As well as being powered by the sun and wind, Rosalie Forest normally has a small micro hydo-electricity system, using the river for power!
As the number of rooms has expanded, so has our demand for electricity.
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When we began our modest solar system was sufficient for our needs, but now we require more power, we have installed a micro hydro electricity system.
The system we have is an LH-1000, low head, high flow turbine, providing a constant kilowatt of power for the property; more than enough for us! |
The water is collected in a catchment tank, passing through a settling tank to slow it down and allow the dust to settle, then down stream in pipes until we have the 10 foot drop (head) required for the system. |
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Then the power of the suction as the water passes through the 10 foot long tube is what turns the turbine and generates the power. The hydro system is connected to the same battery bank as our solar system; come rain or shine, we should have plenty of power.
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Although this hydro system does take some water from the river, a few moments later, once it has turned the propeller of the turbine, the water is returned to the river, as clean as the moment it left. |
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Unfortunately our hydro and electricity system in general took some damage in Hurricane Dean in August 2007, and we are hoping to be able to repiar it soon.
In the meantime our solar generally provides enough for our needs, and we have a back-up generator in case of no sunshine at all. |
