Microhydro Systems

[kellys_eye]

Horses for course BP. Where I am I can rely on moving water a lot more than I can clear skies. Solar, whilst beneficial in some circumstances, would need to be massively over-engineered to be of practical use where I am. It'll either deliver 'zero' (most of the time) or power a smelting foundry (two weeks of the year) so alternatives are sought.

A genset is, of course, the simplest way (on the KISS principle) but that's limited by fuel availability and the next level of KISS (if electricity is to be part of a post SHTF life) is hydro - for me.

Yeah, sure, I could live without electricity but life is sure a sh1t load better WITH it - if only for lighting! Energy = work and the more energy you have access to the less work 'you' have to do (or the more work you can do in a give time span). Disregarding electricity is a fools errand as it's not too difficult to get some, somewhere, as others point out by solar or wind.

Those lucky enough to have a water course have the POTENTIAL for 'free' electricity ad-infinitum (not withstanding faults, wear etc) and there's no denying hydro is one of, if not the best versions of energy harvesting.

I've got all the info, I've got the skills but I haven't (as yet) got the inclination to proceed. The idea that a genset and fuel will see me through is still set in my mind and on a minimal use basis I reckon I could last around a year without going off-site for fuel supplies.

I'd kinda hope that any SHTF situation would eventually restore some forms of normality in a reasonable time span (year of two/three). I can't really accept an EOTWAWKI lookout (but could adapt) as the years take their toll on me anyway so mother nature would overtake me before an EOTW situation would BUT if I need to extend a decent lifestyle around energy then input from those who've done a small hydro system would be useful.

I've seen a lot of Tubes on it, read a lot of books etc so should really have enough info to go for it but there's nothing quite like encouragement!

Anyway, daily life is enough 'work' so maybe I'll leave it for the SHTF to happen before starting such a project. I'll start gathering the bits - just in case!