Energy Matters Forums

[stivzor]

Hi again.
OK, so I have given up on the idea of running solar power down into the valley to help power the small battery of batteries in my shack.

The next option is to use the nearby river to help charge them. There are a few technical issues to overcome, but before getting to them the first question is what do I need? I don't need much power at all really. Just a trickle into the batteries will be enough to supplement the solar panels, and the river will be at its most effective in Winter when the sun is at its least.

Is it possible to buy some sort of river turbine which I can use to trickle-charge my batteries?

Stivzor

[Gordon-Loomberah]

Yes, see the Rainbow Power Company website. You do need a bit of head though, unless you want to build yourself a very large paddle wheel that just hangs into the water flow and gear that up to drive an alternator.

[470rigby]

Is it possible to buy some sort of river turbine which I can use to trickle-charge my batteries?

You could also look at the Pelton Wheels made by EcoInnovation in NZ (http://www.ecoinnovation.co.nz) . Also sold in USA as PowerSpout (http://www.powerspout.com). As I recall one of these Websites has a Calculator that will give you the Power output if you know the available Water Head and Flow Rate.

[stivzor]

Thanks for the leads, people.

It seems as though it is quite doable, but also quite expensive - unless I build my own system from scratch.

This one might have to wait a while but it will go on my ever-expanding list of projects.

Stivzor

[rg767]

http://www.platypuspower.com.au/

These guys are interesting too.