Location: Hydro-electric Generation

Discussion: Current StatusReported This is a featured thread

Category: Discussion Forum / General Discussion
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NicolaSwan
NicolaSwan
Current Status
Dec 9 2007, 5:58 AM EST | Post edited: Dec 9 2007, 5:58 AM EST
We are currently commissioning an outline design study to assess where the proposed hydro electric generation facility could be located. Also the technology that should be used. We think there are lots of advantages to the Archimedes spiral but wait for the consultants to get back to us with other options as well. Do you have any thoughts on types of turbines? Where abouts on the wier they should be located? Anything else? 1  out of 2 found this valuable. Do you?    
RexHora
RexHora
1. RE: Current Status
Jan 9 2008, 10:36 AM EST | Post edited: Jan 9 2008, 10:36 AM EST
Have you considered an ordinary water wheel? It would be less efficient than a turbine but cheaper to build. Do you find this valuable?    

CooperWard
2. Type of turbine
Jul 25 2008, 4:49 AM EDT | Post edited: Jul 25 2008, 4:49 AM EDT
I have been investigating why long existing micro hydro has fallen into disuse on the Kennet and blockages due to debris in the river seems to be main reason. Autumn leaves ( 10 tonnes in a single night) to dead sheep and bycycles all have to be dealt with. Dart installation should suggest whether the spiral copes OK. Do you find this valuable?    

Posted Anonymously
3. RE: Current Status
Jul 25 2008, 5:51 AM EDT | Post edited: Jul 25 2008, 5:51 AM EDT
Hi, Yes we did consider an ordinary water wheel. In fact there is one on the old Goring Mill. But this can not be 'resurected' due to the age of the building - the vibrations would possibly wreck the building!! The environment Agency have to accept what ever technology we use on the Thames and it was their suggestion that we use the archimedes spirals as they are fish and eel friendly and as they are also efficient we are happy too. Was their a reason you particularly thought about a water wheel? Do you find this valuable?    
NicolaSwan
NicolaSwan
4. RE: Type of turbine
Jul 25 2008, 5:57 AM EDT | Post edited: Jul 25 2008, 5:57 AM EDT
The archimedes spirals have a protection system for debris but the mesh does not have to be anything like as small as for some systems so we will not loose too much efficiency. I too walk the length of the K&A with my dogs and have frequently wondered at the loss of opportunity! We have been watching the Dart project and the spirals do appear to be dealing with debris with very little problem. Do you find this valuable?    
RexHora
RexHora
5. RE: Current Status
Jul 25 2008, 12:07 PM EDT | Post edited: Jul 25 2008, 12:07 PM EDT
One reason is low cost, the other is appearance. I suspect there would be fewer objections to a traditional water wheel than to an Archimedes screw. Do you find this valuable?    
NicolaSwan
NicolaSwan
6. RE: Current Status
Jul 25 2008, 1:14 PM EDT | Post edited: Jul 25 2008, 1:14 PM EDT
Yes the cost is low but then again the costs associated with the project are more to do with the engineering work rather than the actual spirals which are 'relitively' cheap. The spirals are not as traditional looking I suppose but archimedies spirals are very mesmeric to watch and will not be cased in anything unsightly. In actual fact over the last 2 years since we have been taking this project to the public of Goring and Streatley we have not had one local who has objected about the possible look of the screws. Actually no one has been objecting about anything really. They are very supportive. Maybe we are being very lucky :-) Do you find this valuable?    
RexHora
RexHora
7. RE: Current Status
Jul 25 2008, 3:04 PM EDT | Post edited: Jul 25 2008, 3:04 PM EDT
Good luck with the project! I'd like to do something similar in Reading but it's very difficult to generate any enthusiasm here. Do you find this valuable?    

MMessham
8. RE: Current Status
Oct 26 2008, 5:40 AM EDT | Post edited: Oct 26 2008, 5:40 AM EDT
"We are currently commissioning an outline design study to assess where the proposed hydro electric generation facility could be located. Also the technology that should be used. We think there are lots of advantages to the Archimedes spiral but wait for the consultants to get back to us with other options as well. Do you have any thoughts on types of turbines? Where abouts on the wier they should be located? Anything else?"
As a potential investor, can you please advise me who is doing the outline design study, and what their brief was? Do you find this valuable?