PicoStream: Micro scale (2kWp) Hydro power generation for the UK!

Martyn1981

QrizB said:

Martyn1981 said:

But, bear in mind, this isn't new technology. As far as I can see, the two big pluses are fish friendly, and floating, to get around potential restrictions. But it's still 'just' an undershot waterwheel, and would presumably generate similar to other such devices already available.

Pleased to see this being developed and built here in the UK.

And not trying to detract from anything else, but the "floating" aspect appears to still be mostly aspirational.

From their website (my bold):

For our hydropower solution you’ll need a river or a large stream. You’ll need to ensure you have rights to the riverbanks too.

How much depends on the location. At the moment we’re focusing on customers who’ve got a weir (waterfall or a sharp change in height/drop of the flow). Old mills are perfect - if there was enough power to run grinding stones, then there should be more than enough for our turbine!

The example pictured there is also a fixed installation:

Interesting point about being fixed. It's hard to tell, but looking at the one installed in their shorter 20s vid, I'd guess that is also fixed. But it does look stunning the way it's featured from the games room, but pretty lowhead.

Screwdriva

Relatively disappointing details shared this week, especially the price and limited duration of the warranty. I can see why they are not transparent with these on their website.

I can see this making alot more sense at a £10K lower price point and a warranty that covers the ROI period or around 7 years. 

gefnew

generating-your-own-energy-hydropower.pdf

jimjames

QrizB said:

Martyn1981 said:

But, bear in mind, this isn't new technology. As far as I can see, the two big pluses are fish friendly, and floating, to get around potential restrictions. But it's still 'just' an undershot waterwheel, and would presumably generate similar to other such devices already available.

Pleased to see this being developed and built here in the UK.

And not trying to detract from anything else, but the "floating" aspect appears to still be mostly aspirational.

Floating led my mind in other directions... I wonder if there could be a version of this that run in sewers. Would make good use of those flows that would otherwise be "wasted". Obviously wouldn't work per household but there must be points in the network where the flows were sufficient to generate where main sewers merge.

Solarchaser

jimjames said:

QrizB said:

Martyn1981 said:

But, bear in mind, this isn't new technology. As far as I can see, the two big pluses are fish friendly, and floating, to get around potential restrictions. But it's still 'just' an undershot waterwheel, and would presumably generate similar to other such devices already available.

Pleased to see this being developed and built here in the UK.

And not trying to detract from anything else, but the "floating" aspect appears to still be mostly aspirational.

Floating led my mind in other directions... I wonder if there could be a version of this that run in sewers. Would make good use of those flows that would otherwise be "wasted". Obviously wouldn't work per household but there must be points in the network where the flows were sufficient to generate where main sewers merge.

Wouldn't fancy the maintenance on that

QrizB

jimjames said:

I wonder if there could be a version of this that run in sewers.

One word: fatberg.

Martyn1981

Total guess, but I assume the rate of fall for a sewer is carefully designed to prevent rapid movement and 'downstream' problems, but also fast enough to clean/flush it as necessary. So there may not be any excess flowrate for the turbines to extract.

Plus, as mentioned before, undershot waterwheels are not particularly efficient, so the necessity for a floating undershot, possibly removes any economic value.

@Solarchaser - One of the highest paid jobs is actually divers who work on sewage issues, such as maintenance in treatment works tanks. Looks semi-terrifying (and have to operate blind), with multiple layers of gear, washdown 'paddling pools', and a specialist support team.

Useless factoid - I visited a newly built sewage treatment works (as part of my job) back around 2000. One of the things that stuck with me (apart from the smell), was the safety around the ~15 foot deep aerated tanks. Fall in there and you sink like a stone, we were told.  Gave me the chills.

Solarchaser

Hey Mart, to be fair, it should be a highly paid job.... you couldn't pay me enough tbh.