Nowadays, water wheels are being recognized once again as a promising technology , especially in the micro hydropower field for electricity gene...

Published May 10, 2017 08:40 by Emanuele Quaranta, Water wheels expert, micro hydropower, CFD simulations, hydropower, hydraulics, water

Nowadays, water wheels are being recognized once again as a promising technology , especially in the micro hydropower field for electricity generation (installed power typically lower than 100 KW). Water wheels work well with very low heads and flow rates, for example in irrigation and mill canals, where conventional turbines (such as Kaplan turbines) are economically not viable. Water wheels are eco-friendly machines because fish can pass through them unharmed. Furthermore, their payback periods are shorter (7-12 years) concerning Kaplan installations. The European Small Hydropower Association estimates that in Europe about 350,000 sites suitable for similar micro hydropower plants exist.https://www.prescouter.com/2016/10/water-wheels-hydropower/

2 Comments

Emanuele, this is an interesting technology but the payback period I feel will be too long for many organisations. Are you aware of any power purchase type agreements that might be available?

Published May 11, 2017 10:33 by Matthew Crowhurst, Energy and Water industry Process and Project Professional

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Hello!! Thank you. Payback periods are between 7-12 years, lower than payback periods of Archimedes screws and Kaplan instalaltion. Consider that we are speaking about micro hydro, i.e. low power output (I would say < 20 kW)

Published May 13, 2017 10:24 by Emanuele Quaranta, Water wheels expert, micro hydropower, CFD simulations, hydropower, hydraulics, water

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can u share few images of latest water wheels

Published May 10, 2017 17:16 by Aniqa gul, Administration officer at Sungi Development Foundation

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