Can you use a A/C circulation fan for a hydro-electric generator?

Question

I found a *free* possibly broken A/C and I managed to get the circulation fan intact including its housing and would like to know if anyone has modified one of these to generate power from a running water source such as a small creek.

For those who understand it, it looks like it could be converted to a slightly rudimentary Baki turbine (aka Crossflow, Banki-Michell, Ossberger turbine) with water entering from the top and exiting from a hole cut in the bottom somwhere.

I am also wondering if it would be better to use it as a sort of floating small water-wheel.

Answer 1

where in the world did you hear of a crossflow?

but no, it's very unlikely to work well.

it's been designed for the density of air, not water.

i rather suspect that if you try to use it with a 5' head and a good flow, pretty quick, you'll end up with a very misshapen hunk of sheet metal.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banki_turbi...

interesting.

and i see where you'd think to try it.

however, keeping in mind that it really was designed for the stresses air would put on it, i think your chances of using it for water are nil.  sorry.