WATER TURBINES

Very well-established technology from the 'Water Wheel' onwards: the energy of water is harnessed to drive a rotating device, which in turn either drives machinery directly or is used to produce electricity by turning a generator set. One of the best sustainable energy sources where good conditions exist and much used in Scotland, Switzerland, Scandinavia and other areas where there are large volumes of water descending steeply. Very strong tidal flow conditions can also be tapped e.g. Rance estuary in France. Newly-emerging technologies such as 'nodding ducks' and 'Poloniums' are beyond the scope of small-scale operations.

For use as a domestic renewable power source it is necessary to have rights (and possible permissions) over a fairly substantial stream or river which has some 'fall' over a distance, or a means of storing very large volumes of water before allowing controlled drop. If you do live in such a situation it's ideal since the energy source operates 24hrs./day 365days/year except in severe drought conditions.

This is a specialist area of renewable energy but there are 'micro-hydro' companies and consultants who can assess the viability of a location. It lends itself well to small-scale communal power generation schemes in rural areas.

SUMMARY

• If you have got the conditions suitable for this technology, go for it
• Transmission losses should be kept to a minimum, a watercourse alongside the dwelling is ideal
• A very small manufacturing sector for domestic purposes
• Constant available power except in severe drought

LINKS

British Hydropower Association:    www.british-hydro.org

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