Pico Hydro Power
Pico Hydro Power
Find out more about Pico Hydro power (sub-5kW generators)
hydroHydropower is one of the most efficient
renewable energy sources. It is particularly suited to small-scale applications typically being far cheaper per
unit (kWh) of electricity produced than
wind power or
solar power.
Enormous
hydro projects such as the 18GW
Three Gorges Dam make all the news, yet many people see
microhydro (<100kW), and especially
picohydro (<5kW) as being very important, particularly for the developing world. Vietnam for example already has well over 100,000
picohydro turbines in action.
A 300 Watt pico hydro turbine can be purchased in Vietnam for as little as $20 and will meet the electricity needs of a whole family. There is no need in most cases for expensive
battery storage since the power generation is constant 24 hours a day 365 days of the year. A complete
pico hydro system including wiring, piping, and a suitable turbine housing can be set up for just a couple of hundred dollars very easily. There is no need for a dam or any expensive construction since these are
run of river hydro systems.
Family-sized 200+ Watt
Pico hydro generator units typically need just a 1 metre drop in water height and a constant water supply in order to generate power. A larger unit can be used to power a whole village when used in conjunction with energy saving light bulbs.
Article Last Modified: 14:35, 3rd Jan 2007
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