The Micro Hydro Project: Episode 4 - The Intake Part 2

This is a continuation of the previous video. I install the blue barrel and all it's components including the cleanout, the overflow, and the penstock. Enjoy!

[@JohnSmith-uz8bb]

Please think about building a pond using a dam wall and creating a 3 foot deep pool of water...the excess not going into the penstock just flows over the dam wall. Then take that black pipe and cap it... and drill a hundred 1/4 inch holes in the pipe, cover it with shade cloth or wind shelter fabric.... and stick that pipe into the water half way between the floor of the pond and the top surface of the pond. Stones and silt drop to the floor and leaves and sticks float over the dam wall...leaving still, clear water to completely fill the pipe without creating a vortex (each small hole has insufficient flow to create bubbles). now you have a penstock of solid water to lead off to your turbine....and it doesn't matter how it twists and turns...all the water is flowing downhill anyway..... total fall gives you the pressure at the turbine...

[@manvsland]

Hmm. That would totally eliminate the need for the whole intake box as well as the blue barrel. I'd have to think about how exactly to construct the dam and pond but it sounds like it should work really well... great idea!

[@udos46]

uses PU, polyurethane foam, to close unwanted water passages, it works very well in running water and also blocks stones

[@manvsland]

Thanks for the idea! That was tricky...I ended up going in a different direction with the intake, you will see soon!

[@pdzh]

With this kind of water flow, i would think of idea of 2 intake barrels, just like 2 chamber septic system, but with 3 or 4 holes between the barrels. Water gets into first, then travels into second with 3 or 4 pipes (tanks same level). Then on the second tank have overflow and charge lines come out to service.

[@manvsland]

That's a great idea! That would really help to make sure nothing gets into the pipe, especially no air...I will definitely consider adding another barrel to the intake - thank you!

[@pdzh]

@@manvsland absolutely, anytime, my Friend, I enjoy brainstorming on dynamics

[@ktmrider7592]

Did you consider a coanda screen. It makes it so much easier.

[@manvsland]

I did look into the coanda screens. I wasn't totally sold on them to be honest - but I can see that changing after a few iterations of home-made, semi- functioning intakes! Considering how important the intake is, maybe I should reconsider...

[@ktmrider7592]

@@manvsland coanda screens work outstanding. If you buy just the screen and not the whole box by Elgin you will save a ton of money. I have a source if needed

[@manvsland]

​@ktmrider7592 Ok, I'll take your word for it - I'd love to look into installing one of you'd be nice enough to share a code!