Microhydro Turbines

Today we are faced with some serious choices about our future. Do we continue to live as we are and let come what may to the planet, or do we get serious about changing things. Alternative fuel sources can make a huge impact on the carbon emission and amount of global warming that is occurring. Hydroelectric power is one possible way forward in the battle against climate change.

Micro hydro turbines are something that meets with some opposition. Getting the balance right to make hydroelectric power viable can be tricky. In itself, micro hydro turbines and hydroelectric power offer both advantages and disadvantages in its use.

Small scale micro hydro turbines offer loads of advantages. For a small scale micro hydro turbine to be effective only small amounts of water are needed. As little as 2 gallons per minute can flow to make a small scale microhydo turbine work. It can also power homes and buildings up to a mile away from the site.

Small scale microhyro turbines operate off of a reliable energy source. Water is constantly flowing so the supply of energy will be constant.

A small scale micro hydro turbine needs no reservoir to keep it going. The water amounts are small so less land is also needed.

Unfortunately there are some drawbacks with using small scale Micro hydro turbines. During the summer months, the water flow drops. This makes them much less efficient than other sources of power. This can however be helped with solar panels that can take over when the amount of sunlight is greater.

Using micro hydro turbines also means that future expansion plans are not really viable. Since the water supply comes from rivers and streams, that site stays constant. Expanding could cause environmental damage.

Micro hydro turbines are not the answer to all the energy problems we face. However, it is a clean, renewable energy source and could help in our battle against climate change.