Hydro electric power is a cornerstone of our proposed electricity generation. We have a small stream which runs through the centre of the property (see previous post for map), which has a drop at the end of the property. The real benefits of hydro electric power are that it should provide electricity exactly when the sun struggles more i.e. in the winter.
Below is a summary overview of hydro electric power ..... there is more to follow, as we begin to discover what is available and who is innovating what.
Hyrdro Electric Power in Summary
Hydroelectric power supplies 20% of world electricity. Norway produces virtually all of its electricity from hydro whilst Iceland and Austria produce over 70% of their electricity requirements from hydro plants.
There are three types of hydroelectric scheme:
Impoundment: where a dam is built across a river impounding a head of water behind it in a reservoir which can then be released through a turbine to generate electricity.
A Diversion: Sometimes called run-of-river, facility channels a portion of a river through a canal. It may not require the use of a dam and thus has a lower environmental impact.
Pumped Storage: When the demand for electricity is low, a pumped storage facility stores energy by pumping water from a lower reservoir to an upper reservoir. During periods of high electrical demand, the water is released back through a turbine to the lower reservoir to generate electricity.
Initial on Site Ideas at Xandika
We are likely to use all the last two methods to some extent. Impounment is less likely to be used due to the environmental impact, although it may be adopted as part of the natural pool. A diversion system may be employed to divert water around the natural pool. This simple system is both effective and controlable.
The last method, pumped storage, is almost certainly going to work in tandem with the ram pump, as we stored water in tanks up hill and use it when we release it.