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AR15.COM
11/8/2010 12:17:45 PM EDT
Has anyone tried any type of hydroelectric generation?

Seems like it would be much more discreet than solar or wind.

Am I crazy?
11/8/2010 12:25:21 PM EDT
[#1]
I've tried to hook a alternator to a squirrel cage fan on a very small runoff stream. It was mildly successful, then I lost interest.

If you had a means of power, dammed it up and had some sort of waterwheel apparatus, I bet you could keep up a few batteries no problem.
11/8/2010 12:34:54 PM EDT
[#2]
search "micro-hydro"......some nice....discrete systems out there.....we are moving on it next month.....but are going to wait until spring to fully engage.

Looking at it for charging batts and refrigeration.....unlike solar or wind.....it is a constant......unless it freezes.
11/8/2010 12:35:32 PM EDT
[#3]
You have to have enough water flow and drop to make it work.  Not that many properties are actually workable, and the further up north you go, the more ice you get in the winter.

That being said, if I had the water flow I would have done it.
11/8/2010 4:14:41 PM EDT
[#4]
This site has most of the non-commercial hydroelectric generators for sale.  Hydro
After lots of research what I have found is that you either need massive flow and moderate head, or massive head.  This seems like that smartest way to do it with moderate flow and low head, but if would require some trial and error as there are no plans that I have been able to find.   Gravitational water vortex power plant  I agree about with your analysis of discretion.