MicroHydro Francis Turbine Part 2

This is the third video of a new series examining other Hydro Power systems separate from the MrHydrohead system on the @MrHydrohead channel.
If you wish to donate: www.paypal.me/... or click the Super Thanks button under the video
Contact Links:
System designer: Ken Gardner: [e-mail]
MrHydrohead: [e-mail]
Micro Hydro Francis Turbine Part 1:
• Micro Hydro Francis Tu...
MrHydrohead links:
SYNOPSIS PLAYLIST:
• SYNOPSIS Parts 1,2,3
Part 21 • Part 21 Micro Hydro Po...
Part 20-3 • Part 20-3 MicroHydro P...
Part 20-2 • Part 20-2 MicroHydro P...
Part 20-1 • Part 20-1 MicroHydro P...
INSTALLATION AND RUNNING OF SECOND SYSTEM PLAYLIST:
• Redesign & Install ont...
Part 19 • Part 19 MicroHydro Pow...
Part 18 • Part 18 MicroHydro Pow...
Part 17 • Part 17 MicroHydro Pow...
Part 16 • Part 16 MicroHydro Pow...
Part 15 • Part 15 MicroHydro Pow...
Part 14 • Part 14 MicroHydro Pow...
Part 13A • Part 13A MicroHydro Po...
Part 13 • Part 13 MicroHydro Pow...
Part 12 • Part 12 MicroHydro Pow...
Part 11 • Part 11 MicroHydro Pow...
Part 10 • Part 10 MicroHydro Pow...
Part 9 • Part 9 MicroHydro Powe...
Part 8 • Part 8 MicroHydro Powe...
MEASUREMENTS FOR SECOND SYSTEM:
Part 7 • Part 7 MicroHydro Powe...
Part 6 • Part 6 MicroHydro Powe...
INSTALLATION AND RUNNING OF SECOND SYSTEM w/o MUSIC PLAYLIST:
• MicroHydro Rebuild w/o...
FIRST SYSTEM PLAYLIST:
• Original Spring Fed Hy...
Part 5 • Part 5 Micro Hydro Ele...
Part 4 • Part 4 Micro Hydro Ele...
Part 3B • Part 3A Micro Hydro El...
Part 3A • Part 3A Micro Hydro El...
Part 2 • Part 2 Micro Hydro Ele...
Part 1 • Part 1 Micro Hydro Ele...

[@1cmnsents]

Its a shame to have shown tis as a great project ...but never disclose the COST. It leaves to many to just think that it is to expensive to want to do it....

[@mrhydrohead]

I appreciate your comment however I am not the owner of this system. I merely documented this particular system. Even if I did provide cost figures, it would not be of much benefit as each system is unique to the chosen site and costs can vary widely depending on numerous factors. First there is the potential power available at the particular site which dictates if the desired use of that power is practical. Who will design the system? What will be the best equipment and materials available to meet the unique requirements of the most beneficial and practical design? Then there are expenses involved in acquiring water rights which are likely different in each state or country depending on a pro se (self applied) application or hiring lawyer to work on them. Who will do the labor to install the system? Is it your own sweat equity, friends that can help, or hired labor and at what rate? How much time will it take to install? What materials can be accessed? Reused or new pipe, copper or aluminum wire? How long a length of wire? What building(s) will house the equipment? What transformers, batteries, load regulators, power shunts, or utility net metering are available and/or appropriate to the particular site? All of theses factors can add to the costs and it would be naive of me to present a one size fits all price. One must be clear that installing a system is creating an asset which would likely provide power for a lifetime. Can it be financed over time and does that cost make economic sense when compared to running utility lines to an off grid property? Will a local utility be willing to purchase excess power and at what rate? Undertaking a project of this size is not for the faint of heart. It IS a large commitment both financially and in effort and time. My first system (1.5kw) which I own and documented on this channel cost ~$25k and was installed in the mid 90’s. Redesigning and moving the same equipment to a more reliable water source was also documented on my channel and took place between 2013-2015 and added another ~$55k but boosted the useable power by a factor of 5 to 7.5kw. WHEN a project occurs occurs is also a factor governing cost. Inflation impacts everything involved and the fact that I intend these videos to remain on the internet for years to come and provide some clear eyed guidance to people that are serious about their own intentions, this dictates that I not mislead them with cost estimates willynilly. Thanks for watching and for your comment. I hope you gain a broader perspective from the whole channel and benefit from the heart felt intention with which it has freely been shared and provided.

[@liamhotspur9182]

Cost is secondary. What matters most is the return on invest by a given number of money/unit of electricity. But even that doesn't matter if there are no/less other off-grid options. So here I would guess a ROI about 18-24 years including maintenance and replacement costs for the batteries for example, considering market price for the unit of electricity today.

[@marcs3982]

That's bc it is too expensive. But not enough information. How far to the nearest commercial power source, vs total cost for the hydro. But I'm sure the people doing the project figured that out ahead of time....

[@peoplenewstoday]

Low side $100k American, High side $250k. That’s my guess. Depends on equipment, wire, plumbing, labor hours, purchased new? Used? Etc. Will probably run for 30 years with basic maintenance providing thousands a month if electricity. TAX FREE! Literally pays for itself if you get $1000 per month electricity even at $300k. Power company can charge big money to run power then charge you, tax you, limit your power. What’s freedom worth?

[@privatepilot4064]

@@peoplenewstodayAbsolutely, it all comes down to freedom in the end.

[@online247365]

That piece of land looks like a little slice of heaven! Thanks for sharing.

[@mrhydrohead]

You bet! Thanks for watching!

[@GeorgeJetson1]

This has been very educational. I've watched several videos on micro hydro designs, but yours is excellent. And thank you for the details and placing the land back in order. In 2-3 years, it will look untouched. I only wish I had a stream on my land I could tap into. And the money. This is obviously a very expensive endeavor. But to be FREE and off the grid would be awesome!

[@mrhydrohead]

I'm glad you found value in the video. I must say that living with hydro is a joy. This system in this video isn't mine. I don't know if you've seen the earlier videos, but there is the system I own which I started documenting in earnest as the foundation of the channel (parts 1-21) and another which runs on irrigation water. I've attempted to broaden the range of systems I document, but they are not the easiest thing to find and then talk folks into letting me film them. Anyway, if you haven't seen the other parts of the channel, please check out my own system and the irrigation water one. Thanks for watching

[@Bob-j5o3b]

A basic concept of service burial is to embed the services (pipes, wires) in sand. This minimizes the damage that you saw when just dumping the spoil back in the trench. Six inches below and a foot on top will give you adequate protection from the boulder size shown in the video. Doesn't have to be quality sand, can even be pea metal which is sometimes sought because it allows more independent movement for the pipes. You can also use a grizzly when excavating to separate the boulders out from the soil so that they either don't go back in the trench, or the operator can lay down a layer of soil before putting the boulders back in

[@raytaylornz]

Good job with the locate wire. I was thinking about that after the first video so glad you put one in.

[@mrhydrohead]

Thanks for watching

[@gregorythomas333]

Yes! I have been keenly interested with this project...thank you so much for releasing Part 2 of this fascinating build!

[@mrhydrohead]

Thanks for watching!

[@LeJimster]

I love seeing these systems being built. Only thing I wonder is the the turbine going to be left exposed. I would have thought a small building to protect it and also help muffle the sound of it running would be ideal in a place like that.

[@mrhydrohead]

I did hear that they intend to use a grain silo as a protective structure, but I have no idea how they intend to build a foundation to support it. I think that task will be given to a separate contractor to accomplish. Thanks for watching!

[@liamhotspur9182]

Yes, I was thinking the same.

[@hippiehillape]

One year at a time. Seems their build season is weather permitting

[@driller840]

They want to show the process. We would not be able to see if it was housed. Its far away from the house noise seams not a problem.

[@kimmoj2570]

@LeJimster I wondered the same. Considering this seems system ment for decades, the turbine installation over steel box without any foundations, almost at the creek seems dubious. Ofcourse they were severely limited by 35 feet head. Building proper powerhouse would had robbed them easily 5 feet.

[@hotshot619]

Thank you for documenting this process. It's incredibly interesting and I hope people will find it in their own research for years to come.

[@mrhydrohead]

Thx for watching!

[@ranjithgodage6779]

@@mrhydrohead èė

[@radarnj8043]

De-centralized is a beautiful term. Made in China is sad. Looking forward to your next adventure downstream. Thank you!

[@mrhydrohead]

Thanks for watching!

[@civilrights20]

Made in China is a beautiful term.

[@radarnj8043]

Especially if you are Uyghur Ismail.

[@liamhotspur9182]

I guess the turbine works fine and comes with a competitive price. Also I am not sure if you can get a Made in USA one for this little scale.

[@anthonyxuereb792]

Wise words at the end, engage the services of the experts! Saves time, money, delays and frustration and well worth the fee.

[@Helm971]

Very good video and scenery. What a project to be building.

[@mrhydrohead]

Thanks for watching!

[@Gerryweiers]

Thanks for the video! I really like the style you do your videos in.

[@mrhydrohead]

Thx for watching!

[@jonathans8]

this is great. it would be cool to be able to find someone who can build these in each US state, especially on this kind of scale. that system is just big enough to be beyond a DIY project but just small enough to be affordable for an upper-middle class family with the right kind of property.

[@mrhydrohead]

Maybe one day. On cost, you are paying for all future power up front, so it is costly. Thanks for watching!

[@GeeCeeAte]

Amazing system!!! Love these videos! I used AGMs and have learned so much the hard way. Put balancers on them as soon as you can. That 100$ will save you thousands! My 1600 AH bank went unbalanced in a few months and went bad. Every wire was the exact length down to the mm but the front batteries wer charging 2v higher than the last ones. Wish I would have known about balancers then!

[@mrhydrohead]

I have literally no experience with batteries as MY system is straight AC with ELC for load management. Hopefully readers of the comments will benefit from you sharing your practical knowledge. Thanks for watching and sharing!

[@GeeCeeAte]

@@mrhydrohead Your system is amazing! I hope I wasn't coming off as rude, I just didn't know balancers existed and I wish someone told me. We don't use them here in America (or at-least they aren't widely used here). Can't wait for more vids!

[@mrhydrohead]

@@GeeCeeAte More to come. Thanks for watching!

[@imho7250]

You’re right, AGM batteries can’t be equalized by charging like flooded lead acid, so they destroy themselves as they get out of balance. Using a balancer on a bank of 12v batteries helps but you still have no way to balance the 6 cells in each battery. If you had a bunch of single cell AGM with a balancer it would help that one specific problem, but its not the only one. AGM is good for emergency power, where it stays at float most of its life. You cant store it at 50% charge and use it as a energy storage buffer. LiFePO4 is really what I was expecting to see in this system. Something that is happy staying at 30-80% SOC all year, and requires very little maintenance. AGM is cheap initially but will cost more after you replace them a few times. I just replaced mine with LiFePO4 and a smart BMS, so now instead of checking each battery with a multimeter and manually balancing them, i open my Bluetooth app and check and if its not staying balanced i can initiate a balance cycle and they are perfect again.

[@richardboutin8522]

By now lithium ion is the way to go

[@Biogasifier]

As always wonderful!! I’m excited for your videos or come!! Thank you for your quality produced videos on a subject that has such importance.

[@mrhydrohead]

You are so welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@kevin3434343434]

Such a cool channel, thanks for putting these documentaries out there!

[@mrhydrohead]

You are most welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@Vectrum0013]

can't wait to see what other kinds of micro-hydro systems you can find, and share with us. great video keep up the good work

[@mrhydrohead]

Thanks for watching!

[@bknesheim]

Have been waiting for this second part so jumped to watching it when it dropped into my suggestion list. As always very interesting. Thanks. 🙂 There would and will be no protests if you added some short update videos. Like when the snow fell and repair on the pipes had too be done. Hope you will include some performances date as times go and just some general info about the state of the system and conditions. Looking forward to any video you make about other systems. You are doing a great job with the videos you make.

[@mrhydrohead]

Its about a five hour trip to get to this property for me as its not my own. If I learn of updates I will try to share. Thanks for watching!

[@networkdwarf]

Outstanding job, thank you for documenting the entire process.

[@mrhydrohead]

Thank YOU for the kind comment and for watching. Micro hydro has become a passion and a joy to live with 🙏🏼

[@jeffzimnisky7073]

Really appreciate your videos. We plan on moving and want to be off grid. Either with solar, hydro or both and your videos help out a lot.

[@mrhydrohead]

Even a small amount of hydro can really compliment solar with batteries quite nicely. Glad you find the videos helpful. More to come. Thanks for watching!

[@luddesson]

Always a joy to find a new upload

[@mrhydrohead]

Thanks for watching!

[@stefanmeier6763]

Thanks for taking us through the process. Great accomplishment

[@mrhydrohead]

Thanks for watching!

[@easternwoods4378]

I prefer your system of regulating the shunt load to keep the system at 60 hz. Glad to see you out and about and getting healthy. Hope you document many more systems

[@mrhydrohead]

I hope to as well Ernie. I'm very pleased to see the view count up above 19K in 3 days. Way cool! Thanks for watching!

[@chrisdaniel1339]

Your videos are fantastic, keep them coming. If this were my project I would have extended the Coanda Screen across the majority of the stream bed instead of having an overflow area with rocks on the downstream side as you never want the penstock to be starved of water and start sucking air. I personally would have gone with a European or US made turbine, China has just had too many issues with product quality over the years.

[@mrhydrohead]

It may have to do with added cost on an extended Coanda. Not sure. Flow is turned down at turbine if supply is insufficient, but I'm pretty sure its scaled the available seasonal flows. I'm sure cost played into choice of Chinese Turbine. Its not my system, so I'm just and observer/documenter. Thanks for watching!

[@JohnSmith-yv6eq]

Coanda screens seem to me to be an overcomplication as they stilll catch debris and need maintenance by a human. Theoretically if you took water into the penstock at half way between the top of the water and the bottom of the water in a say 3ft deep pond....the silt would be settling on the bottom and the leaves would be floating over the top. Whatever the size of your penstock intake....a tube 50% bigger, stoppered at one end, sleeved down to fit into the intake penstock at the other...drilled with many holes along a good length of it with a textile sleeve as a "just in case" filter wrapped round it..... at the halfway depth in the pond....would always force more than enough water through all the holes and not induce suction vortices.... In floods all the excess water would flow over the dam wall without damage or clogging of the pipe...unlike with a coanda screen dam.... You could lay this intake over the top of the dam off to one side like a syphon which would mean no holes in the dam wall...and a much easier replacement if necessary.... kzbin.info/www/bejne/gofSlpSBeKqXaNE

[@mrhydrohead]

The Coanda screen as designed is self cleaning and the seasonal variations in flow would likely clog what you’ve described in fall time with leaves and debris which isn’t floating. I have worked with a variety of intake styles on my own system shown in the other videos on this Channel and have seen that sort of design you describe get clogged by submerged debris. There are many ways to approach any intake and this one design seems like it will function quite well. Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts!

[@cornevanzyl5880]

I loved your previous project from a few years ago! Excited for this one

[@mrhydrohead]

I didn't design and I don't own the property. I will be posting another update video about how our system is running once I get through editing one on Micro Hydro learning and education. Thanks for watching!

[@marblemastersofmiddlegainc3681]

Awesome video. Your original project greatly helped me get my system built!!! My specs: 3600gpm, 11’ head, 2.75-2.90KW, 240v. 12” runner with 6 blades. Propeller type, 1170 rpm induction motor, grid tied for speed control, comes through elect panel to offset grid power usage. Upgrades coming. Have a 4 blade runner with flatter blade angles then go with battery and inverters for storage since my EMC took away net metering June of this year😢. With batteries I will need a few solar panels to be off grid during hot mid summer AC units needs, not because of low water flows… blessed with year around water flows. I’m in Georgia (USA)

[@mrhydrohead]

Wow that sounds great! 3600gpm and 11ft head! WOAH! Thats a honkin' site! Sounds like you really get it with the utility being your governor for your induction motor. I had heard this was possible in the SEI course I took in 1996 , but I've never seen it done. Man, if I lived closer I'd love to film it and share the example. Alas I'm so far away. So glad something I posted was helpful to you. You can certainly call yourself a HydroHead. Congrats to you. and as always, Thanks for watching! Care to share any Pix to my email? [e-mail]

[@marblemastersofmiddlegainc3681]

@@mrhydrohead sent photos and sending a video if it will go through.

[@cryptoray3009]

Excellent video. I’ve been eagerly waiting to see the final results. Thank you for your great work!

[@mrhydrohead]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching!

[@mattjware]

Thanks for the video, glad to see it working!

[@mrhydrohead]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@desigallerybd]

Nice Video 😍 Watching From 🇧🇩 Thanks For Share🌹

[@mrhydrohead]

You are most welcome. Thx for watching 😉

[@richysee]

Beautifully presented thanks.

[@mrhydrohead]

Thank you too!

[@seancollins6524]

Fantastic video clip 👌 looking in from Ireland 🇮🇪

[@mrhydrohead]

Thx for watching!

[@mzimmerman1988]

Fantastic video! Yea, that soil appears to be healthy, so I don't expect the digging to be noticeable for long.

[@mrhydrohead]

Thanks for watching!

[@DBGE001]

I think for the cost of the system, you could also install a 40kWp PV system with a 2000 kWh LFP battery backup. This would be a maintenance free system that lasts you about 45 years.

[@arturoeugster7228]

I take it that the system is designed for 50 herz, a european standard, as oposed to the American standard of 60 hertz, careful not to connect it to the grid! The conversion to dc is a smart move, saves matching the turbine generator. One improvement I suggest: before the diffusor put in radial flow straighteners, then s six degree conical diffuser as long as necessary to optimize the system, the dc voltage as high as reasonable to minimize the ohm's losses, Other wise the best realization I have seen. ( Swiss engineer. ETH graduate) Think of imbetting the pipe in a larger concrete pipe with continious drain, movement of the river bed is unavoidable.

[@wazza33racer]

when pulling cables in conduit, grease them with Lanolin....it wont harm the insulation on the wiring and cables.

[@mrhydrohead]

We did that on my system which is the major part of the channel, but this is a system which I don't own and didn't design. I just documented what they did. Thanks for watching

[@jimbanda]

Great video thank you. My only concern if I was doing it , was a 2" service pipe for those cables and that distance, I'd be nervous of being able to get the swa cables through. But he is used of his methods. Now to binge watch you other videos 😂 👍👍

[@mrhydrohead]

They did have difficulty pulling the wire mainly caused by burial damage to conduit. Thanks for watching!

[@bhartveersingh1865]

Good job man love u from India Punjab Amritsar

[@mrhydrohead]

Thanks for watching. There will be a new video up on Friday 😉🙏

[@richardbradley961]

THANK YOU.

[@mrhydrohead]

You bet! Thanks for watching!

[@anshumansarkar3206]

OMG another great video keep working dude..... Love your work (Love for India)

[@mrhydrohead]

Thanks! Will do! Thanks for watching!

[@debashisdutta8158]

You people can change the world

[@mrhydrohead]

In many small ways, yes!

[@BuzbyWuzby]

Very interesting! An off-the-shelf micro hydro turbine would be the way to go rather than building one yourself

[@mrhydrohead]

Yes! There is a much greater availability of mfrs & designs today then when I started out in 1996.

[@Harikarikillboy-fs5vl]

Great, love the idea. Impractical as hell. It’s just not worth the investment, you’ll never generate enough electricity to offset the $100k investment and that’s just on original cost. Maintenance and repairs over time adds to that total significantly. Anything dealing with water and moving parts will be a nightmare to keep in good order. Those batteries are expensive and will need to be replaced every 5-6 years give or take, I can go on but ya get the idea.

[@stephenauty2402]

it is worth the investment if you got the property at a good price because it has no power to it. Lets say it was for sale at $600k with no power..they offer £500k and spend that money on renewable electricity and never have to worry about paying an electricity bill ever again..also 6kw is 140KW/hrs a day so about 5 times more than the average house needs so they have surplus to charge an EV or two so gas prices are no longer an issue either. Maintenance shouldn't be too bad , the pipe has 10m of head so should stay clean , the Coanda screen rarely needs any cleaning and the turbine needs bearings greased now and then. It's a no brainer.

[@daleolson3506]

@@stephenauty2402everyone forgets the turbines wear out battery’s go flat controllers burn out lightning takes it all out.

[@ChileExpatFamily]

There are a lot of these down here in Chile. Jim

[@HybridKoy]

Thanks for sharing

[@mrhydrohead]

Thanks for watching!

[@mx96288]

eagerly awaited :)

[@mrhydrohead]

Thanks for watching!

[@wahyudiimam4787]

Good job sir

[@Mike-kr5dn]

Thank you!

[@mrhydrohead]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@bluebull1985]

thats why in my country you put sand around every installation, so stones will not destroy a pipe or cable

[@mrhydrohead]

yeah the workers left to bury the pipe when the primary excavator operator had another job to get to didn't pay close enough attention. Thanks for watching! I posted a new video today

[@teagueman100]

Amazing! However I would put a shed over the turbine to protect it from the weather.

[@mrhydrohead]

I don't own this property and have merely documented it. I do believe the owner intended to put a small grain silo over the turbine although I haven't been back to the property as it is a 10 round trip drive. Thanks for watching

[@mankihonda983]

Few things I would have done differently: Iron-Nickel batteries instead of AGM. Shed for the turbine and maybe even for the upstream valves. Anyways wonderful homestead and great project and video series.

[@mrhydrohead]

Thx for watching!🙏

[@IkanGelamaKuning]

I wish live offgrid someday. Im learning adequate skills these few years.

[@mrhydrohead]

Much to learn! I hope you will see the rest of the channel. Thx for watching!🙏

[@shughalonly4724]

I reaoly commend your amazing effort ...sharing so much of information for free...still there are heroes like you in this money oriented world... Please guide us about the output of such a system and not specific but a rough expenditure?. Is there any guidance from which seller to buy this turbine from China?

[@mrhydrohead]

I don't own this system, so I don't know how much the total system cost. Even if I did provide cost figures, it would not be of much benefit as each system is unique to the chosen site and costs can vary widely depending on numerous factors. First there is the potential power available at the particular site which dictates if the desired use of that power is practical. Who will design the system? What will be the best equipment and materials available to meet the unique requirements of the most beneficial and practical design? Then there are expenses involved in acquiring water rights which are likely different in each state or country depending on a pro se (self applied) application or hiring lawyer to work on them. Who will do the labor to install the system? Is it your own sweat equity, friends that can help, or hired labor and at what rate? How much time will it take to install? What materials can be accessed? Reused or new pipe, copper or aluminum wire? How long a length of wire? What building(s) will house the equipment? What transformers, batteries, load regulators, power shunts, or utility net metering are available and/or appropriate to the particular site? All of theses factors can add to the costs and it would be naive of me to present a one size fits all price. One must be clear that installing a system is creating an asset which would likely provide power for a lifetime. Can it be financed over time and does that cost make economic sense when compared to running utility lines to an off grid property? Will a local utility be willing to purchase excess power and at what rate? Undertaking a project of this size is not for the faint of heart. It IS a large commitment both financially and in effort and time. My first system (1.5kw) which I own and documented on this channel cost ~$25k and was installed in the mid 90’s. Redesigning and moving the same equipment to a more reliable water source was also documented on my channel and took place between 2013-2015 and added another ~$55k but boosted the useable power by a factor of 5 to 7.5kw. WHEN a project occurs occurs is also a factor governing cost. Inflation impacts everything involved and the fact that I intend these videos to remain on the internet for years to come and provide some clear eyed guidance to people that are serious about their own intentions, this dictates that I not mislead them with cost estimates willynilly. Sorry to go on and on here. I know the system in this video with installation costs were in excess of $100K. Information on the specific Francis Turbine can be located off the placard on the side of unit at 4:25 in the video. You can contact them for current pricing. Thanks for watching and for your comment.

[@shughalonly4724]

@@mrhydrohead thanks a lot for the detailed reply ...I appreciate your time and effort ... Keep up good work ...

[@instrumentationcontrolhub786]

Nice project

[@mrhydrohead]

Thanks for watching

[@pizizhangsg1319]

Thank you China! Nothing to be seen here without it.

[@mrhydrohead]

Yes the Francis Turbine was from China and is the most critical component in the entire system. Thanks for watching!

[@wb1340]

Great video but I too would like to know the cost. Digging 1200' is not cheap, plus the pipe, turbine, misc. electrical inside the home, clean backfill material, LABOR! I just cannot see the ROI being worth it. Now, if you are in the middle of nowhere and the local power company quotes you six figures to bring electricity to your home then maybe it's worthwhile. Plus there's always the independence factor. I would love to work on one of these from the electrical side (electrician here)

[@mrhydrohead]

I don’t own this particular system and only documented it. With the costs you list I do expect it went over $100k. But it is beyond the reach of the grid, so it probably would have cost a fortune to bring power in. The system I own shown in the majority of videos on my channel made great sense in ‘96 being 7 miles from the grid. It continues to provide abundant reliable power now up to 511+ megawatts since installation and a joy to live with. Independence factor does rule! Thanks for watching

[@toddincabo]

nice! thanks

[@mrhydrohead]

Thanks for watching!

[@DannyCreech]

What would really help is a video explaining how each states laws prevent a land owner from putting in a Micro Hydro system. This may come as a shock to you but there are states that have laws against micro-hydro and the diversion of any water from streams, rivers, and lakes. I am currently looking for land and because of all the laws, I have all but given up on the idea that I will ever be able to have my own micro-hydro system. Just too much red tape.

[@mrhydrohead]

I wish I had the depth of knowledge about water law in different states. I might then be able to make that sort of video. I am not shocked and understand that often there are vested interests that do not want water rights to be adjudicated. Diverting water is a nonconsumptive use of the water, and to some small extent prevents evaporation from occurring with water openly flowing. Finding a local installer may be of some help in terms of an efficient means of learning the laws in a particular area. Sorry that I don’t have the depth of experience with water law in any state other than Colorado. I do hope that you can find a property which will meet your needs. Best of luck and thanks for watching.

[@Gantumursengee]

Thank you keep continue

[@mrhydrohead]

You bet. Thanks for watching!

[@jakubtrzebiatowski5308]

Thanks

[@mrhydrohead]

Welcome. Thx for watching

[@MarsuCooper]

Thank you for teaching us. Love your video’s. Maybe make a video about the nature in your area?

[@mrhydrohead]

Great idea! Thanks for watching!

[@stephenauty2402]

That would've cost somewhere between $100 -$130k , 6KW or 144KWhrs/day is way more than one house can use , an EV would use some up or a small business that needs a heap of electricity too. Batteries are there to create a huge amount of DC so if you need more current than the turbine can provide at once , you have it all ready and stored up, remember at low flows in the summer it won't be producing much power at all but that's when you don't need as much as you cook less (salads) and don't want hot showers or home heating.

[@letstec9117]

this a great video keep it up bro

[@mrhydrohead]

Thx 🙏🏼 for watching

[@studinthemaking]

How many kilowatts is this system?

[@JohnSmith-yv6eq]

I presume the Francis Turbine is not in danger of being submerged if a real gully washer rain hits the catchment area?

[@mrhydrohead]

Good question. I'll see if Ken has any comment on that. Thanks for watching!

[@NoCaminhodasPedrasDetectorismo]

Projeto top otimo! Like !!

[@mrhydrohead]

❤️🙏🏼 Thank you for watching

[@DBGE001]

So the electrical efficiency is around 80% for this system?

[@MrPizzaman09]

Thank you for the video. I've enjoyed your other series and maybe someday I'll set up a small system like this at my home (unfortunately I only have ~10 feet of drop that's on my property and the flow varies a lot from a trickle in the summer to 9' wide x 2' deep in the spring or heavy rain.)

[@mrhydrohead]

You might consider a Crossflow Turbine with such a low head. Its important to study the flow and resulting power potential through different seasons. Definitely should be done to optimize the expense/benefit ratio analysis. Thx for watching!

[@cpp1601]

Good

[@blazebroughton345]

It looks like a massive turbocharger

[@mrhydrohead]

Yeah my SAAB has one shaped like that. Thanks for watching

[@DmitriyKhazansky]

In Ken’s explanation, he said the power goes from the ABB inverter to the Outback inverter. What benefits do you obtain from using multiple inverters? Was a hybrid inverter considered that can do all of these in one (ie SolArk)?

[@mrhydrohead]

I don't know what Ken's rationale was in his selections of gear, but I trust his expertise. And because MY system is straight AC with an ELC for load management I know very little first hand about batteries/inverters. As I understand it, the purpose of feeding the AC to the Outback Inverter is to enable battery peak load capacity to the overall system as well as a means of shunting excess power to the dump loads to the right of the Outback. I don't know that the ABB inverter has the capability of shunt loads which would provide load management tot he system. The shunt dump load wasn't described in the video for reasons of brevity. I don't know virtually anything about the SolArk unit you mention and it may forego what he has designed. Ken is a pretty busy person and isn't involved in these videos beyond allowing me access to document them. I try to not bother him with questions about what he has completed as I know he's onto several other projects once he finishes one. Thanks for watching!

[@didzofficial]

Researching more on this.I know Heavenly Father will help me make one

[@asbestosfiber]

This is a great system but the cost must have huge.

[@juliasanchez9055]

I find microhydro fascinating and can't wait for more videos

[@mrhydrohead]

Thanks for watching!

[@michaelvanallen6400]

Unfortunately, hydropower has extremely high investment costs (approx. 10-50 T$ per kWp), but generates electricity continuously (except during drought). Hydropower therefore makes sense if you need to be self-sufficient from the power grid. Bur due to the extreme drop in prices for solar modules, electricity from hydro and wind power plants is now 3 to 10 times more expensive in comparison. Today you can buy 400W solar modules for as little as 50-70$.

[@Anthony-kd2tbi]

What's the conversion loss in the electrical management system? Not sure why doesn't rectify directly to DC then to charge controller into the batterys. Rectifying and inverting it twice adds conversion losses.

[@mrhydrohead]

Sorry I don't have an answer to those details. I'm neither the designer or the owner of this system. You could ask the designer/installer (Ken) whose email contact is in the notes about the video. Thanks for watching.

[@zincfive]

How loud is that turbine? The sound of the stream was over taken at half power, it puts out what 70-80 or some dB? Did the house the turbine? It would be maddening to me if there were a constant mechanical noise disturbing the peace

[@mrhydrohead]

Sorry for the slow reply. Because I don’t own and haven’t visited this system since making the video, I don’t have an accurate answer for you. My understanding was that the owners intended to install a silo type structure to house the turbine. I doubt they left it out in the elements where the noise would be highly unpleasant and the equipment would degrade over time. If I get an update I will post another response to you.

[@giggling_boatswain]

4:17 Moreover, Russia and China use in the characteristics and in the marking of the wire its actual cross-sectional area of the metal core (sq. mm. 0.75, 0.5..... ), and the rest of the countries use some conventional units AWG (18, 20.....)

[@mrhydrohead]

Interesting. I didn't know that. Thanks for sharing the info.

[@lasithpremarathna9205]

good one 👍🏻

[@mrhydrohead]

Thanks for watching!

[@jamestegarden2584]

Should of used a mandrel... and What was the calculated voltage drop on that 1200' run?

[@mrhydrohead]

Not sure where you suggest utilizing a mandrel, but for alignment that might have helped. I don't own the system and didn't design it so I don't have exact numbers on V drop, but because the AC was wild and unregulated it would have been a range depending on Voltage. Heavy gauge aluminum wire was likely a higher loss than copper would have been but I'm sure cost was an issue. Thanks for watching.

[@peterswalmen]

4:33 that elctricbox so close to the river. Dont you have floodings?

[@mrhydrohead]

I believe the owner planned to build a silo type structure over the unit to protect it. Thx 🙏 for watching.

[@62Cristoforo]

I am curious why the unregulated power coming in to the electrical utilities room is converted from alternating current to direct current, and then back again to alternating current? Would this have something to do with regulating the RMS sine wave or the frequency?

[@mrhydrohead]

Sorry for the slow reply. The power from the turbine is unregulated and comes into the house in a range of voltage and hz which varies. Using a simple transformer would not output the standard power required by code. Rectifying the power to DC enables the inverter to use this source plus the battery bank to output regulated power that meets code specifications. At least thats how I understand it. Thanks for watching

[@jonathanparker2939]

Whew. A 6.6kw ground mount solar installation would have been much more affordable….and significantly less complex.

[@mrhydrohead]

Perhaps, but I think the owners wanted a system that had the consistent energy to facilitate heating @7500 ft elevation. Thanks for watching.

[@hailstorm7868]

How cost effective is it compared to wind/solar? Assuming heating is done without using electricity (so total home consumption under 3kW averaged)

[@mrhydrohead]

I don't own this system and was merely granted access to document it's installation. I do believe that the owners plan to use the reliable supply of power for heating @7500ft. elevation. Output can range up to ~158kWh/day at full capacity with surges handled up to 10kW. See 4:24 in video for specs. Thanks for watching

[@corneillealimasi1530]

Very interesting, how to contact you for your services?

[@mrhydrohead]

Not sure what you have in mind, but email me [e-mail]

[@hummmingbear]

Beautiful system, very well done. Do you know why AGM batteries were chosen over LiFePO4 chemistry?

[@mrhydrohead]

This was a reply I got from Ken, the designer/installer: "The Francis turbine required a battery based inverter because the system is off grid. There is plenty of power from the turbine and the batteries would rarely cycle. I used AGM batteries because they are designed for that purpose - remain full most of the time. Lithium batteries are far more expensive and don’t justify the expense as the batteries are simply a requirement for off-grid." Hope this answers your question. Thanks for watching.

[@Trump2024M]

Got to the part where the betting for the electrical conduit was smashed. That would lead me to be very worried about the bedd8ng for the 12". Hope all is well

[@mrhydrohead]

As far as I know, the system is running great with no complications. I'm not the owner of the system, but just documented it for the channel. Thanks for watching.

[@notreallyme425]

Awesome! Any idea on the daily electrical output?

[@mrhydrohead]

If the owners run it at designed max they should get 6000 watts or 144kWh/day. I don’t think they will need to run it at that level until they build other buildings on the property. Thanks for watching!

[@Critter145]

Awwesome

[@HarukiYamamoto]

Very nice. How much did the turbine cost?

[@mrhydrohead]

I don't know the answer to that because I don't own the system and wasn't given access to the budget. You can contact the mfr and get that info. Their contact info is shown on a placard at 4:25 in the video. Thanks for watching!

[@josephpadula2283]

All the dams on the Columbia River for the first 200 miles are Kaplan turbines Bonneville, The Dalles, John Day, McNary etc The oldest is 1930’s newest 1970, no Francis turbines! Kaplan are like a propellor with controllable pitch . Low head high volume . Reaction Francis medium head Pelton high head. Very high. Impulse Cross flow also for low head but not used on Very big dams.

[@mrhydrohead]

Thanks for the info. I took my info on the preponderance of Francis from wikipedia. Thanks for watching and commenting

[@liamhotspur9182]

Great videos! Thanks for uploading! Did I miss some numbers or what is the nominal elec. capacity of the system?

[@mrhydrohead]

At 4:24 in the video is a plate showing 6.6kw. I don’t own the system, so can’t provide measured output over time. Thx for the compliment and for watching 🙏🏻

[@alexandrevaliquette3883]

It's very cool... but.. Freedom is not cheap.

[@Maaniic]

I'm wondering why there wasn't a bigger slab for the turbine so that a small turbine house could be built over it to protect it from the elements. At the same time would there be an advantage to have the rectifier and dump load in said turbine house. As rectifying 3p ac to DC bumps the voltage which avoids transmission losses and 1 fewer conductor. That and some form of actuator could be fitted to the vane control.

[@mrhydrohead]

What Mr. Gardner told me was that the owner intends to put a grain silo type structure over the turbine. I don’t know what sort of foundation is planned for that. I hope you saw part 1 where the base below the turbine is shown as a prefabricated discharge chamber. I don’t think there is any slab under it. The least amount of transmission loss is achieved with the 3Phase AC being run the greatest distance and then being rectified at the house. DC would have a greater line loss. The dump load in the house provides some heat where it would be useful. I don’t believe they wanted to put any automation on the vane control and to leave that adjustment to be manual. Thanks for watching!

[@keithboydstun]

Could you sell the unused energy back to the electric company? If I understand right it’s producing 5kw which is way more then a single hour.

[@mrhydrohead]

The system is capable of up to 6.6kw so that is a great deal of power yielding up to ~158kWh/day (24x6.6). But this system is fully off grid so there are no lines to the utility. Thanks for watching 😉

[@post-MV]

Is there enough rotation? Seniors, please help me

[@johnj4860]

Wouldn't it be better to control the speed of the turbine to deliver 60 Hz instead of 70? Switching to dc then back to ac incurs additional losses. Ok using batteries means some ac to dc and then back to ac in an inverter would be involved but if there's adequate water storage available I question the wisdom of using a battery at all

[@jonclement]

nice. though I'd go with lifepo4 batteries. at 12v 600aH would run you $2,000 I'd budget for a 1500aH system and reduce the turbine to peleton 600 watt with 1.5 inch tube. I suppose electric heating will dictate the exact demands on the system but for one house with only high peak loads supplied by constant generator -- rely more on battery tech then industrial setups

[@mrhydrohead]

There are always a variety of options and approaches to assembling components into any system. Each micro hydro setup is unique depending on the owners needs, budget, and technical knowledge as well as the parameters of head and flow available at the site. I believe the owner of this system intends to build other structures on the property and that may be why the system is sized as it is. I have virtually no experience with battery storage on my own system, so you may be correct on the best choice for batteries. Other viewers have made similar comments on the batteries. With 36 ft of head it is unlikely that you would harness much power with a pelton turbine which are more optimal for high head systems. Thanks for watching and your comment.

[@saudagartebu8846]

Sukses semangat mantap mampir

[@mrhydrohead]

Terima kasih telah menonton!

[@karimi1100]

please will u mantioned the cost and production of this machine

[@mrhydrohead]

I don't own this system, so I don't know how much the total system cost. The turbine is designed to output 6.6kW. You can get the cost of the turbine itself by contacting the manufacturer with information on the placard shown at 4:25 in the video. I hope this helps. Thanks for watching

[@khaledissa9818]

جيد،،،من فضلكم كم يحتاج ماء بالساعه ليعمل،،،؟ وكم ثمنه تقريباً،،،؟ وهل ينتج ٦ كيلو واط بالساعه،،،،؟ شكراً فيديو مفيد ،،،تقبلوا اطيب الاماني👍💐

[@mrhydrohead]

أنا لست صاحب هذا النظام. أنا فقط وثقت هذا النظام بالذات. يوضح الجزء الأول kzbin.info/www/bejne/mYq1h4SEjM5jpac على نظام فرانسيس هذا أن معدل التدفق المصمم هو 3.0 قدم مكعب في الثانية (cfs) أو 1350 جالونًا في الدقيقة أي ما يقرب من 5100 لتر في الدقيقة. أعتقد أنه كان أكثر من 100 ألف دولار على الرغم من أنني لا أستطيع الوصول إلى الأرقام الحقيقية. لم يكن لهذا النظام عمالة من المالكين وكانت جميع تكاليف التركيب مع العمال المستأجرين مما قد يؤدي إلى زيادة التكاليف بشكل كبير. توجد معلومات اتصال بالشركة المصنعة في الساعة 4:24 في الفيديو ويمكن الحصول على التكلفة الحالية من هناك. كما يوضح أن الناتج المصمم للنظام هو 6.6kw ولديه معلومات أكثر دقة عن تصميم وقدرات التدفق. لم يكن لدي وصول إلى تلك اللافتة عندما أنشأت الجزء الأول. أنا متأكد من أنه يمكن أن ينتج هذا القدر من القوة حيث يتمتع المصمم بخبرة عالية. ومع ذلك ، لأنني لا أملك النظام ، لا يمكنني إعطاء أرقام دقيقة للإنتاج الذي يعتمد على التغيرات الموسمية في تدفق المياه في الخور. أتمنى أن يساعدك هذا وشكرا على I am not the owner of this system. I merely documented this particular system. Part 1 kzbin.info/www/bejne/mYq1h4SEjM5jpac on this Francis System shows that the designed flow rate is for 3.0 cubic feet per second (cfs) or 1350 gpm which is roughly 5100 liters per minute. I believe it was over $100k although I don't have access to the real numbers. This system had no labor from the owners and all installation costs were with hired workers which could greatly increase the costs. There is contact information for the manufacturer at 4:24 in the video and current cost can be acquired from there. Also it shows that the designed output of the system is 6.6kw and has more accurate information on flow design and capacities. I didn’t have access to that placard when I made Part 1. I’m sure that it can produce that much power as the designer is highly experienced. However, because I don’t own the system I cannot give accurate numbers of production which depends on seasonal changes in water flow in the creek. I hope this helps you and thanks for watching.

[@khaledissa9818]

@@mrhydrohead نعم ساعدتني اجابتك المفصله جداً،،اقدر هذا لك ،،شكراً جزيلاً،،تقبل اطيب الاماني🤝💐