Do-it-yourself mini hydroelectric stations. Low power hydro generators for home

Hydroelectric power plants use the power of water to generate electrical energy. Self-made stations solve the problem of remoteness from centralized power grids or help save on electricity.

Advantages and disadvantages of hydroelectric power plants

Hydroelectric power plants have the following advantages over other types of alternative energy sources:

• They do not depend on the weather and time of day (unlike). This allows more power to be generated at a predictable rate.
• The power of the source (river or stream) can be adjusted. To do this, it is enough to narrow the channel with a dam or provide a difference in water heights.
• Hydraulic installations do not make any noise (unlike).
• Many types of low power stations do not require any installation permits.

The disadvantages of home-made hydroelectric power plants include the inability to work in cold weather. In addition, the water environment is aggressive, so the station parts must be waterproof and durable.

When designing a mini hydropower plant for use as an alternative source of energy for your own home, the following factors should be decisive:

• The proximity of the river to the house. Installing a homemade station away from home is not worth it. The farther the installation, the lower its efficiency, because some of the energy will be lost during transmission. In addition, it is more difficult to protect your HPP from theft or damage.
• Sufficient flow rate or the possibility of its increase. The power of the station increases exponentially as the speed of the water increases.

Finding the speed is easy. Throw a piece of Styrofoam or a tennis ball into the water and time it to swim a certain distance. Then divide meters by seconds and you'll find your speed. The minimum sufficient water speed for a home-made hydroelectric power station is 1 m / s.

If the flow rate of your river or stream is below this value, then a small dam or a narrowing pipe will increase it. But these options can cause additional difficulties. The construction of the dam requires permission from the authorities, as well as the consent of the neighbors.

Do-it-yourself mini hydroelectric power station

The design of the hydroelectric power station is quite complicated, so it will be possible to build only a small station on your own, which will save on electricity or provide energy to a modest household. Below are two examples of the implementation of a homemade hydroelectric power station.

How to make a mini hydroelectric power plant from a bicycle

This version of the hydroelectric power station is ideal for cycling trips. It is compact and lightweight, but will be able to provide energy for a small camp set up on the banks of a stream or river. The resulting electricity is enough for evening lighting and charging mobile devices.

To install the station you will need:

• The front wheel of a bicycle.
• A bicycle generator that is used to power bicycle lights.
• Homemade blades. They are pre-cut from sheet aluminum. The width of the blades should be from two to four centimeters, and the length should be from the wheel hub to its rim. There can be any number of blades, they need to be placed at the same distance from each other.

To start such a station, it is enough to immerse the wheel in water. The immersion depth is determined experimentally, from about a third to a half of the wheel.

To build a more powerful station for permanent use, more durable materials will be needed. Metal and plastic elements are best suited, which are easier to protect from the effects of the aquatic environment. But wooden parts are also suitable if they are impregnated with a special solution and painted with waterproof paint.

The station requires the following items:

• Steel drum from the cable (2.2 meters in diameter). A rotor-wheel is made from it. To do this, the drum is cut into pieces and welded again at a distance of 30 centimeters. Blades (18 pieces) are made from the remnants of the drum. They are welded to the radius at an angle of 45 degrees. To support the entire structure, a frame is made from corners or pipes. The wheel rotates on bearings.
• A chain reducer is installed on the wheel (the gear ratio should be four). To make it easier to bring the drive and generator axles together, as well as to reduce vibration, the rotation is transmitted through the cardan from the old car.
• The generator is suitable for an asynchronous motor. Another gear reducer with a ratio of about 40 should be added to it. Then for a three-phase generator with 3000 revolutions per second, with a total reduction ratio of 160, the number of revolutions will decrease to 20 revolutions per minute.
• Place all electrical equipment in a waterproof container.

The source materials described are easy to find in a landfill or from friends. For cutting a steel drum with a grinder and for welding, you can pay specialists (or do everything yourself). As a result, a hydroelectric power station with a capacity of up to 5 kW will cost a small amount.

Getting electricity from water is not so difficult. It is more difficult to build an autonomous power supply system based on a homemade hydroelectric power station, maintain the station in working order and ensure the safety of people and animals around it.

Among all alternative energy sources, hydroelectric power plants are the most popular. This fact is explained quite simply - with the same investment, the return is much greater. The only drawback is that a river or stream is needed for stable operation.

Classification of mini hydroelectric power plants

Depending on the principle of operation, four main types of hydroelectric power plants are distinguished:

• HPP garland, additional hydraulic structures are used to enhance the flow of water;
• a classic water wheel, the simplest option, for a homemade hydroelectric power station;
• propeller, suitable if the river bed is more than 10 m wide;
• The Daoye rotor is used for the manufacture of industrial micro hydroelectric power plants.

All these types of hydroelectric power plants are united by the fact that they do not need to build a dam for their operation. This design is a high-precision and expensive engineering facility, the construction of which costs many times more than the HPP itself.

The second criterion by which small hydroelectric power plants should be divided is the possibility of using them for domestic and industrial purposes. We are talking about the fact that the same type of hydroelectric power station can have several options for supplying and discharging water. This makes it possible to create power plants that can operate in a closed piping system. They are relevant for factories and enterprises, the production process, which is associated with high water costs. In addition, the power of the installation must correspond to the need for electricity.

Household installations are much simpler and cheaper. But their installation is possible only if there is a constant source of water. This does not include municipal water supply.

Advantages of a mini hydroelectric power station

• works almost silently and does not pollute the atmosphere;
• does not affect the quality of water in any way, if desired, filters are installed on the drainage system, which makes the water suitable for drinking;
• the operation of the station does not depend on weather conditions, electricity is generated 24 hours a day;
• even a small stream is enough for the operation of a hydroelectric power station;
• there is an opportunity to sell excess electricity to neighbors;
• no need to collect certificates and permits.

Comparison of homemade and factory mini hydroelectric power station

For domestic use, you need no more than 20 kW per day. This is not so much, so the expediency of buying a hydroelectric power station manufactured in an industrial way is being questioned. It seems that there are no difficulties in making a wheeled or propeller-type hydraulic station. But in practice, a number of problems arise.

Firstly, it is difficult to make the necessary calculations, secondly, the thickness and size of the parts are selected exclusively by experience, and thirdly, self-made hydroelectric power stations are made without protective elements, which leads to constant breakdowns and, as a result, additional waste.

If there is no experience in hydropower, it is better to abandon the idea of ​​\u200b\u200ba home-made installation. It is much easier and more reliable to discuss the issue with neighbors and joint efforts to purchase a factory hydroelectric power station with a quality guarantee. In addition, companies selling these units carry out their installation.

Overview of manufacturers of mini hydroelectric power plants

In fact, not many companies are engaged in the production of mini hydroelectric power stations. Intermediary companies try not to disclose this information, as they will lose the lion's share of income. Among those factories that are really worth trusting, CINK Hydro-Energy should be singled out. It is a recognized world leader in the development of hydraulic equipment.

However, before contacting a company manager, it is necessary to calculate the costs of information processing, logistics and installation. In most cases, the amount will be not much less than that of intermediaries.

Which company to order a mini hydroelectric power station

Given that the equipment is quite expensive and precise mathematical calculations are required for manufacturing, it makes sense to turn to companies that have proven themselves in the market. Alternative energy is a new direction for our country, so the list is rather small.

1. AEnergy is the largest supplier of high-quality hydroelectric power plants, the company provides a full range of services from collecting and processing information to installing a hydroelectric power plant.

2. INSET is a company from St. Petersburg. She is independently engaged in the manufacture of hydroelectric power stations, therefore she is personally responsible for the quality. The advantages of cooperation are that it is possible to order a micro hydroelectric power station for 5-10 kW.

3. Hydroponics is another domestic company that manufactures hydroelectric power plants on its own. A guarantee for all production of 10 years. The most interesting model is Shar-Bulak with a power of 5 kW.

4. NPO Inversion - a design bureau specializing in the development of alternative and standard energy sources. Distinctive features - the presence of non-standard hydroelectric power plants with a capacity of 7.5 and 12.5 kW.

5. Micro hydro power is a Chinese company that sells several relatively inexpensive domestic units.

Due to the constant rise in the cost of carbohydrate energy carriers, experts are paying more and more attention to the benefits of using electricity generated in a more economical way. One of the most economical and environmentally friendly...

Due to the constant rise in the cost of carbohydrate energy carriers, experts are paying more and more attention to the benefits of using electricity generated in a more economical way. One of the most economical and environmentally friendly ways to generate electricity is a hydroelectric power plant for the home, the costs of which are reduced to the primary construction and maintenance of equipment. But not every locality has natural opportunities for the construction of such structures, which require a powerful water flow and a large elevation difference created by the dam, in this case, mini hydroelectric power plants come to the aid of power engineers.

The principle of operation and mini hydroelectric power station

The principle of operation of this equipment is quite simple, which adds to its reliability. The water flow, falling on the blades of the turbine, rotates the hydraulic drive, coupled with the electric generator, which ensures the generation of electricity under the control of the control system.
Modern mini hydroelectric power plants are equipped with a control system that makes it possible to operate in automatic mode with an instant transition to manual control in the event of an emergency. A multi-level protection system allows you to avoid equipment overloads when external conditions change. The design of the stations allows minimizing construction work during the installation of the necessary equipment.

Varieties of mini hydroelectric power stations

A mini hydroelectric power plant is equipment with a capacity of 1 to 3000 kW, which includes a water intake device (turbine), a generating power unit and an equipment control system.
Depending on the water resources used, mini hydroelectric power plants are divided into several categories:

• run-of-river stations using the energy of small rivers with organized reservoirs. They are mainly used on flat terrain;
• stationary stations using the energy of a fast current in the operation of mountain rivers;
• stations using water flow differences at industrial enterprises;
• mobile stations using reinforced hoses to organize the flow.

According to the expected pressure of the water flow, the hydroelectric unit and its turbine are designed to match the power of the power generating unit to provide the required generator speed and facilitate the creation of the required current frequency.

For various operating conditions of mini hydroelectric power plants, appropriate turbine designs have been developed:

• with a large water flow pressure of more than 60 m, radial-axial and bucket turbines are used;
• with an average flow intensity of 25 - 60 m, turbines of a rotary-blade and radial-axial design have proven themselves well;
• on low-pressure flows, it is more profitable to use rotary-vane and propeller structures placed in reinforced concrete chambers.

Video homemade hydroelectric power plant

Features of connecting a mini hydroelectric power station

The device of this equipment allows you to connect stations directly to the power supply network, in this case a synchronous generator is used. To create a local network, an asynchronous unit is used, which is equipped with a ballast load unit necessary to dissipate excess power in order to avoid failure of power supply systems and abrupt changes in the main network parameters.

Advantages and disadvantages of mini hydroelectric power plants

The advantages of such systems include:

• environmental safety of equipment and no need to flood large areas;
• low cost of generated electricity, which is several times cheaper than that generated at thermal power plants;
• simplicity and reliability of the equipment used and the possibility of its offline operation;
• inexhaustibility of the natural resource used

The disadvantages include:

• interruptions in the power supply of certain regions in the event of equipment failure, in the case of using a mini hydroelectric power station as a local source. This is compensated by the presence of an emergency power supply, connected automatically;
• weak production and repair base of this branch of energy supply in our country.

Damless all-season hydroelectric power plant

A damless all-weather hydroelectric power station (BVGES) is proposed, which is designed to generate electricity without building a dam through the use of gravity flow energy.

Due to the manufacture of various standard sizes for different flow rates, as well as cascade installation, BVGES units can be used both in small farms and for industrial power generation, especially in places remote from power lines.

Structurally, the hydroelectric power plant rotor is installed vertically, the rotor height is from 0.25 to 2.5 m ... The structure is fixed on rivers with ice formation at the bottom of the channel, and in an open (non-freezing channel) __ on a fixed catamaran.

The power of the installation is proportional to the area of ​​the blade and the speed of the flow in the cube. The dependence of the power received on the shaft of the BVHPP on its size and flow velocity, as well as the estimated cost of the hydroelectric unit, is presented in the following table:

BVHES power, kW depending on the flow rate and unit size

The payback period of the installation does not exceed 1 year. The BVGES prototype was tested on a full-scale water test site.

Currently, there is technical documentation for the production of industrial designs according to customer specifications.

Pressure micro and small hydropower plants

Hydraulic units for small HPPs are designed for operation in a wide range of pressures and flow rates with high energy characteristics.

Micro HPPs are reliable, environmentally friendly, compact, fast-payback sources of electricity for villages, farms, holiday villages, farms, as well as mills, bakeries, small industries in remote mountainous and hard-to-reach areas where there are no power lines nearby, and building such lines now and longer and more expensive than purchasing and installing a micro hydroelectric power station.

The delivery set includes: a power unit, a water intake device and an automatic control device.

There is a successful experience in operating equipment on the drops of existing dams, canals, water supply systems, and sewerage systems for industrial enterprises and municipal facilities, treatment facilities, irrigation systems and drinking conduits. More than 150 sets of equipment have been delivered to customers in various regions of Russia, CIS countries, as well as in Japan, Brazil, Guatemala, Sweden and Latvia.

The main technical solutions used in the creation of the equipment are made at the level of inventions and are protected by patents.

1. MICRO HYDRO POWER PLANTS

with propeller impeller
- with a power of up to 10 kW (MHES-10PR) for a head of 2.0-4.5 m and a flow rate of 0.07 - 0.14 m3 / s;
- with a power of up to 10 kW (MHES-10PR) for a head of 4.5-8.0 m and a flow rate of 0.10 - 0.21 m3 / s;
- with a capacity of up to 15 kW (MHES-15PR) for a head of 1.75-3.5 m and a flow rate of 0.10 - 0.20 m3 / s;
- with a capacity of up to 15 kW (MHES-15PR) for a head of 3.5-7.0 m and a flow rate of 0.15 - 0.130 m3 / s;
- with a capacity of up to 50 kW (MHES-50PR) for a head of 4.0-10.0 m and a flow rate of 0.36 - 0.80 m3 / s;

with diagonal impeller
- with a capacity of 10-50 kW (MHES-50D) for a head of 10.0-25.0 m and a flow rate of 0.05 - 0.28 m3 / s;
- with a capacity of up to 100 kW (MHES-100D) for a head of 25.0-55.0 m and a flow rate of 0.19 - 0.25 m3 / s;

2. HYDRAULIC UNITS FOR SMALL HPPs

Hydro units with axial turbines up to 1000 kW;
- hydraulic units with radial-axial turbines with a capacity of up to 5000 kW;
- hydraulic units with bucket turbines up to 5000 kW;

DELIVERY TIME

Micro HPS10kW; 15 kW is delivered within 3 months after signing the contract.
Micro HPP 50kW; delivered within 6 months after signing the contract.
Micro HPP 100kW; delivered within 8 months after signing the contract.
The hydraulic units are delivered within 6 to 12 months after the signing of the contract.

The company's specialists are ready to help you determine the best option for installing micro- and small hydropower plants, select equipment for them, assist in the installation and commissioning of hydroelectric units, as well as provide equipment maintenance in
the process of its operation.

COST OF EQUIPMENT

Micro-HPP of Russian production

Appearance

Micro HPP 10 kW

Micro HPP 50 kW

InzhInvestStroy

Mini hydroelectric power station. micro hydro power plants

A small hydroelectric power plant or small hydroelectric power station (SHPP) is a hydroelectric power plant that generates a relatively small amount of electricity and consists of hydropower plants with an installed capacity of 1 to 3000 kW.

micro hydro power plant is designed to convert the hydraulic energy of the fluid flow into electrical energy for further transfer of the generated electricity to the power system.

The term micro means that this hydroelectric power plant is installed on small water bodies - small rivers or even streams, technological channels or elevations of water treatment systems, and the power of the hydroelectric unit does not exceed 10 kW.

SHPPs are divided into two classes: these are micro-hydro power plants (up to 200 kW) and mini-hydro power plants (up to 3000 kW). The former are used mainly in households and small businesses, the latter in larger facilities.

For the owner of a country house or a small business, the former are obviously of more interest.

Based on the principle of operation, micro-hydro power plants are divided into the following types:

Water wheel. This is a wheel with blades, installed perpendicular to the surface of the water and half immersed in it. During operation, water presses on the blades and causes the wheel to rotate.

In terms of ease of fabrication and obtaining maximum efficiency at minimum cost, this design works well.

Therefore, it is often used in practice.

Garland mini hydroelectric power station. It is a cable thrown from one side of the river to the other with rotors rigidly fixed on it. The water flow rotates the rotors, and from them the rotation is transmitted to the cable, one end of which is connected to the bearing, and the other to the generator shaft.

Disadvantages of a daisy-chain hydroelectric power station: high material consumption, danger to others (long underwater cable, rotors hidden in the water, river blocking), low efficiency.

Rotor Daria.

This is a vertical rotor that rotates due to the pressure difference on its blades. The pressure difference is created due to the fluid flow around complex surfaces. The effect is similar to the lift of a hydrofoil or the lift of an airplane wing. In fact, SHPPs of this design are identical to the wind turbines of the same name, but are located in a liquid medium.

The Darrieus rotor is difficult to manufacture, at the beginning of work it needs to be untwisted.

But it is attractive in that the rotor axis is located vertically and the power take-off can be made above the water, without additional gears. Such a rotor will rotate with any change in flow direction. Like its air counterpart, the efficiency of the Darya rotor is inferior to the efficiency of a propeller-type SHPP.

Propeller.

This is an underwater “windmill” with a vertical rotor, which, unlike an air one, has blades of a minimum width of only 2 cm. This width provides minimum resistance and maximum rotation speed and was chosen for the most common flow rate - 0.8-2 meters per second.

Propeller SHPPs, as well as wheeled ones, are easy to manufacture and have a relatively high efficiency, their frequent use is due to this.

Classification Mini HPP

Power generation classification (applications).

The power generated by a micro hydro power plant is determined by a combination of two factors, the first is the pressure of water entering the blades of the hydro turbine, which drives the generator that generates electricity, and the second factor is the flow rate, i.e.

volume of water passing through the turbine in 1 second. Consumption is the determining factor in assigning a hydroelectric power plant to a particular type.

According to the generated power, SHPPs are divided into:

• Household power up to 15 kW: used to provide electricity to private households and farms.
• Commercial up to 180kW: power small businesses.
• Industrial with a capacity of over 180 kW: they generate electricity for sale, or the energy is transferred to production.

Design classification

Classification by installation site

• High-pressure - more than 60 m;
• Medium pressure - from 25 m;
• Low-pressure - from 3 to 25 m.

This classification implies that the power plant operates at different speeds, and a number of measures are taken to mechanically stabilize it, because.

the flow rate depends on the pressure.

Components of a mini hydroelectric power station

The power generating plant of a small hydropower plant consists of a turbine, a generator and an automatic control system. Some elements of the system are similar for solar generation or wind generation systems. The main elements of the system:

• hydroturbine with blades connected by a shaft to a generator
• Generator.

  Mini hydroelectric power station (HPP) for home

  Designed to generate alternating current. Attached to the turbine shaft. The parameters of the generated current can be relatively unstable, but nothing like power surges occurs during wind generation;

• Hydro turbine control unit provides start and stop of the hydraulic unit, automatic synchronization of the generator when connected to the power system, control of the operating modes of the hydraulic unit, emergency stop.
• Ballast Load Block, designed to dissipate currently unused power by the consumer, avoids the failure of the power generator and the monitoring and control system.
• Charge controller / stabilizer: designed to control the charge of batteries, control the rotation of the blades and voltage conversion.
• Bank AKB: storage capacity, the size of which determines the duration of autonomous operation of the object fed by it.
• inverter, many hydro generating systems use inverter systems. In the presence of a battery bank and a charge controller, hydraulic systems are not much different from other systems using renewable energy sources.

Mini hydroelectric power station for a private house

Rising electricity tariffs and lack of sufficient capacity make relevant questions about the use of free renewable energy in households.

Compared to other renewable energy sources, mini hydropower plants are of interest, since with equal power with a windmill and a solar battery, they are able to produce much more energy in an equal period of time.

A natural limitation on their use is the lack of a river

If a small river, a stream flows near your house, or there are elevation differences on lake spillways, then you have all the conditions for installing a mini hydroelectric power station. The money spent on its purchase will quickly pay off - you will be provided with cheap electricity at any time of the year, regardless of weather conditions and other external factors.

The main indicator that indicates the efficiency of the use of SHPPs is the flow rate of the reservoir.

If the speed is less than 1 m/s, then it is necessary to take additional measures to accelerate it, for example, make a bypass channel of variable cross section or organize an artificial height difference.

Advantages and disadvantages of microhydropower

The advantages of a mini hydro for a home include:

• Environmental safety (with reservations for fish-fry) of the equipment and the absence of the need to flood large areas with enormous material damage;
• Ecological cleanliness of the energy received.

  There is no effect on the properties and quality of water. Reservoirs can be used both for fishery activities and as sources of water supply for the population;

• The low cost of the generated electricity, which is several times cheaper than that generated at thermal power plants;
• Simplicity and reliability of the equipment used, and the possibility of its operation in stand-alone mode (both as part of and outside the power supply network).

  The electric current generated by them meets the requirements of GOST in terms of frequency and voltage;

• The full service life of the station is at least 40 years (at least 5 years before overhaul);
• inexhaustibility of the resources used to generate energy.

The main disadvantage of micro-hydro is the relative danger to the inhabitants of the aquatic fauna, because. rotating turbine blades, especially in high-speed currents, can pose a threat to fish or fry.

general information

Micro hydro power plant (Micro HPP) is designed to provide power supply to a consumer isolated from the power system.

The completeness of the supply of micro-hydro power plants is shown in table 1

Operating conditions:

- air temperature, 0 ° C

- at the feed point from -10 to +40;

- at the location of electrical cabinets from 0 to +40;

— height above sea level, m up to 1000; (When installing a micro-hydro power plant at an altitude of more than 1000 m, the maximum power should be limited)

– relative air humidity at the location of electrical cabinets does not exceed 98% at t = + 250 ° C.

The warranty period for a micro HPP is 1 year from the date of its launch, but not more than 1.5 years from the date of dispatch, erection control and commissioning work with the participation of the company and compliance with the rules of transport, storage and operation of experts.

Complete supply of micro-hydro

Table 1

technical data

MicroHP specifications are shown in Table 2

table 2

Requirements for the network and the load of the consumer (the load is defined as a percentage of the actual input to the micro-HPP):

- characteristics of local, four-phase, three-phase;

- power of each engine,% no more than 10;

The total engine power, if additional compensation capacitors are installed,% is not more than 30.

DESIGN

The power unit is designed to generate electricity and consists of a hydraulic turbine and an asynchronous motor, which is used as a generator.

It is designed to absorb the excess active power of micro-hydro power plants. BNN is a cabinet with thermoelectric heaters inside.

The automatic control device is designed to control and protect the drive. It provides excitation of the asynchronous generator and automatic control of the produced voltage and frequency.

UAR provides overload, overvoltage and short circuit protection

The water supply device is made in the form of a network box, inside which there is a water supply hose with a closing body.

The water supply device is designed in such a way that floating residues do not enter the drive.

Full, mounting and connecting dimensions are shown in Figure 1.

installation requirements

For the operation of a micro power plant, the presence of pressure (difference in water levels) is a prerequisite (see Figure 2).

Full screen hydroelectric dam

The head can be obtained due to the difference in watermarks between:

- two rivers

- lake and river;

— on the same river, due to the flattening of the curve.

Pressure is also possible during the construction of a dam.

Figure 2 shows the micro HP setup according to the barrier design diagram. To create pressure on the turbine along the river, which has many slopes and rapids, an outlet pipeline has been installed.

A small rock dam dissipates to increase the pressure.

The piping must provide water for the installation with minimal head loss.

The length of the pipeline is determined by local conditions.

Before the power supply, the inlet and main valves required to start and stop the micro HPW must be installed in the pipeline.

Rice. one
In general, the mounting and connection dimensions of the Micro HPP 10Pr.
1 - drive,
2 - block ballast load BBN,
3 - Automatic control device UAR

Small cogeneration plants (overview)

Cogeneration plants for individual houses — micro CHP,« Micro-CHP (microCHP)" is an abbreviation for " heat and power combined” (combination of heat and electricity) is an installation designed for heating individual housing) is one of the most interesting areas in the development of heating technology.

Micro CHP(microCHP) has already found thousands of users and will be included in the manufacturers' directories in the coming years.

Various technical solutions are implemented in the manufactured and designed designs - from the traditional internal combustion engine (Otto engine), to steam turbines and piston engines, as well as the Stirling external combustion engine. When promoting this equipment, manufacturers give arguments of both economic and environmental nature: high (over 90%) total Efficiency micro-CHP reduces the cost of energy supply and the amount of harmful emissions, in particular carbon dioxide, into the atmosphere.

Company Senertec GmbH, part of Wahi Group, which has implemented about one and a half ten thousand installations to date Dachs(Badger) with an internal combustion engine.

Electric power - from 5 kW, thermal - from 12.5 to 20.5. Senertec offers an energy center for an individual home, and when using several modules and a large commercial facility. In addition to the compact cogeneration module, it includes as standard a buffer tank with a capacity of up to 1000 l with a heat substation mounted on it, which combines all the piping elements necessary for heating and hot water.

Additionally, there is also an external condensing heat exchanger. Various models of Dachs units operate on natural, liquefied gas, diesel fuel.

There is a Dachs RS model designed to run on biodiesel from rapeseed oil. The estimated cost of the gas model is 25,000 euros.

Micro CHP (Mini-BHKW) ecopower German company Pover Plus Technologies(included in Vaillant Group) is already on sale in the European market.

Its electric power is modulated in the range from 1.3 to 4.7, thermal - in the range from 4.0 to 12.5 kW. The total efficiency of the installation exceeds 90%, it is fueled by natural or liquefied gas.

The estimated cost of the model is 20 thousand euros.

At the end of last year, the company Otag Vertribes a pilot batch of a floor-standing gas micro CHP plant was produced lion ®-Powerblock electric power 0.2-2.2, thermal - 2.5-16.0 kW.

It applied steam two-cylinder engine with a double free-moving piston: steam alternately enters either the left or the right cylinder, setting the working piston in motion.

The steam generator of the device consists of a pressurized burner and a steel coil; steam temperature - 350 ° C, pressure - 25-30 bar. Its condensation is carried out directly in the device.

As expected, lion ® on pellets will be available April 2010.

Company Microgen(Great Britain), one of the leaders in production mini-CHP, first developed Stirling's engine so small that it can be built into the boiler of an autonomous heating system.

company Wahi Heating UK announced its intention to bring to the UK market in 2008 a compact (wall-mounted) micro-CHP with an electric power of 1, thermal - up to 36 kW. The unit was developed jointly with Microgen Energy and is a combination of its compact single-piston Stirling engine with a Bahi condensing boiler.

The model is equipped with two burners: the first one is a pressurized modulating burner that ensures the operation of an electric generator and the production of 15 kW of thermal power, the second one satisfies the object's additional need for heat. The prototype of the installation was presented at the exhibition ISH-2007.

Microgen, in collaboration with the Dutch natural gas supplier Gausine and De Dietrich Remeha Group producing boilers Remeha, develops a complete solution for heating and electricity production.

De Dietrich-Remeha Group plans to produce and sell wall mounted condensing boiler with integrated Stirling engine. It has already been exhibited at the ISH-2007, 2009 exhibitions. The boiler will be produced in one- and two-circuit versions. Some technical characteristics of the boiler: Its heat output will be 23 kW, in the second case - 28 kW; electric power - 1 kW; heat output Stirling – 4.8 kW, efficiency at 40/30°C - more than 107%, low CO2 and NOx emissions, noise level - less than 43 dB(A) per 1 m.

Dimensions: 900x420x450 mm.

The most important advantage of the HRE boiler is that part of its high efficiency up to 107% (thanks to the condensing technology) is used to generate electricity. The cost of electricity, as well as emissions of harmful substances, are reduced by 65% ​​compared to thermal power plants using traditional fuel.

For an average dwelling, the "Remeha-HRE" boiler produces 2500 - 3000 kW per year, which is 75% of the average consumption, thus saving about 400 euros per year. During heating and electricity production, emissions of harmful substances are reduced by 20%. 8 boilers are being tested in Holland. At the moment, another 120 boilers are being launched for larger testing. Commercial production is scheduled to begin in 2010.

Over 30,000 homeowners have installed micro-CHP in Japan Honda with quiet, efficient internal combustion engines housed in a sleek metal housing.

KOHLER® Automated Gas Generator Sets manufactured in the USA with a capacity of 13 kVA, intended for use in residential buildings.

They have optimal compactness and excellent sound insulation.

Gas generators are designed for outdoor installation and do not require a special room. Both natural main gas and liquefied gas in cylinders or gas tanks are suitable for their operation.

The emergency automation system makes their use safe and comfortable.

This equipment allows you to most effectively solve the following, alas, frequent problems with power supply that face the owners of country houses:

• The network is good, there is enough power, but sometimes there are power outages
• The network is weak, overloaded, strong “drawdowns” of voltage, frequent shutdowns
• Insufficient power allocated by the power supply organization
• No network at all

You will never lack energy!

Your home needs energy.

KOHLER® generator sets are made with professional quality, but designed for home use so you can continue your activities and enjoy the comfort even during a power outage. KOHLER® generator sets are compact, noise-insulated and turn on automatically in the event of a power outage, allowing you to continue your normal life at home and enjoy absolute peace of mind.

Be confident in your KOHLER® generator set.

It will start working if there is a power outage, whether you are at home or not, and provide your home with electricity, for example, in order to:

• Refrigerators and freezers continued to operate.
• There were air conditioners, heating systems and alarm systems.
• Drainage pumps, frost protection systems, etc. functioned.
• Provide power to your computer system.
• Ordinary life continued without loss.

KOHLER® generator sets are installed permanently outside the walls of the house and turn on automatically to generate energy if the mains supply fails.

• Reliable power supply.

  Power failures can damage electrical equipment (plasma displays, electronic temperature controlled refrigerators, computers, etc.).

  Hydroelectric power plants in Russia

  KOHLER® generator sets provide backup power that meets European residential standards. The KOHLER® generator set will not damage expensive electronic equipment!

• The best sound insulation. KOHLER® generator sets operate in near silence, keeping you and your neighbors comfortable. The noise level during operation is not higher than 65 decibels at a distance of 7 m, which corresponds to the noise of a conventional household air conditioner.

• Quick start.

  KOHLER® generator sets restore power in seconds. They have an automatic weekly testing system to keep the unit running with infrequent use.

• Fuel. KOHLER® generator sets are suitable for LPG, propane or natural gas, as well as diesel fuel.

  Gas generator sets have low emissions, making them more environmentally friendly, quieter and require less frequent maintenance.

  The choice is yours.

• KOHLER® quality. KOHLER® is a recognized international group of companies with almost 90 years of experience in generating sets for standby power. The first installation was assembled in 1920.

Characteristics of the gas generator SDMO RES 13

Power stations and generators

to home

Small hydroelectric power plants are usually divided into two types: "mini" - provide a unit of power up to 5000 kW, and "micro" - in the range from 3 to 100 kW. The use of hydroelectric power plants of such capacities is not new for Russia, but it is a well-forgotten old one: in the 50s and 60s, thousands of small hydroelectric power plants operated.

Currently, their number almost does not reach hundreds of pieces. Meanwhile, the constant increase in prices for fossil fuels leads to a significant increase in the cost of electricity, the share of which in production costs is 20% or more. In this regard, a small hydroelectric power plant received a new life.

Modern hydropower, compared to other traditional types of electricity, is the most efficient and environmentally friendly way to generate electricity.

The small hydroelectric plant continues in this direction. Small power plants make it possible to preserve the natural landscape, the environment, not only during the operation phase, but also during the construction process.

Mini hydro power plant 10-15-30-50 kW

In the future, it does not have a negative impact on water quality: it completely retains its original natural properties.

In canned fish rivers, water can be used for aquatic plant species. Unlike other environmentally friendly renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, small hydroelectric power plants are practically independent of weather conditions and can provide a stable supply of electricity to economical consumers. Another advantage of small energy is savings.

At a time when natural energy sources - oil, coal and gas - are depleted, constant growth is more expensive, the use of cheap, affordable renewable energy sources, especially small ones, makes it possible to produce cheap electricity. In addition, the construction of small HPP facilities is cheap and quickly paid off. Thus, the construction of a small HPP with an installed capacity of about 500 kW, the cost of construction work is about 14.5-15.0 million rubles.

In the combined table, design documentation, equipment construction, construction and installation of small hydroelectric power plants are put into operation for 15-18 months. The high frequency of electricity from hydroelectric power plants is no more than 0.45-0.5 rubles per 1 kWh, in 1. This is five times lower than the cost of electricity actually sold by the power system.

By the way, in the next year or two years, the electric power systems are going to increase by 2-2.2 times, so the construction costs will be repaid in 3.5-5 years. The implementation of such a project in terms of the environment will not harm the environment.

In addition, it should be noted that the reconstruction, previously deducted from the operation of a small hydroelectric power plant, will cost 1.5-2 times cheaper.

Many Russian scientific and industrial organizations and companies are engaged in the design and development of equipment for such HPPs.

One of the largest is the intersectoral scientific and technical association INSET (St. Petersburg). INSET specialists have developed and patented original technical solutions for automated control systems for small and micro hydropower plants. The use of such systems does not require the constant presence of maintenance personnel at the facility - the hydraulic unit operates reliably in automatic mode. The control system can be implemented on the basis of a programmable controller, which allows you to visually control the parameters of the hydraulic unit on the computer screen.

Hydraulic installations for small and micro hydro power plants produce MNTO "built-in", designed to operate in a wide range of flows and pressures with high energy properties and made with propeller, radial and axial turbine blades.

The scope of delivery usually includes a turbine, generator and automatic control of the hydraulic unit. The flow rates of all turbines are based on a mathematical modeling method.

Small energy is the most effective solution to energy problems for areas belonging to areas of decentralized power supply, which is more than 70% of the territory of Russia. Providing energy for remote regions and energy shortages are costly.

And here it is far from useful to use the capabilities of the existing federal energy system. The economic potential in Russia is much higher than the potential of renewable energy sources such as wind, solar energy and biomass combined. In the national energy program, the INSET company is developing "The concept of development and facilities of the layout of small hydroelectric power plants in the Republic of Tyva", according to which this year will put into operation a small hydroelectric power station in the village of Kyzyl-Khaya.

Currently, INSET hydroelectric power plants operate in Russia (Kabardino-Balkaria, Bashkortostan), the Commonwealth of Independent States (Belarus, Georgia), as well as in Latvia and other countries.

Environmentally friendly and economical mini-energy has long attracted the attention of foreigners.

Micro INESET operates in Japan, South Korea, Brazil, Guatemala, Sweden, Poland.

Free electricity - do-it-yourself mini hydroelectric power station

If a river or even a small stream flows near your home, then with the help of a home-made mini hydroelectric power station you can get free electricity. It may not be a very big budget replenishment, but the realization that you have your own electricity costs much more.

Well, if, for example, in a country house, there is no central power supply, then even small power capacities will be simply necessary. And so, to create a home-made hydroelectric power station, at least two conditions are necessary - the presence of a water resource and desire.

If both are present, then the first thing to do is to measure the flow rate of the river.

It is very simple to do this - throw a twig into the river and measure the time during which it swims 10 meters. By dividing meters by seconds, you get the speed of the current in m/s. If the speed is less than 1 m / s, then a productive mini hydroelectric power station will not work.

In this case, you can try to increase the flow rate by artificially narrowing the channel or by making a small dam if you are dealing with a small stream.

As a guide, you can use the ratio between the flow velocity in m/s and the power of the electricity removed from the propeller shaft in kW (propeller diameter 1 meter).

These are experimental data, in reality the received power depends on many factors, but it is suitable for evaluation. So:

• 0.5 m/s - 0.03 kW,
• 0.7 m/s - 0.07 kW,
• 1 m/s - 0.14 kW,
• 1.5 m/s - 0.31 kW,
• 2 m/s - 0.55 kW,
• 2.5 m/s - 0.86 kW,
• 3 m/s -1.24 kW,
• 4 m/s - 2.2 kW, etc.

The power of a homemade mini hydroelectric power station is proportional to the cube of the flow rate.

As already mentioned, if the flow rate is insufficient, try to artificially increase it, if this is of course possible.

Types of mini hydroelectric power plants

There are several basic options for homemade mini hydroelectric power plants.


This is a wheel with blades mounted perpendicular to the surface of the water.

The wheel is less than half immersed in the stream. Water presses on the blades and rotates the wheel. There are also turbine wheels with special blades optimized for the liquid jet. But these are rather complex designs, rather factory-made than home-made.

It is a vertical axis rotor used to generate electrical energy.

A vertical rotor that rotates due to the pressure difference on its blades. The pressure difference is created due to the fluid flow around complex surfaces. The effect is similar to the lift of a hydrofoil or the lift of an airplane wing. This design was patented by Georges Jean-Marie Darier, a French aeronautical engineer, in 1931. It is also often used in the construction of wind turbines.

garland a hydroelectric power station consists of light turbines - hydro vingrotors, strung and rigidly fixed in the form of a garland on a cable thrown across the river.

One end of the cable is fixed in the support bearing, the other end rotates the generator rotor.

Mini hydroelectric power station - Leneva hydropower unit

The cable in this case plays the role of a kind of shaft, the rotational movement of which is transmitted to the generator. The flow of water rotates the rotors, the rotors rotate the cable.

Also borrowed from the designs of wind farms, such a "underwater windmill" with a vertical rotor. Unlike an air propeller, an underwater propeller has blades of a minimum width. For water, a blade width of only 2 cm is sufficient. With this width, there will be a minimum resistance and a maximum rotation speed.

This width of the blades was chosen for a flow velocity of 0.8-2 meters per second. At high speeds, other sizes may be optimal. The propeller does not move due to water pressure, but due to the occurrence of lift. Just like an airplane wing. The propeller blades move across the flow rather than being carried along by the flow in the direction of the flow.

Advantages and disadvantages of various homemade mini hydroelectric systems

The disadvantages of a stringed hydroelectric power station are obvious: high material consumption, danger to others (a long underwater cable, rotors hidden in the water, river blocking), low efficiency.

Garland HPP is a kind of small dam. It is advisable to use in deserted, remote places with appropriate warning signs.

You may need permission from the authorities and environmentalists. The second option is a small stream in your garden.

Rotor Daria - difficult to calculate and manufacture.

At the beginning of work, it needs to be untwisted. But it is attractive in that the rotor axis is located vertically and the power take-off can be made above the water, without additional gears. Such a rotor will rotate with any change in the direction of flow - this is a plus.

The most widespread in the construction of home-made hydroelectric power plants were propeller and water wheel schemes.

Since these options are relatively easy to manufacture, require minimal calculations and are implemented at minimal cost, have high efficiency, are easy to set up and operate.

An example of the simplest mini-hydroelectric power station

The simplest hydroelectric power station can be quickly built from an ordinary bicycle with a dynamometer for a bicycle headlight.

Several blades (2-3) must be prepared from galvanized iron or not thick sheet aluminum. The blades should be 2-4 cm long from the wheel rim to the hub, and 2-4 cm wide.

These blades are installed between the spokes in any improvised way or pre-prepared fixtures.

If you are using two blades, then set them opposite each other.

If you want to add more blades, then divide the circumference of the wheel by the number of blades and install them at regular intervals. You can experiment with the depth of immersion of a wheel with blades in water. Usually it is immersed from one third to half.

The option of a camping wind farm was considered earlier.

Such a micro hydroelectric power station does not take up much space and will serve cyclists well - the main thing is the presence of a stream or river - which is usually the case at the campsite.

A mini hydropower plant from a bicycle will be able to light a tent and charge cell phones or other gadgets.

Source

homemade free-flow

A mini hydroelectric power station is a small hydroelectric power plant that produces a small amount of electricity.

The principle of operation of a mini hydroelectric power station

The principle of operation of small hydroelectric power plants is no different from the principle of operation of high-capacity stations. The water of a water formation, rivers, lakes, reservoirs, under the action of pressure created by its mass, moves in a given direction and enters the blades of a hydraulic turbine. The turbine transfers its rotational motion to the rotational motion of a generator that generates electricity.
Water pressure is created by the construction of a dam, or by the natural flow of water, or both at the same time.

Device classification

Small hydroelectric power plants are considered to produce power up to 5.0 MW.
Existing small hydro power plants are classified according to:

1. Operating principle

• The use of a "water wheel" - in this case, the receiving wheel is placed in the aquatic environment parallel to the surface of the water, while it is only partially submerged. The water masses exerting pressure on the wheel blades cause it to rotate, which is transmitted to the rotational motion of the generator.
• Garland design - in this version of the device, a cable is laid from opposite banks, on which the rotors are rigidly attached. Masses of water progressively moving rotate the rotors. The rotational motion of the rotors is transmitted to the cable, which, in turn, while rotating, transmits its rotational motion to the rotational motion of the generator. The generator is installed on the shore.
• With the Darrieus rotor, the basis for the operation of devices of this type is the pressure difference on the rotor blades. The pressure difference is created by the flow of water around the complex surfaces of the rotor.
• With a propeller - the principle of operation is similar to the operation of a wind generator, with the difference that in the case of a mini hydroelectric power station, the blades are placed in an aquatic environment.

2. Application possibilities

• Industrial use (180 kW and above) - used to supply enterprises or sell to consumers.
• Commercial use (up to 180 kW) - used for power supply of low energy-intensive enterprises and groups of houses.
• Household use (up to 15 kW) - used for power supply of individual houses and small objects.

3. According to the design of the turbine

• Axial - in units of this design, water moves along the axis of the turbine and gets on the blades, which come into rotation.
• Radial-axial - in this design, the water initially moves radially with respect to the axis of the turbine, and then in accordance with the axis of its rotation.
• Bucket - water enters the surface of the bucket (blade) through nozzles, due to which the water speed increases, it hits the turbine blade, the turbine rotates, the next blade comes into operation and the process continues
• Rotary-vane - the blades rotate around their axis simultaneously with the rotation of the turbine.

4. According to the installation conditions

Pros and cons of the device

The benefits of using it include:

• Environmental safety of installations for the environment;
• An inexhaustible source of energy;
• Low cost of generated energy;
• Autonomy of installations;
• Reliability of installations;
• Long service life.

The disadvantages of using it include:

• Potential danger to the inhabitants of water bodies;
• Limited possibility of installation installation conditions.

Plant and equipment manufacturers

A limited number of enterprises both in our country and abroad are engaged in the production of equipment for mini hydroelectric power stations. This is explained by the limited use of small hydroelectric power plants due to the small availability of the necessary water facilities, as well as the trends in the development of energy in different countries.

Of the foreign firms successfully operating in this business area, these are

• CINK Hydro-Energy, Republic of the Czech Republic, performs the full range of works from design and supply of equipment to installation and commissioning of plants.
• "Micro hydro power" China - manufactures and sells equipment kits for small domestic installations.
• Engineering and technical company OsOO Hydroponics, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The company manufactures and sells hydro generators for small hydropower plants.

In Russia, there are

• AEnergy LLC, Moscow. The company is engaged in supporting the development of alternative energy sources. In the field of small hydropower, the company offers a full range of services from design to maintenance of commissioned plants.
• Intersectoral scientific and technical association "MNTO INSET", St. Petersburg. The company is engaged in the design and development of equipment for mini hydroelectric power plants, the manufacture and installation of its products. The product line includes:
  • Mini HPP with propeller impeller power from 5.0 to 100 kW;
  • Mini HPP with a diagonal impeller, with a capacity of 20.0 kW;
  • Mini HPP with a bucket impeller with a capacity of up to 180 kW;
  • Hydro units for small hydroelectric power stations.
• NPO Inversion Company, Yekaterinburg. The company manufactures equipment and kits for mini hydroelectric power stations with a capacity of up to 10 kW.

Do-it-yourself mini hydroelectric power station

In order to make it with your own hands, you need ingenuity, the ability to work with your hands and a water body,
yes, something on trifles, such as a car generator, a wheel from any vehicle and a transmission mechanism (pulleys, gears, gears).

First you need to make a water wheel. For this, a wheel is taken from a bicycle, motorcycle or car. Blades are attached along the diameter of the wheel, for this you can use any material, as long as it is strong and does not bend - iron, plywood, hard plastic, ebonite, etc. It is best to fasten with a bolted connection so that it is possible to replace the blades damaged during operation. The blades are located at an equal distance from each other.

A frame is made on which the wheel is fixed. In places of attachment to the frame, it is necessary to provide for the installation of bearings into which the axis of rotation of the wheel is inserted. A large pulley or a large sprocket is mounted at one end of the axle. A small pulley or a smaller sprocket is mounted on the generator axis.

A variant of a home-made mini hydroelectric power station with a vertical wheel installation

The wheel is placed in water, it can be a vertical installation in a plane perpendicular to the surface of the water, or horizontal - when the wheel is completely immersed in water. In the second case, it must be taken into account that the wheel must be immersed in water no more than 2/3 of the disk thickness.
The pulleys are connected to each other by means of a belt, and the sprockets by means of a chain.

The system is ready to go.