I watch a lot of videos on RUclips. A lot! I just wanted you to know that your videos (series) is the most interesting, informative, awesome, fun videos I have come across in a long time. I hope you continue to make more. Thank you for sharing.
This system looks as if it will work indefinitely with minimal maintenance, I'm sure that there are many many envious farmers and homestead peeps that have water flowing through their property, even if it's city runoff, it's free, it's an awesome gadget to have built, well done sir.
The system runs pretty much maintenance free. The only issue is the changes in the creek diversion that have to be periodically dealt with. This spring has seen a huge volume of water which changed the course of the creek. So, I will be figuring out a new approach to doing the diversion once the waters recede. It was super heavy snow this year and the runoff is still going which is about a month longer than normal. Anyway, thx for watching and the comments.
I liked the music. A J b said it best. Was thinking of doing something to the water line under my house so every time water flows I'm generating some power. Since I dont live next to a flowing creek anymore.
Thanks so much for watching. Cost it out for sure if you are serious. It takes a lot of fall/flow to justify the cost. Maybe you're just kidding. Anyway, best to you!
You bet. System runs constantly. Only maintenance is checking the input of water and occasional lubing of the bearings. Thx for watching I'm never sure who has seen what of the series. Here is a playlist of the 3 part synopsis which is an overview of the whole process ruclips.net/p/PLtTypVpmDd-vkT9bJQkXw4I1t0e_4jMYA The whole series is in about 25 videos.
Very much enjoyed this series. Hoping you go into great detail on how to hook it up to the house, what all is needed and even where to get those items. Not many ppl take the time to tell about all of that. It would be a nice touch.
getsmartnow2011 Thanks for the suggestion. There is a lot of detail coming on the specs of the electrics, switches, generator windings, fuses/breakers, wire gauge, transformers, phase, system load control, resistive loads and such. I'm not a licensed electrician, but I will do my best to explain what I understand and to be thorough when I get to it.
Love this. You came up with a wonderful idea and chose to share it. This is America, land of the free. Your clips are and must be Public Service Aides. Thank you for sharing. Love the music too. 👌
Thanks so much for the kind comment. It has been a labor of love and an attempt to give something back for all the good fortune I’ve had in my life. We are so blessed to be here, particularly with the currrent state of affairs.
MrHydrohead my prayer is to see this technology help people in developing countries. That’s why I follow you. It’s a godsend when fellow humans share knowledge at no cost to others. God richly bless you sir. 👌🏽
One of the neatest video series Ive seen on RUclips. Id really like to thank everyone involved for taking the time and energy to document this. Its truly a feat of engineering and also a blessing that you guys spent as much consideration vlogging this as you did executing your project. Beyond cool and very inspiring. Looking forward to the next installment.
worldishis You're very welcome. My pleasure to share what I have learned about it all. As a retired cinematographer, it lends me a topic I'm passionate about to have a small measure of creative expression. Hopefully it benefits those who's interests align.
I just knew I should have been a cameraman......... I found this video series this morning and watched the whole thing in one go, well, except for a few pee breaks. This was amazing stuff, can't wait to see the rest. Thank You.
Jurgen Ritzhaupt Yes being a DP was a fantastic gig for the decades I did that. Now hydro is my hobby and this series is being shot on an iPhone. Glad you like the series. its fun for me to share my passion… More to come detailing the whole process.
Wow, just wow, guys. I love it. I want to learn it. I love your video, too. Colorado is so beautiful. One thing I was wishing though is that I could concentrate on the instruction detail better, the music was very distracting for me, and I was wishing I could mute it, but then I couldn't hear you, and I very much wanted to do that. But still you guys... so cool. Thanks for posting!!!
Oh how pretty the Aspens are!! I went to Jackson Hole and to Yellowstone this summer and the Aspens were beautiful but I really wanted to see them turn yellow!!
Hi there! Quite a contraption you built there. I like it! I'm all for free energy. Just acquired some land in CO and I'm entertaining on what I will do there. I only have a seasonal path of water flow though. I assume that the water flows as snow melts from the mountain. I don't know anything about CO land, since I'm from Miami, FL. I've set my self up for a great adventure, and are confident that everything will be all right. Just have to watch lots of videos like yours and meet people that know about the land. Thanks for sharing the info. I look foward to seeing more videos like this one 🙏👍😀
Actually its quite simple and old 1890's tech. Much more steady than solar. Solar would have been an option were it not so expensive (in 1996 when I started) and relied on batteries which I didn't want to tend or worry about when absent from the property. The seasonality of your water would likely make micro hydro a poor choice for you. Solar would be better. Tons of information out there which didn't exist on the net when I started. Thx for watching I'm never sure who has seen what of the series. Here is a playlist of the 3 part synopsis which is an overview of the whole process ruclips.net/p/PLtTypVpmDd-vkT9bJQkXw4I1t0e_4jMYA The whole series is in about 25 videos. A good place to learn about renewables might be www.solarenergy.org This was the place where I first studied a course on how to do Micro Hydro in 1995. They have numerous courses in lots of technologies and you can certainly connect with like minded people there. Best of luck in your project.
@@mrhydrohead Thanks sooo much for replying so quickly and so thorough. I will take your advice, and yes, definitely solar (not sure about wind) is a better option. I'll look at your videos and others about solar power.....we'll be in touch 🙏😀
Another commenter pointed out the error in the link I provided that it didn't work. It should have been ruclips.net/p/PLtTypVpmDd-vkT9bJQkXw4I1t0e_4jMYA Sorry about that.
Just found this today. Watched the whole thing and was disappointed to find that I'd have to wait for spring to see how it turns out. ;) Great work and great videos. Can't wait for spring. Subbing for sure.
I love the hard work, detail and passion of such projects , however, I just cannot understand why so many people choose to have background music when trying to explain details, I prefer to hear the grinder, the drill and natural sounds with these videos. That should be all the 'soundtrack' you need. Good job on the build ! Well done.
Some of the drone footage is down res from 4k, but the bulk was shot with a 1080 iphone. So i stuck with the lowest resolution. Also my older mac has a tough time with 4k. Another limitation. Thx for watching and for the kind comment. 👍🏻
Amazing stuff... and inspiring. I envy you guys for focussing efforts on what matters, water and power and the land. Down here in South Africa, we are just watching our backs. I want to accomplish a hydro system like this here in my area from the mountain springs, once I am over the fear of government stealing it.
What you've actually built there is called a PSV or a Pressure Service Valve at the end some people call them pop off valves but that's pretty cool what you've built there
CJWarlock on AliExpress www.aliexpress.com/store/product/5000w-220V-water-Hydroelectric-generator-Single-phase-or-three-phase-Low-Speed-Start-NdFeB-permanent-magnet/2828045_32971050046.html?spm=2114.12010612.8148356.1.ad844e5eogZ7Ef
Yup, just runs continually and is currently generating about 7500w continuously 24/7. Heats the house and the hot tub in addition to all the other uses. Thx for watching. I never know who has seen what segments. Parts 20-1,2,3 are a synopsis of the whole thing.
I do like that Dodge truck at 10:28! Subtle body line's hide it's aggressiveness! As a child, One of my neighbor's had the same make & model! His was in prestige condition! It was brown with stickers stating "POWER WAGON" & like I mentioned, In meticulous condition until one day, He had to much to drink & as a 14 yr old, I asked him to assist in helping out with a jumpstart & looking back on the situation, Had I of realized that he had been drinking, I would not have asked him! He only moved his truck 20 yards & destroyed it, hitting a pole & destroyed the trucks value & looks! Requiring severe body work, it would have been easier to replace entire body panels back when that truck was more common & many more of that model were in local junk yards & in relatively good shape! Imagine one with a Hellcat or Demon drivetrain & possibly a 4wheel drive set up, That would be a sweet ride!
A solid, practical post on how to build a hydro system. Liked and subs +1. I'm now going to watch the rest of the series and try it for myself. Nicely done.
Hi from UK. Air in water lines cause cavitation..not good.. Good on venting off.. We work at 4000 bar! For big oil peps in Norway :) Keep up the great work and vids :) 🖒🖒
This is great to actually see a system this small being put into practical use. You have no idea how many people I've talked with say "nope, can't be done on a small scale, wont work.". PLEASE keep us up to date on your work to raise the capacity. On another note, knowing very little about electricity, what does 4800watts/115 kwh a day equate to as far as running appliances like refrigerators, lights, etc? Thanks for sharing this video with us and I think I'm gonna subscribe for more. :)
+liljgoneman Glad to have a new subscriber. OK on the power end some simple math, 4800w X 24hrs = 115,200watts or 115,200/1000 = 115.2kilowatt-hours (KWH). Most homes in US average about 30KWH a day. You can check your utility bill to see how much your own bill is. 1000watts burning for one hour is 1KWH. 10-100watt bulbs burning for an hour is 1KWH. Toasters, hair dryers, space heaters and other heating elements are power hogs and are usually 1500 to 2000watts. Appliances, Refrigerators and other motor driven devices have a variety of ratings which can always be found on the UL listing sticker on the device but are usually under 1000watts. 4800watts would allow you to run a total of 4800watts of load continuously which is a lot, but might occasionally be exceeded when the wife runs the hair dryer, the toaster and coffee maker are on and a space heater kicks on. Its a lot of power if you pay a bit of attention to not use everything at once. Very few things run continuously. Motors and heating elements use the most wattage. Often appliances are rated in amps but it is simple to convert them to watts. Volts X Amps = Watts or Watts/Volts = Amps. It is important before installing a system to add up what the expected demand on the system will be via a simple energy audit.
At the intake, why not make a roof like water diverter to move water to each side, with holes in the middle debt so that will strain out debris from entering your inlit. sort of like a arrow pointing to the upper part of the stream, you can use Corrugated material, and drill holes as filter, the arrow shape can be made in as many levels as needed for the debris (snow melt probaly bring in more trash/debris. Just an idea.
This video lasted longer than it took me to set my Coanada screen below the county culvert at the top of my property. 147' vert lower I've been getting 837 watts, 24/7 of course, into the grid, for 9 months out of the year, for the last 16 years.
Well then this makes you a genuine “hydrohead”. Congrats on the successful system. You undoubtedly know how great it is to live with micro hydro. Thanks for watching.
A micro hydro is being installed near my town has a drop of about 500ft comes from a reservoir what has been up there for years they upgraded it a few years ago, finally doing something with it.
Honestly, I hate adds 👿... But right at min. 8:30 *sikaflex* Add as an sponsor could help... But then, I realized; 👍YOU ARE THE ONE HERE TO HELP 👍 I edited my comment typing all this, becouse when i saw the comments complaining about the loud music, I was so *amazed* about how the project was getting close to be ready, *I swear that I never pay attention to the music*.
Thx for the suggestion and for watching. There are those that complain, regardless of how the content is presented. I'm never sure who has seen what of the series. Here is a playlist of the 3 part synopsis which is an overview of the whole process ruclips.net/p/PLtTypVpmDd-vkT9bJQkXw4I1t0e_4jMYA
thx for watching. I never know who has seen what. Watch parts 20-1,2,3 for a synopsis of the whole project. ruclips.net/p/PLtTypVpmDd-vkT9bJQkXw4I1t0e_4jMYA
Great work! A lot of cool stuff. The only thing that I would add is that the engineering should take into account the eco system that has been devastatingly interrupted. There are ways around the problems that you have caused in that beautiful location. That is what people have been doing for hundreds of years so maybe something new would be more inspiring!
+William Glenn On what evidence do you base your presumption of ecological damage? All earthworks have been successfully reseeded, only a portion of the creek water has been diverted thereby maintaining wildlife habitat, and there hasn't been erosion of any note due to the project. Please inform me of the problems you see that our project caused. Not having actually seen the site, I'm very curious on your point of view and how you arrived at it.
I am not knocking the fact that it is an awesome project well engineered and hard work put in but old school thinking says move and dig what you have to for your own needs and not truly consider the environment around you. Just because you reseeded after causing damage doesn't negate the fact that you caused damage. Also diverting a water way never repairs the damage done. I am just saying that some real ecological insight would be a great future project. I think that the thought you put into the ecology of the project is beyond normal but definitely can be stepped up.
1. THAT MUCH WORK LOOKS INSANE 2. HOW MUCH ALL THAT COST ? 3. HOW MUCH POWER WILL PRODUCE ? 4. WILL THAT EVEN PAY OFF IN A LIFE TIME ? 5. WELL DONE FOR THAT HARD JOB ;-)
Good Questions that many have asked before 1. THAT MUCH WORK LOOKS INSANE Yes it was a lot of work, but we wanted to make it a solid permanent addition to the property. 2. HOW MUCH ALL THAT COST ? If you watch the whole series, out initial system (video parts 1-5) in 1996 ran $25K. For that we got pressurized domestic spring water, power, and a pond to raise fish. That was in lieu of paying $140K (1995 cost estimate) to bring power line in 7 miles and then pay monthly bills. The redesign and move to creek (video parts 6-20) cost another $55k finishing in 2015 in lieu of paying $250-300K (2013 cost estimate) to bring power in. With the move we retained the domestic water and pond. 3. HOW MUCH POWER WILL PRODUCE ? This year we ran it in Winter at about 7500w (180kWh/day) and it provides all heating to the house and a hot tub with additional overhead for all tools, appliances etc. with no power bills. Excess power gets stored as hot water (300gallons) always available. In other seasons we run it at a lower flow setting of 4500w (108kWh/day) as the other setting is just to much waste heat. We could run it at the higher settings year round and may do this in the future to service a greenhouse or other needs. 4. WILL THAT EVEN PAY OFF IN A LIFE TIME ? It ultimately is an investment in the value of the property and a solid commitment to be off grid as a lifestyle choice. Lots of people try to look at in terms of payback, but compared to the cost of bringing power in, it was a no brainer decision and the rewards of abundant reliable power have been well worth it all. Every time you cook a meal, turn something on, or do a job with your tools you think, man thats cool that its water power that is doing that! 5. WELL DONE FOR THAT HARD JOB Thx for watching! I never know who has seen what. Watch parts 20-1,2,3 for a synopsis of the whole project. This is a playlist of those 3 parts: ruclips.net/p/PLtTypVpmDd-vkT9bJQkXw4I1t0e_4jMYA
Wonderful work as ever, with regard to the leaks between the woodwork sections dont worry to much, are you aware that most wooden boats suffer from the same problem when taken out of the water for a while and then swell shut when reintroduced to the water, I know this is a while ago but keep this in mind for future reference....x
The mental clash between "I really need to watch this!" and "music too loud! can't process words!" was resolved by muting the vid and reading the cc. But cc does a lot better job on US accents than it does on literally anyone from anywhere else in the world, so at least that was a valid option here.
Sorry you had difficulty with the video audio. Others in the past made similar comments, so I uploaded versions of many of the videos without music. They can be found here in this playlist: ruclips.net/p/PLtTypVpmDd-vs1KhnputU1l7EeNcVmEBH Hopefully this helps you. Thanks for watching and your comment
I'm just seeing this for the first time, but you may want to pust gravel around the burping/air release pipe that's by the damn. or put a 90° elbow and extended pipe on it so it drains any trapped water back into the reservoir
Yes there are a couple of audio portions recorded not as narration,but via the mic of an iPhone. The mix isn't great, but with this many views (1M+) I'm reluctant to make any changes and repost it.
I love when you get thumbs down to these videos, great video, inspiration for the next generation who are going to need this motivation, unlike the thumbs down people who are probably sat watching this around their coal fuelled fire.
+Matthew Jones Yes lots of critics out there. Some very nasty. Profane ones get immediately deleted. My desire was just to put my experiences out there as there really aren't any how to videos that go in depth on the process. Living with it all is most satisfying especially this winter as we heat the house almost entirely with power from the system with no utility bills, just our own efforts and ingenuity.
A _thumbs down_ doesn't automatically mean that the viewer thinks it's a crappy video. I would dislike a video simply to tell the RUclips algorithm that a certain video is of no interest to me and I wish no further recommendations for similar videos.
Thanks for the kind comment. I never know who has seen what. Watch parts 20-1,2,3 for a synopsis of the whole project. This is a playlist of those 3 parts: ruclips.net/p/PLtTypVpmDd-vkT9bJQkXw4I1t0e_4jMYA The whole series of videos is 20+ videos.
I am sure you realize the welding of the brace to your epoxy painted pipe will cause the paint to fail in the vicinity of the weld. I would expect the pipe to last 15 years at least even with this defect. I would have used PVC or Fiberglass for the whole design.
It paid for itself day 1. In 1995 I got an estimate of $20k per mile x 7 miles or $140k to bring grid power in. First system ran $25k and update to creek was $55k. Also to run power to the property today would be $250-300k. So rather than looking at it as a cost analysis based on rates and power produced, it's better to think of it as a long term investment in the value of the property where all future power is virtually free. Thx for watching
Nope but thats funny. When you think about it, moving water is the largest collective of kinetic solar energy on earth. Wind and solar pale in comparison. Hopefully this was a good intro to this very old and proven tech. Best of luck with your plans. Thanks for watching.
+Larz No batteries by choice. Excess power all goes to heat. Winter-to heat the in-floor glycol system & domestic water, Summer-Domestic hot water and Jacuzzi and whatever else I can figure out. Due to its being AC I have to use all power generated to maintain load balance. If the waste heat is getting to be too much, I just turn the flow on the system down a bit. Would love to sell power to the grid, but 7 miles from mains is a long way to span and the original reason for going off grid. They wanted $140k(20k/mile) in 1996 to connect me. I took a left turn instead.
+MrHydrohead Thanks for the reply and all the info. What does the turbine put out, ac, DC, how many volts and what do you use to regulate the hz and voltage? And how does that play in to bringing a new load online, like an ac unit when already at max load? Do you have a controller than knows that the hot water unit is for waste power and when you bring a 4,000 watt load online, it shuts down 4kw to the waste circuit to keep the load and turbine speed constant?
I find the music bothersome when trying to listen to what you are saying. Perhaps the music would be better turned down lower then your voice which would go along way in hearing what is actually being said. I find your videos most interesting and encouraging concerning we in NZ pay though the nose for our household power when we have a beautiful free flowing stream nearby that flows directly out of a man made dam outlet.
Sorry you’re having difficulty. Here is a link to a short introduction video that has links listed for all non-music versions m.ruclips.net/video/6LfP8funM3k/видео.html
That coupling only had 2-3 psi in my estimation, but it became increasingly enlarged over time. We replaced it this fall with a coupling that has 6 strap bands and a stainless steel wrap between the bands and the rubber liner. Still it did last 4 years in use and once removed returned to its original shape. Thx for watching
Thanks for the reply. I know you've heard it a thousand times but what a beautiful install! I appreciate and respect your need for privacy but it is sort of a shame that you couldn't provide guided tours of the site, it should be a national monument of some sort
fantastic too bad it's illegal in Quebec Canada to create electricity from falling water even if it is from your eaves troughs of your own house. I want to do exactly what you are doing but I must find another country to do it in. looking forward to your next video
+Kaoss Comkaoss Sorry to hear that. BC has lots of installations or so I've heard. Perhaps the provincial regs are less constrictive there. My original hydro engineer was from BC. The regs are different everywhere and it's important to check them out before acquiring a property. There will be more vids, just can't say when. I have an electrical engineer who is working on some remote control features and I'll be adding capacity to the load on the system. Complicated things so it may take some time. Thanks for watching.
MrHydrohead . traveled the United States Brazil the Philippines and Thailand. looking for a Micro Hydro site. all country poses unique problems. I would like to get in touch with your engineer. I'm thinking of creating a portable power generation unit.
This is the only video of the series I've watched but I'm wondering if you did this as a renewable resource or just for something different? It looks like a great expense that grabbing a generator and running none stop would be cheaper!
You’re really gonna wish you had installed a 1/4 turn lever valve on the drain point rather than a gate valve. Might be worth trying to change it if you have any problems with it anyway in the future
i think sir, when flood comes, your piping will be ruined, nice to divert the water right or left side of a river using a concrete dam and wooden flash two flush board just incase of flood and any flotsam/sand to stock in your dam
@@bonkiano i experience in making this, use for irrigation, using the flashboard but first divert the water when heavy rains come, just pull out the wooden board to flush the sand and it will no be ruined by the raze of flood
Crickelwood Soon we will fully escape LA for a full off grid life. Been working towards it for almost 20 years now. Thus far winters have been shorter visits due to power constraints with reduced winter springwater flow. But, the springwater system does supply lights and some appliances. For heat, south facing passive solar design, wood stove heat, and an in floor propane boiler heat system. A large slab beneath the house captures/stores both solar heat and electrically generated heat(very efficient and comfortable). Large appliances use gas powered generator when occasion requires. With the new system that should all move to hydropower with excess electricity heating the in floor heat system all winter and in summertime a hot tub(maybe even in winter). Will charge an electric car too, if they would just manufacture a reliable/good range/reasonable cost model. We shall see in more detail once the system becomes fully operational. A process of ongoing discovery...
I'm not sure why you selected galvanized pipe for a water application. Corrosion... I didn't see an intake screening device, what happens to debris which needs to be diverted elsewhere? (Probably a different episode)
Galvanized corrugated pipe for the bridge is for rigidity and a PVC pipe runs within it. I also provides a small amount of captured air for insulation. Not a bit of corrosion to date on that. There are about 25 videos in the series which I'm guessing you haven't seen all of . I'm never sure who has seen what of the series. Here is a playlist of the 3 part synopsis which is an overview of the whole process ruclips.net/p/PLtTypVpmDd-vkT9bJQkXw4I1t0e_4jMYA Within that 3 videos are pointers to the more specific things you might want more information. Hope this helps. Thx for watching
Where you have the Leaks the flex tape supposedly you can put it anywhere even under water and it'll hold I don't know if you have access to Internet right this second but if you do look it up
Love your videos! You have such a great narration voice. This part covers the areas I need to improve on my system. All very well engineered. Your flex coupling looks like it might give you some problems. Looks temping for a bear. Are you wiring the generator for 440v and stepping down at the house?
Thanks Joel. Its fun to see the responses, in my former life I was a Hollywood cameraman, so film is in the blood too. You never know what wild animals will do, that's certainly true. Cross the fingers, probably still need to create deterrence for cows as well which graze the land in Summer. Yes, the generator is a 12 lead 10K Marathon and will be wired 480 single phase then stepped down at house. I'll be discussing the 1 vs. 3 phase decision I made in the next vid in the Spring. Its wired to be able one day to go 3 phase if desired, but don't need that much power or want to deal with leg balancing issues.
Well that former life explains a lot! Don't ever say "I don't need that much power", as the later stage of the addiction is upgrading as you use up more power. You never have enough!. You will need 3 phase to run the machine shop equipment you buy to build your next system.....
I've been following the video series, and liking what you've shared so far. I couldn't help but think of finding some surplus transformers in the 10 to 15KVA size, to step up to Medium Voltage, between 4,160 and 7,200V for the hop from genset(s) to the loads. And having a small switchyard too. Doing so, one could use 6AWG open wire pole line to carry the equivalent of several hundred amps at 120-208 3PhY.
+RayRay Mcdoogle It is about 1100 ft. between generator and house. This was determined by the footage marks on the protective wire casing. (part 10 of series)
The metal segments of pipe were primer coated and painted with marine 2part epoxy grade paint from the turbine manufacturer. Should last at least my lifetime. And there is only about 6-8 ft of it buried at the powerhouse. Everything else is PVC. Thx for watching
MrHydrohead 2 hours ago I have posted a non-music version for you. Here is a short intro video with links to non music versions in the comments section ruclips.net/video/6LfP8funM3k/видео.html
I watch a lot of videos on RUclips. A lot! I just wanted you to know that your videos (series) is the most interesting, informative, awesome, fun videos I have come across in a long time. I hope you continue to make more. Thank you for sharing.
ANDREW Hey thanks so much for the kind comment and thanks for watching.
Well said, and true
Well said! 🖒
ruclips.net/video/GFOzp_8EN7s/видео.html
ruclips.net/video/XtBmgOJhF5Q/видео.html
This system looks as if it will work indefinitely with minimal maintenance, I'm sure that there are many many envious farmers and homestead peeps that have water flowing through their property, even if it's city runoff, it's free, it's an awesome gadget to have built, well done sir.
The system runs pretty much maintenance free. The only issue is the changes in the creek diversion that have to be periodically dealt with. This spring has seen a huge volume of water which changed the course of the creek. So, I will be figuring out a new approach to doing the diversion once the waters recede. It was super heavy snow this year and the runoff is still going which is about a month longer than normal. Anyway, thx for watching and the comments.
I liked the music. A J b said it best. Was thinking of doing something to the water line under my house so every time water flows I'm generating some power. Since I dont live next to a flowing creek anymore.
Thanks so much for watching. Cost it out for sure if you are serious. It takes a lot of fall/flow to justify the cost. Maybe you're just kidding. Anyway, best to you!
You put a lot of thought and labor into this, and I think you will feel well rewarded for years to come.
You bet. System runs constantly. Only maintenance is checking the input of water and occasional lubing of the bearings. Thx for watching I'm never sure who has seen what of the series. Here is a playlist of the 3 part synopsis which is an overview of the whole process ruclips.net/p/PLtTypVpmDd-vkT9bJQkXw4I1t0e_4jMYA The whole series is in about 25 videos.
Very much enjoyed this series. Hoping you go into great detail on how to hook it up to the house, what all is needed and even where to get those items. Not many ppl take the time to tell about all of that. It would be a nice touch.
getsmartnow2011 Thanks for the suggestion. There is a lot of detail coming on the specs of the electrics, switches, generator windings, fuses/breakers, wire gauge, transformers, phase, system load control, resistive loads and such. I'm not a licensed electrician, but I will do my best to explain what I understand and to be thorough when I get to it.
Love this. You came up with a wonderful idea and chose to share it. This is America, land of the free. Your clips are and must be Public Service Aides. Thank you for sharing. Love the music too. 👌
Thanks so much for the kind comment. It has been a labor of love and an attempt to give something back for all the good fortune I’ve had in my life. We are so blessed to be here, particularly with the currrent state of affairs.
MrHydrohead my prayer is to see this technology help people in developing countries. That’s why I follow you. It’s a godsend when fellow humans share knowledge at no cost to others. God richly bless you sir. 👌🏽
One of the neatest video series Ive seen on RUclips. Id really like to thank everyone involved for taking the time and energy to document this. Its truly a feat of engineering and also a blessing that you guys spent as much consideration vlogging this as you did executing your project. Beyond cool and very inspiring. Looking forward to the next installment.
worldishis You're very welcome. My pleasure to share what I have learned about it all. As a retired cinematographer, it lends me a topic I'm passionate about to have a small measure of creative expression. Hopefully it benefits those who's interests align.
I worked at blue mesa, morrow point, crystal dams/powerplants, and Molina powerplants as a hydro mechanic and operator on the units. Nice build there!
Thanks. I met d klein once and always wanted to tour morrow, never did. Beautiful dam there especially in spring when they open the overflow.
I just knew I should have been a cameraman......... I found this video series this morning and watched the whole thing in one go, well, except for a few pee breaks. This was amazing stuff, can't wait to see the rest. Thank You.
Jurgen Ritzhaupt Yes being a DP was a fantastic gig for the decades I did that. Now hydro is my hobby and this series is being shot on an iPhone. Glad you like the series. its fun for me to share my passion… More to come detailing the whole process.
Wow, just wow, guys. I love it. I want to learn it. I love your video, too. Colorado is so beautiful. One thing I was wishing though is that I could concentrate on the instruction detail better, the music was very distracting for me, and I was wishing I could mute it, but then I couldn't hear you, and I very much wanted to do that. But still you guys... so cool. Thanks for posting!!!
Oh how pretty the Aspens are!! I went to Jackson Hole and to Yellowstone this summer and the Aspens were beautiful but I really wanted to see them turn yellow!!
Weare in the first week of turning just now. Hope to capture the spectacle with the drone. Thx for watching
The view from your property is amazing!
This type of ingenuity should be encouraged and be at the forefront of the Green New Deal. Real people making real change.
First time looking into these turbines,i can tell you will do well as your pressure looks good.
Thx for watching. I never know who has seen what segments. Parts 20-1,2,3 are a synopsis of the whole thing.
Hi there! Quite a contraption you built there. I like it! I'm all for free energy. Just acquired some land in CO and I'm entertaining on what I will do there. I only have a seasonal path of water flow though. I assume that the water flows as snow melts from the mountain. I don't know anything about CO land, since I'm from Miami, FL. I've set my self up for a great adventure, and are confident that everything will be all right. Just have to watch lots of videos like yours and meet people that know about the land. Thanks for sharing the info. I look foward to seeing more videos like this one 🙏👍😀
Actually its quite simple and old 1890's tech. Much more steady than solar. Solar would have been an option were it not so expensive (in 1996 when I started) and relied on batteries which I didn't want to tend or worry about when absent from the property.
The seasonality of your water would likely make micro hydro a poor choice for you. Solar would be better. Tons of information out there which didn't exist on the net when I started. Thx for watching I'm never sure who has seen what of the series. Here is a playlist of the 3 part synopsis which is an overview of the whole process ruclips.net/p/PLtTypVpmDd-vkT9bJQkXw4I1t0e_4jMYA The whole series is in about 25 videos.
A good place to learn about renewables might be www.solarenergy.org This was the place where I first studied a course on how to do Micro Hydro in 1995. They have numerous courses in lots of technologies and you can certainly connect with like minded people there.
Best of luck in your project.
@@mrhydrohead Thanks sooo much for replying so quickly and so thorough. I will take your advice, and yes, definitely solar (not sure about wind) is a better option. I'll look at your videos and others about solar power.....we'll be in touch 🙏😀
Another commenter pointed out the error in the link I provided that it didn't work. It should have been ruclips.net/p/PLtTypVpmDd-vkT9bJQkXw4I1t0e_4jMYA
Sorry about that.
I am really impressed with your work, and the way you present you video. Food for motivation for my own project. Thank you.
Just found this today. Watched the whole thing and was disappointed to find that I'd have to wait for spring to see how it turns out. ;) Great work and great videos. Can't wait for spring. Subbing for sure.
Thanks for the compliment. Yeah, it's a long process. I'm eager to see it all done too
I love the hard work, detail and passion of such projects , however, I just cannot understand why so many people choose to have background music when trying to explain details, I prefer to hear the grinder, the drill and natural sounds with these videos. That should be all the 'soundtrack' you need. Good job on the build ! Well done.
This wonderful. I like it. You must be a genius with a great creative mind. Don't stop.... You have been doing great!!!
Thx for watching
Very impressive! It's a lot of work but worth it to be off the grid.
It WAS a ton of work and the rewards have been well worth it. Thx for watching
I wish this was in 4k! Absolutely stunning series!
Some of the drone footage is down res from 4k, but the bulk was shot with a 1080 iphone. So i stuck with the lowest resolution. Also my older mac has a tough time with 4k. Another limitation. Thx for watching and for the kind comment. 👍🏻
Amazing stuff... and inspiring. I envy you guys for focussing efforts on what matters, water and power and the land. Down here in South Africa, we are just watching our backs. I want to accomplish a hydro system like this here in my area from the mountain springs, once I am over the fear of government stealing it.
What you've actually built there is called a PSV or a Pressure Service Valve at the end some people call them pop off valves but that's pretty cool what you've built there
thx for watching
Well done! Thank you for sharing your creation, hobby, passion, and expertise!
+Gibs 78
My pleasure, thank you!
I remember watching and liking this video some years ago. Now I don't see my like. Where's my like, RUclips? Great video BTW.
CJWarlock on AliExpress
www.aliexpress.com/store/product/5000w-220V-water-Hydroelectric-generator-Single-phase-or-three-phase-Low-Speed-Start-NdFeB-permanent-magnet/2828045_32971050046.html?spm=2114.12010612.8148356.1.ad844e5eogZ7Ef
has it Held up through out Winter.great diy project.
Yup, just runs continually and is currently generating about 7500w continuously 24/7. Heats the house and the hot tub in addition to all the other uses. Thx for watching. I never know who has seen what segments. Parts 20-1,2,3 are a synopsis of the whole thing.
I do like that Dodge truck at 10:28! Subtle body line's hide it's aggressiveness! As a child, One of my neighbor's had the same make & model! His was in prestige condition! It was brown with stickers stating "POWER WAGON" & like I mentioned, In meticulous condition until one day, He had to much to drink & as a 14 yr old, I asked him to assist in helping out with a jumpstart & looking back on the situation, Had I of realized that he had been drinking, I would not have asked him! He only moved his truck 20 yards & destroyed it, hitting a pole & destroyed the trucks value & looks! Requiring severe body work, it would have been easier to replace entire body panels back when that truck was more common & many more of that model were in local junk yards & in relatively good shape! Imagine one with a Hellcat or Demon drivetrain & possibly a 4wheel drive set up, That would be a sweet ride!
We call her “The Big White Tuna”. Reliable yet horrible on mpg. Thx for watching
Thats not a dodge. Its a Chevrolet.
A solid, practical post on how to build a hydro system. Liked and subs +1. I'm now going to watch the rest of the series and try it for myself. Nicely done.
Thx for watching!
Hi from UK.
Air in water lines cause cavitation..not good..
Good on venting off..
We work at 4000 bar!
For big oil peps in Norway :)
Keep up the great work and vids :) 🖒🖒
Woah thats some hefty pressure! Thanks for watching
I am really enjoying the whole series and cant wait for the next video.
Greetings from the netherlands
This is great to actually see a system this small being put into practical use. You have no idea how many people I've talked with say "nope, can't be done on a small scale, wont work.". PLEASE keep us up to date on your work to raise the capacity. On another note, knowing very little about electricity, what does 4800watts/115 kwh a day equate to as far as running appliances like refrigerators, lights, etc? Thanks for sharing this video with us and I think I'm gonna subscribe for more. :)
+liljgoneman
Glad to have a new subscriber. OK on the power end some simple math, 4800w X 24hrs = 115,200watts or 115,200/1000 = 115.2kilowatt-hours (KWH). Most homes in US average about 30KWH a day. You can check your utility bill to see how much your own bill is. 1000watts burning for one hour is 1KWH. 10-100watt bulbs burning for an hour is 1KWH. Toasters, hair dryers, space heaters and other heating elements are power hogs and are usually 1500 to 2000watts. Appliances, Refrigerators and other motor driven devices have a variety of ratings which can always be found on the UL listing sticker on the device but are usually under 1000watts. 4800watts would allow you to run a total of 4800watts of load continuously which is a lot, but might occasionally be exceeded when the wife runs the hair dryer, the toaster and coffee maker are on and a space heater kicks on. Its a lot of power if you pay a bit of attention to not use everything at once. Very few things run continuously. Motors and heating elements use the most wattage.
Often appliances are rated in amps but it is simple to convert them to watts. Volts X Amps = Watts or Watts/Volts = Amps. It is important before installing a system to add up what the expected demand on the system will be via a simple energy audit.
MrHydrohead Very cool! Thanks for the lesson.
At the intake, why not make a roof like water diverter to move water to each side, with holes in the middle debt so that will strain out debris from entering your inlit. sort of like a arrow pointing to the upper part of the stream, you can use Corrugated material, and drill holes as filter, the arrow shape can be made in as many levels as needed for the debris (snow melt probaly bring in more trash/debris. Just an idea.
Nice but kindly reduce the music level. Your voice should be higher than the music
This video lasted longer than it took me to set my Coanada screen below the county culvert at the top of my property. 147' vert lower I've been getting 837 watts, 24/7 of course, into the grid, for 9 months out of the year, for the last 16 years.
Well then this makes you a genuine “hydrohead”. Congrats on the successful system. You undoubtedly know how great it is to live with micro hydro. Thanks for watching.
A micro hydro is being installed near my town has a drop of about 500ft comes from a reservoir what has been up there for years they upgraded it a few years ago, finally doing something with it.
+ben lawton Glad to hear it. Over 200psi! What state, or what city is it near?
+MrHydrohead it's in wales uk
That''s some shaggy looking weld! ;)
Honestly, I hate adds 👿...
But right at min. 8:30 *sikaflex*
Add as an sponsor could help...
But then, I realized;
👍YOU ARE THE ONE HERE TO HELP 👍
I edited my comment typing all this, becouse when i saw the comments complaining about the loud music, I was so *amazed* about how the project was getting close to be ready, *I swear that I never pay attention to the music*.
Thx for the suggestion and for watching. There are those that complain, regardless of how the content is presented. I'm never sure who has seen what of the series. Here is a playlist of the 3 part synopsis which is an overview of the whole process ruclips.net/p/PLtTypVpmDd-vkT9bJQkXw4I1t0e_4jMYA
great set up!!!!
thx for watching. I never know who has seen what. Watch parts 20-1,2,3 for a synopsis of the whole project. ruclips.net/p/PLtTypVpmDd-vkT9bJQkXw4I1t0e_4jMYA
Wow, what a nature, what s autumn. 😋👍
If you haven't already, can I recommend that you get a pop filter for your microphone? It'll stop the pops on your mic when you do your voice overs.
Great work! A lot of cool stuff. The only thing that I would add is that the engineering should take into account the eco system that has been devastatingly interrupted. There are ways around the problems that you have caused in that beautiful location. That is what people have been doing for hundreds of years so maybe something new would be more inspiring!
+William Glenn
On what evidence do you base your presumption of ecological damage? All earthworks have been successfully reseeded, only a portion of the creek water has been diverted thereby maintaining wildlife habitat, and there hasn't been erosion of any note due to the project. Please inform me of the problems you see that our project caused. Not having actually seen the site, I'm very curious on your point of view and how you arrived at it.
I am not knocking the fact that it is an awesome project well engineered and hard work put in but old school thinking says move and dig what you have to for your own needs and not truly consider the environment around you. Just because you reseeded after causing damage doesn't negate the fact that you caused damage. Also diverting a water way never repairs the damage done. I am just saying that some real ecological insight would be a great future project. I think that the thought you put into the ecology of the project is beyond normal but definitely can be stepped up.
Excellent progress. Looking forward to the next installment...
Your videos are great! Really enjoyed the whole series!
1. THAT MUCH WORK LOOKS INSANE 2. HOW MUCH ALL THAT COST ? 3. HOW MUCH POWER WILL PRODUCE ? 4. WILL THAT EVEN PAY OFF IN A LIFE TIME ? 5. WELL DONE FOR THAT HARD JOB ;-)
Good Questions that many have asked before
1. THAT MUCH WORK LOOKS INSANE
Yes it was a lot of work, but we wanted to make it a solid permanent addition to the property.
2. HOW MUCH ALL THAT COST ?
If you watch the whole series, out initial system (video parts 1-5) in 1996 ran $25K. For that we got pressurized domestic spring water, power, and a pond to raise fish. That was in lieu of paying $140K (1995 cost estimate) to bring power line in 7 miles and then pay monthly bills. The redesign and move to creek (video parts 6-20) cost another $55k finishing in 2015 in lieu of paying $250-300K (2013 cost estimate) to bring power in. With the move we retained the domestic water and pond.
3. HOW MUCH POWER WILL PRODUCE ?
This year we ran it in Winter at about 7500w (180kWh/day) and it provides all heating to the house and a hot tub with additional overhead for all tools, appliances etc. with no power bills. Excess power gets stored as hot water (300gallons) always available. In other seasons we run it at a lower flow setting of 4500w (108kWh/day) as the other setting is just to much waste heat. We could run it at the higher settings year round and may do this in the future to service a greenhouse or other needs.
4. WILL THAT EVEN PAY OFF IN A LIFE TIME ?
It ultimately is an investment in the value of the property and a solid commitment to be off grid as a lifestyle choice. Lots of people try to look at in terms of payback, but compared to the cost of bringing power in, it was a no brainer decision and the rewards of abundant reliable power have been well worth it all. Every time you cook a meal, turn something on, or do a job with your tools you think, man thats cool that its water power that is doing that!
5. WELL DONE FOR THAT HARD JOB
Thx for watching! I never know who has seen what. Watch parts 20-1,2,3 for a synopsis of the whole project. This is a playlist of those 3 parts: ruclips.net/p/PLtTypVpmDd-vkT9bJQkXw4I1t0e_4jMYA
Want a lot of pressure then use a big tank and have the pipe on the bottom and have the water from the river pour into the top of the tank.
Thats essentially what we've done. Thx for watching. I never know who has seen what segments. Parts 20-1,2,3 are a synopsis of the whole thing.
excellent composition
Wonderful work as ever, with regard to the leaks between the woodwork sections dont worry to much, are you aware that most wooden boats suffer from the same problem when taken out of the water for a while and then swell shut when reintroduced to the water, I know this is a while ago but keep this in mind for future reference....x
Thanks for the note. I'll keep it in mind.
Great project, looking forward to the next instalment!
Excellent design Great Video thanks gives me Ideas.
Thx for watching. I'm sure you probably realize this is just part of a full series of videos
The mental clash between "I really need to watch this!" and "music too loud! can't process words!" was resolved by muting the vid and reading the cc. But cc does a lot better job on US accents than it does on literally anyone from anywhere else in the world, so at least that was a valid option here.
Sorry you had difficulty with the video audio. Others in the past made similar comments, so I uploaded versions of many of the videos without music. They can be found here in this playlist: ruclips.net/p/PLtTypVpmDd-vs1KhnputU1l7EeNcVmEBH
Hopefully this helps you. Thanks for watching and your comment
I'm just seeing this for the first time, but you may want to pust gravel around the burping/air release pipe that's by the damn. or put a 90° elbow and extended pipe on it so it drains any trapped water back into the reservoir
+shexdensmore It only occurs for a short period, so no great loss of water or erosion from the burps
Great accomplishment when the dream goes to reality
Living with plenty of power is a real pleasure. Thx for watching
Love the intro, I subscribed just for that.
But be careful that your BG music isn't louder than your speaking voice!
Yes there are a couple of audio portions recorded not as narration,but via the mic of an iPhone. The mix isn't great, but with this many views (1M+) I'm reluctant to make any changes and repost it.
Thanks for sharing
My pleasure. Thx for watching!
AWSOME ENOUGH SAID ALL THE BEST
great video!
Biggest Colorado Pipe i've seen thus far!
😉✌🏼
Very nicely put together and very informative :) keep up the good work
this will be the future solution for living off grid family in United States
a futur solution that cost much more than solar
If the zombie apocalypse ever does come, I want you on my team.
this is so relaxing
Glad you like. Thx for watching
I love when you get thumbs down to these videos, great video, inspiration for the next generation who are going to need this motivation, unlike the thumbs down people who are probably sat watching this around their coal fuelled fire.
+Matthew Jones Yes lots of critics out there. Some very nasty. Profane ones get immediately deleted. My desire was just to put my experiences out there as there really aren't any how to videos that go in depth on the process. Living with it all is most satisfying especially this winter as we heat the house almost entirely with power from the system with no utility bills, just our own efforts and ingenuity.
A _thumbs down_ doesn't automatically mean that the viewer thinks it's a crappy video. I would dislike a video simply to tell the RUclips algorithm that a certain video is of no interest to me and I wish no further recommendations for similar videos.
I am very enjoyed your video and looking forward to the next part
Excellent work!!
Thanks for the kind comment. I never know who has seen what. Watch parts 20-1,2,3 for a synopsis of the whole project. This is a playlist of those 3 parts: ruclips.net/p/PLtTypVpmDd-vkT9bJQkXw4I1t0e_4jMYA The whole series of videos is 20+ videos.
extremely impressed by your work well done !!!?
really enjoyed your video
Thx for watching and the kind comment
I am sure you realize the welding of the brace to your epoxy painted pipe will cause the paint to fail in the vicinity of the weld. I would expect the pipe to last 15 years at least even with this defect. I would have used PVC or Fiberglass for the whole design.
Great job bro.
Thx. So much fun to see so many watching it 12.5k in first 24 hrs. Blows my mind
I would imagine the wood swelling from exposure to water will seal the leaks..
Briar Horn same
Why do people even dislike videos like these???
Nice view on the intro to the video.
Excellent Hydro engineering, may you have many years of power. How long until late it pays for itself?
It paid for itself day 1. In 1995 I got an estimate of $20k per mile x 7 miles or $140k to bring grid power in. First system ran $25k and update to creek was $55k. Also to run power to the property today would be $250-300k. So rather than looking at it as a cost analysis based on rates and power produced, it's better to think of it as a long term investment in the value of the property where all future power is virtually free. Thx for watching
I love your videos so much i also live in co
Hey, glad you like them. Nice to meet you neighbor. Hydrogeek, nice handle
Do you narrate for National Geographic? 🤓😜🤣
Great videos. What you have done for power is similar to what I want to do when I get some acreage.
Nope but thats funny. When you think about it, moving water is the largest collective of kinetic solar energy on earth. Wind and solar pale in comparison. Hopefully this was a good intro to this very old and proven tech. Best of luck with your plans. Thanks for watching.
Concentrated sunlight can pump water up to create small clean water dam.
+Bean Cube I totally agree. I think he should also use yodeling cats and cold fusion for more efficient power generation.
+Bean Cube I totally agree. I think he should also use yodeling cats and cold fusion for more efficient power generation.
That is cool. Thanks for sharing....
Brilliant work. Do you have a battery bank? What do you do with the excess power generation? I'm guessing you use no more than 50 KWH per day?
+Larz
No batteries by choice. Excess power all goes to heat. Winter-to heat the in-floor glycol system & domestic water, Summer-Domestic hot water and Jacuzzi and whatever else I can figure out. Due to its being AC I have to use all power generated to maintain load balance. If the waste heat is getting to be too much, I just turn the flow on the system down a bit. Would love to sell power to the grid, but 7 miles from mains is a long way to span and the original reason for going off grid. They wanted $140k(20k/mile) in 1996 to connect me. I took a left turn instead.
+MrHydrohead Thanks for the reply and all the info. What does the turbine put out, ac, DC, how many volts and what do you use to regulate the hz and voltage? And how does that play in to bringing a new load online, like an ac unit when already at max load? Do you have a controller than knows that the hot water unit is for waste power and when you bring a 4,000 watt load online, it shuts down 4kw to the waste circuit to keep the load and turbine speed constant?
Brilliant works, (Congratulations)
I find the music bothersome when trying to listen to what you are saying.
Perhaps the music would be better turned down lower then your voice which would go along way in hearing what is actually being said.
I find your videos most interesting and encouraging concerning we in NZ pay though the nose for our household power when we have a beautiful free flowing stream nearby that flows directly out of a man made dam outlet.
Sorry you’re having difficulty. Here is a link to a short introduction video that has links listed for all non-music versions m.ruclips.net/video/6LfP8funM3k/видео.html
that place is so beutifull I like it
Looks cold though..
What company made your brass pelton wheel? Next, I want to know how much did it cost you. Finally, I would like to get one myself.
Wow, that Fernco at 8:30 looks pretty stressed. Did that hold or did you have to do something different? We've had no luck with them past 50psi or so.
That coupling only had 2-3 psi in my estimation, but it became increasingly enlarged over time. We replaced it this fall with a coupling that has 6 strap bands and a stainless steel wrap between the bands and the rubber liner. Still it did last 4 years in use and once removed returned to its original shape. Thx for watching
Thanks for the reply. I know you've heard it a thousand times but what a beautiful install! I appreciate and respect your need for privacy but it is sort of a shame that you couldn't provide guided tours of the site, it should be a national monument of some sort
fantastic too bad it's illegal in Quebec Canada to create electricity from falling water even if it is from your eaves troughs of your own house.
I want to do exactly what you are doing but I must find another country to do it in.
looking forward to your next video
+Kaoss Comkaoss
Sorry to hear that. BC has lots of installations or so I've heard. Perhaps the provincial regs are less constrictive there. My original hydro engineer was from BC. The regs are different everywhere and it's important to check them out before acquiring a property.
There will be more vids, just can't say when. I have an electrical engineer who is working on some remote control features and I'll be adding capacity to the load on the system. Complicated things so it may take some time. Thanks for watching.
MrHydrohead .
traveled the United States Brazil the Philippines and Thailand. looking for a Micro Hydro site.
all country poses unique problems.
I would like to get in touch with your engineer.
I'm thinking of creating a portable power generation unit.
wow that was amazing working
This is the only video of the series I've watched but I'm wondering if you did this as a renewable resource or just for something different? It looks like a great expense that grabbing a generator and running none stop would be cheaper!
Andrew Blackburn cheaper, yes but it would be so much more hassle over time and it's much worse for the environment
You’re really gonna wish you had installed a 1/4 turn lever valve on the drain point rather than a gate valve. Might be worth trying to change it if you have any problems with it anyway in the future
Maybe some day, No problems so far. Thx for watching.
what area of Colorado do you live in? Its breathtaking!
Southwestern CO between Montrose & Gunnison. South of a small town called Cimarron. It is a beautiful area….
i think sir, when flood comes, your piping will be ruined, nice to divert the water right or left side of a river using a concrete dam and wooden flash two flush board just incase of flood and any flotsam/sand to stock in your dam
Philip you seem knowledgeable on this kind of project.
@@bonkiano i experience in making this, use for irrigation, using the flashboard but first divert the water when heavy rains come, just pull out the wooden board to flush the sand and it will no be ruined by the raze of flood
So, how long did that PVC 1" hose barb fitting last? Haha, I cringed out loud when I saw that! Great work fellas!
Still there, no problem
Concrete will rust all of the unpainted steel it's in conract with.
Very interesting and I like the music choice
+Playlist Maker
Thanks, there are those that complain about the music, but to each there own. De Gustibus non est Disputandum
Great video series, well done. Only wish I could escape the city for a life like that!
Would you mind me asking what you do for power over the winter?
Crickelwood Soon we will fully escape LA for a full off grid life. Been working towards it for almost 20 years now. Thus far winters have been shorter visits due to power constraints with reduced winter springwater flow. But, the springwater system does supply lights and some appliances. For heat, south facing passive solar design, wood stove heat, and an in floor propane boiler heat system. A large slab beneath the house captures/stores both solar heat and electrically generated heat(very efficient and comfortable). Large appliances use gas powered generator when occasion requires.
With the new system that should all move to hydropower with excess electricity heating the in floor heat system all winter and in summertime a hot tub(maybe even in winter). Will charge an electric car too, if they would just manufacture a reliable/good range/reasonable cost model. We shall see in more detail once the system becomes fully operational. A process of ongoing discovery...
Very cool. I know who I want on my team if the world should end :)
I'm not sure why you selected galvanized pipe for a water application. Corrosion...
I didn't see an intake screening device, what happens to debris which needs to be diverted elsewhere?
(Probably a different episode)
Galvanized corrugated pipe for the bridge is for rigidity and a PVC pipe runs within it. I also provides a small amount of captured air for insulation. Not a bit of corrosion to date on that. There are about 25 videos in the series which I'm guessing you haven't seen all of .
I'm never sure who has seen what of the series. Here is a playlist of the 3 part synopsis which is an overview of the whole process ruclips.net/p/PLtTypVpmDd-vkT9bJQkXw4I1t0e_4jMYA Within that 3 videos are pointers to the more specific things you might want more information. Hope this helps. Thx for watching
Where you have the Leaks the flex tape supposedly you can put it anywhere even under water and it'll hold I don't know if you have access to Internet right this second but if you do look it up
Thx I’ll check it out
Love your videos! You have such a great narration voice. This part covers the areas I need to improve on my system. All very well engineered. Your flex coupling looks like it might give you some problems. Looks temping for a bear.
Are you wiring the generator for 440v and stepping down at the house?
Thanks Joel. Its fun to see the responses, in my former life I was a Hollywood cameraman, so film is in the blood too. You never know what wild animals will do, that's certainly true. Cross the fingers, probably still need to create deterrence for cows as well which graze the land in Summer. Yes, the generator is a 12 lead 10K Marathon and will be wired 480 single phase then stepped down at house. I'll be discussing the 1 vs. 3 phase decision I made in the next vid in the Spring. Its wired to be able one day to go 3 phase if desired, but don't need that much power or want to deal with leg balancing issues.
Well that former life explains a lot!
Don't ever say "I don't need that much power", as the later stage of the addiction is upgrading as you use up more power. You never have enough!. You will need 3 phase to run the machine shop equipment you buy to build your next system.....
I've been following the video series, and liking what you've shared so far.
I couldn't help but think of finding some surplus transformers in the 10 to 15KVA size, to step up to Medium Voltage, between 4,160 and 7,200V for the hop from genset(s) to the loads. And having a small switchyard too. Doing so, one could use 6AWG open wire pole line to carry the equivalent of several hundred amps at 120-208 3PhY.
BPM Productions of Colorado mmkkkkwiuop
good
wow u guys know your stuff,heres a question for ya how long of a run between hydro AC generator to house ,I heard only 300 yards is that right???
+RayRay Mcdoogle It is about 1100 ft. between generator and house. This was determined by the footage marks on the protective wire casing. (part 10 of series)
What actions are you going to perform so that your pipe doesnt corrode underground?
The metal segments of pipe were primer coated and painted with marine 2part epoxy grade paint from the turbine manufacturer. Should last at least my lifetime. And there is only about 6-8 ft of it buried at the powerhouse. Everything else is PVC. Thx for watching
im guessing this is on your property with all construction and all, but did you have to get permits and all that to do this project?
Certainly. You must obtain the non consumptive water rights among meeting other criteria.
High agree about the music loudness. In technical explainations music is a distraction.
MrHydrohead 2 hours ago
I have posted a non-music version for you. Here is a short intro video with links to non music versions in the comments section
ruclips.net/video/6LfP8funM3k/видео.html