrical equipment using the supply. This frequency is determined by the speed of the turbine which must, therefore, be very accurately governed.
