permaculture

[Vint Lawrence <vlawrence@nets.com>]

Yaya Balinci wrote:

Theory or truth?:
100' of dropping water through a 1" pipe creates enough electricity for
several people.
Water hits a disc of wood/metal/plastic and spins it to generate the
electicity?
Has anyone heard of this skill/technique?

Michael Hollihn,
Sustainable Forest-Farm-Garden Design
Ecosystem Mapping For Sustainable Production of foods and building
materials,
 

Michael,
Truth, you are probably referring to a Pelton Wheel generator.
Water is forced through a small nozzle where, upon exiting the nozzle
it strikes  small cups (usually 4) that are mounted on arms on an
axle that is connected to a small generator. If you imagine a wind anemometer,
you'll get the picture.
I am away from my references sources, but I believe that you do not
need 100' of head to run a pelton wheel.
Check the Real Goods catalog.
Vint Lawrence