Low Head Micro Hydro Turbine

Are you planning to generate your electricity using water? It is a dream that you can easily achieve. It doesn’t have to be a large water body. Even with a small stream, river, and canal, it is still possible to utilize it for power generation. This is when the importance of ultra low head hydropower kicks in.

One of the key components of a low head power generation is a low head micro hydro turbine. In this article, we are going to look at the essentials for buying this turbine.

What is a head in a hydropower plant?

The head is the vertical distance from the water surface to a barrier. There are low and high heads. In low head hydropower systems, there are two types of low head turbines – impulse and reaction turbine generators. 

The low head micro hydro turbine falls under the impulse turbines category. This type of turbine is ideal for low flow rates or low-pressure heads ranging from 2-7m (7-25ft). It has an efficiency that covers up to 90% depending on its power rating.

High heads generate greater potential energy than low heads do because they have a bigger cross-sectional area in their reservoir as well as more power density per unit volume of water storage. 

Dams with high head reservoirs also have much larger capacities compared to low head turbines.

Facts to be considered when buying a low head micro hydro turbine:

 Materials used for the construction of the generator

Majority of the turbines are constructed using fiberglass which is light and less expensive than metal. 

Its durability, however, still depends on how much exposure it will have to corrosive materials such as water and air (particularly during rainy season). Likewise, if it falls into the river because of an earthquake or something else.

Size of the low head micro turbine

The capacity of low head micro hydro turbines ranges from about 1kW up to 10kW. There are some models with higher outputs but they will require a bigger low head reservoir. 

The smallest low head turbine is the 1/3 HP low flow impulse turbine capable of generating 1,000W at 3m (10′) low head pressure.

 Operating and maintenance cost

 This low head generator requires less cost compared to other counterparts. This is mainly because it has no excitation system or high-temperature bearings that need to be replaced frequently. 

In addition, there are minimal components such as stator, shaft, and impeller which make this low head generator very easy in maintaining its condition for years to come.

Power density

A low head generator with low power density has a low flow rate per unit area. On the other hand, high-power-density low head generators tend to have low volume and low power output compared to low-density low head turbines.

 Nonetheless, this still depends on how big is the water body where it will be placed.

Power rating

The power rating is given in watts or hp depending on the desired conversion of electricity from its mechanical energy generated by a turbine (low flow energy) into mechanical energy that can be used as electrical energy (high flow energy). 

It is important to determine which type of ultra low head hydro turbine you need. These types include low head impulse, reaction, or crossflow.  

Before deciding on your power rating because this will dictate what kind of model should be used.

Weirs and low head water reservoirs 

This low head micro hydro turbine, unlike the low-flow water turbines, works best with low or no spillways which are often present in low head generators. 

The reason behind this is that they need a higher flow through them to create pressure at the runner intake.

 In fact, weirs can do more harm than good because it reduces the available volume of water flowing through your turbine thus reducing its output capacity for energy production. 

Generator’s efficiency

The majority of low head micro hydro turbines have an efficiency rating of 80% up to 90%. On average, low head impulse turbines produce about 60kW per 100ft2 or 75hp per acre while reaction turbines have a low head efficiency of about 50%.

Nozzle or runner intake 

low head impulse turbines have low flow energy compared to low head reaction turbines and cross-flow micro hydro’s.

 Low flow energy generators only work with a nozzle, which is a funnel-shaped structure through which water in low flow rate/ low pressure passes as it enters the runner.

 On the other hand, low head reaction-based turbines require an additional small nozzle called the inducer.  This works together with the turbine’s runner intake for a low-pressure operation which is unable to use nozzles alone.

Cost of low head micro hydro turbine

It is also important to consider the price of the low head micro hydro turbine before you buy. Hence, it is recommended for you to opt for low head micro hydro turbines that are low in price but high in quality. 

The price will vary depending on the features and specifications of the turbine. Consider contacting the hydro turbine manufacturer or supplier directly for more pricing information.

Installing ultra-low head generator kits

 There are low head micro hydro turbine kits available online and offline which can be installed easily by yourself or your family members with little or no technical knowledge of power generating systems. 

You may also consider assembling a low head generator kit yourself to save money on installation costs.

 However, always double-check the drawings and instructions before installing low head micro hydro generators to avoid injuries caused by incorrectly assembled low heads generator kits.

Low head hydro turbine manufacturer

 It is also important to know where to buy a low head micro hydro turbine from. There are many low head micro hydro turbine manufacturers available online and offline. 

Take your time to properly know the manufacturers or suppliers before deciding to buy.

You may also consider buying low head hydro turbines in China since this country is known for low head micro hydro turbines. 

In conclusion, if you are planning to buy a low head micro-hydro turbine, make sure that you consider the factors above. They will help you get the best low head micro hydro that meets your power needs. Contact reliable low head micro hydro turbine manufacturers and suppliers for more details.

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