Aquagen

Hydro power is more stable and easier to set up than wind. All one needs is a induction motor run pump. Run it in reverse with enough pipe to run up stream to get sufficient head pressure. A proper size AC capacitor to tune it for AC generating. A battery to zap it to get it started. Even fast moving streams can be harnessed, as the Amazon Aquacharge shows. Water flow speeds of 0.45m/s (1mph or 0.87knots)and 1.5m/s. The Aquagens site explains that the Aqua4gen starts to generate at 2.5 knots, and the Aqua6gen starts to generate at 3.5 knots. Looking at these products gives one the Idea one could use a car auto fan (or any heavy duty fan) attached to a pipe or broom stick that went up out of water to a slow speed PM generator or possibly to a belt that drives a car alternator. Car alternators will need to run faster than about 2000 RPM to work. This would all be built on a floating platform anchored to keep it in one spot.

Offered by Mike.

Would this method be a replacement for the towing action described in the Aquagens site? So if it was built in the way you describe, would the effect be the same as people zipping around their sites, towing this turbine as they went? If this is the case, and it has a real chance of working.

Offered by Helena.

Yes, the first link shows a picture of how one might mount it on a stationary raft or boat. The second link show how a set of ropes can be used to hold the generator and how a flex shaft to the propeller can be made of what looks like a rope. I think the concept is sound. Whether it can be implemented by another when needed will depend on the skill level and what can be found at hand. Yes, a car alternator can go faster than 2000 RPM, up to about 5,000 to 6,000 RPM for full charging speed. 2,000 RPM is near the minimum speed. Just some possible design thoughts. Find a source of outboard motor parts new or used. Use without the engine the lower part that clamps to the boat and has a speed reduction gear box with propeller. Do not use a worm gear type. Find a good low speed PM motor to use as a generator. Attach the generator to the vertical shaft that would have been connected to the gasoline engine. Clamp the unit to an anchored floating raft so the propeller is facing the water flow and the generator is above the water. Carrying this thought a bit more. Using an electric outboard motor, one could test turning the propeller by putting it in a fast moving stream (or turn it with a heavy duty electric drill) and see what it takes to generate electrical power. If the unit uses a permanent magnet motor I will bet it will take no modification.

Offered by Mike.