Micro hydro is a small-scale hydroelectric system that generates electricity by using water from a stream or river to turn a turbine. It is environmentally friendly and can be built for $20,000 or less. However, it has limitations such as requiring users to be close to the energy source and flow rates varying in some months.
Micro hydro is a hydroelectric system intended to provide an energy source for a limited number of users. While in some cases, micro hydroelectricity can be used to power small villages, more often than not it is much more limited in its application, such as powering a small manufacturing plant or a remote resort. It is a remote area power supply as it can be used in areas not served by other forms of power generation.
Micro hydroelectricity is considered an environmentally friendly form of energy production. Electricity is generated by driving water from a stream or river into a cylindrical installation equipped with a turbine. The water channeled through the cylinder rotates the turbine, thus creating electricity through the use of magnets and copper wires.
Unlike larger forms of hydroelectricity, micro hydro doesn’t have as many lasting effects on the environment. While larger hydroelectric plants often dam major rivers to create massive reservoirs that change the landscape forever, no reservoir is needed with micro hydroelectric generation. If a reservoir is needed, micro hydro often makes use of rock pools that sit on a stream. However, in most cases, tanks are not needed at all.
In fact, micro hydro can be a very efficient form of energy in some cases. While mostly found in areas with rushing waterways, such as in the mountains, micro hydro does not require a large amount of running water. It can be used in locations where the flow is as low as 2 US gallons (7.6 liters) per minute.
The economics of a micro hydro can also be very interesting. Systems can be built for $20,000 US dollars or less in many cases. Some can cost as much as $1,000 USD. Once built, it can provide users with unlimited supply or renewable energy with little effect on the environment. It is also pollution free.
Although the advantages of the power source may seem quite convincing, there are also some shortcomings that should be considered. First, the user or users must be close to the energy source. Many micro hydroelectric generators are built only to transmit electricity over distances of 1 mile (1.6 km) or less. Secondly, flow rates can vary in some months. Often the summer months have lower flow rates, especially in mountainous areas after the snow runoff has ended. This could affect the output. However, with a good study of potential micro-site hydropower, these limitations can be overcome.
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