Small Scale Hydro

Small scale Hydro power systems convert potential energy stored in water held at height to kinetic energy (or the energy used in movement) to turn a turbine to produce electricity.

A micro hydro plant is below 100kW. Improvements in small turbine and generator technology mean that micro hydro schemes are an attractive means of producing electricity. Useful power may be produced from even a small stream. The likely range is from a few hundred watts (possibly for use with batteries) for domestic schemes, to a minimum 25kW for commercial schemes.

Small scale hydro and your home

Hydro power requires the source to be relatively close to where the power will be used, or to a suitable grid connection. Hydro systems can be connected to the main electricity grid or as a part of a stand-alone (off-grid) power system. In a grid-connected system, any electricity generated but not used can be sold to electricity companies.

In an off-grid hydro system, electricity can be supplied directly to the devices powered or through a battery bank and inverter set up. A back-up power system may be needed to compensate for seasonal variations in water flow.

The capital cost is high but the prospect of not having electricity bills or making money by selling energy back to a power supplier may tempt you!

Provided the resource is there, community hydro projects can also be a viable proposition. Potentially, there are great benefits in clubbing together to increase buying power or sharing expertise - although the work involved should not be underestimated.

System sizing

Energy available in a body of water depends on the water's flow rate (per second) and the height (or head) that the water falls. The scheme's actual output will depend on how efficiently it converts the power of the water into electrical power (maximum efficiencies of over 90% are possible but for small systems 50% is more realistic). Hydro electric systems are generally divided into two categories, low and high head.

Reliable and efficient equipment - and sound advice - is available from a large number of experienced UK suppliers and consultants.

Will it meet my energy needs?

This depends, of course, on your energy needs and the resource available. For houses with no mains connection but with access to a micro-hydro site, a good hydro system can generate a steady, more reliable electricity supply than other renewable technologies at a lower cost.

Total system costs can be high but often less than the cost of a grid connection and with no electricity bills to follow. It should be noted that in off-grid applications the power is used for lighting and electrical appliances. However space and water heating can be supplied when available power exceeds demand.

Costs

Small scale hydro costs are very site specific and are related to energy output.

For low head systems (not including the civil works - so assuming there was an existing pond or weir), costs may be in the region of £4,000 per kW installed up to about 10kW and would drop per kW for larger schemes.

For medium heads, there is a fixed cost of about £10,000 and then about £2,500 per kW up to around 10kW - so a typical 5kW domestic scheme might cost £20-£25,000. Unit costs drop for larger schemes.

Environmental impact

Turbines can have visual impact and produce some noise, but these can be mitigated relatively easily. The main issue is to maintain the river's ecology by restricting the proportion of the total flow diverted through the turbine.

You will need to talk to the relevant planning authorities to ensure the site and design are acceptable and identify any other permissions required.