We built a Hydroelectric Waterwheel

We are currently developing a hydroelectric waterwheel, and have many exciting projects for 2022!

[chrisdaniel]

I am a huge fan of the simplicity of steel (Fitz) overshot water wheels using the weight of water to do work.
I have to admit you found the most simple, elegant solution for this hydro site. You had a fast moving river, likely unable to build a dam to increase head, this is ultra low impact to the environment and for this site a Poncelet wheel works fantastic.

[frozenlake]

I remember this stainless wheel from your 2017 videos. Seems to be holding up well for 5 years. Wind generators might be easier for some of us.

[muneshramroop]

I would like to have something like this

[BronzeAgePuritan]

You should re-do the bearings by using an aluminum block in which lignum vitae bearing sleeves are installed, with the block bolted to the structure. You would then have the strength of the metal with the bearing properties of the wood. Also, water does not lubricate the wood, rather it is the waxy resin in the wood that lubes. In fact, the water would probably bring in sediment that would act as an abrasive slurry. I saw when you installed the wood bearings that you used sandpaper to prep the shaft. I think that also led to wear from the scratchy surface left behind. The shaft should be polished, with a pair of opposing spiral grooves cut into the shaft surface to avoid "sticktion". The groove would also allow circulation of grease added to the zerk. Finally, perhaps rubber seals on each side of the bearings could keep the water out.

[MrPizzaman]

I have a lot of respect for what goes into making and designing this. What are you using for the generator? Did you put magnets on the inside of that motor and re-wind it? It can't be spinning very fast, so that's quite impressive to get up to 2 kW out of it.

[baltanne]

Je pense que c’est une belle construction écologique, même si il manque d’énergie il peut en mettre d’autres un peut distancer et ça ne dérange pas du tout le cours d’eau … bravo

[M-istanbul]

i like it so much. i would like to propose something for getting it better. Use reductor for rising rpm of alternator. Your rpm is ver low. Secondly, close back side of wings of wheel. Use water power effectively. By this way you can obtain more tork. The system should produce at least 25 kw in charge, maybe more.

[randallhutchcraft]

It would be nice to have a creek too. But I don't, so can't make a water wheel generator, I'll try wind.

[dovydassemeklis]

How much electricity approximately it makes?

[sacredfrequencies]

How much $ ? I can either buy 3 or go partners with you utilizing your water wheel and my technology to make power . I already have contracts available

[joseosvaldohueda]

Muy buen trabajo. Veo que la velocidad tangencial de la rueda en contacto con el agua es mucho menor que la velocidad del agua, esa componente reduce la eficiencia o tu rueda toma mucha mas potencia que el diseño permite. Para evitar esto debería balancearse mas la potencia con el área de impacto del agua. Se escucha mucho choque o impacto del agua con los alabes lo que tambien reduce la eficiencia de la rueda. P=0.41*ro*A*V^3 chequea la potencia que te puede dar este diseño ro es la densidad del agua 1000Kg/m3, A el area en m2 transversal de la rueda respecto del flujo del agua y V la velocidad del agua en el lugar en m/seg

[csnider]

Great project. I tried to connect to your website and it looks like it's not functioning. Are you still planning to offer this or the plans for this to regular folks? Thanks again for the time that went into all this

[mikelurban]

Any data available howmany electricity is generated ?

[along]

How can I contact you? I’m interested 😊 I’m doing my PHD research on micro hydropower for rural electrification in Asia.

[MilkyWay-ozct]

I think that wheel is not efficient, also you need a gearbox

[John-yfqh]

Now try building a non-hydro waterwheel.