Turning wind into hydro power?

Question

I have a creek that runs in my backyard. At the widest part it might have a width of five feet, at least on the segment on my property. I was thinking that I could use a turbine to generate electricity because it flows year round (I'm in canada), like a wind generator. If this IS a feasible idea then what kind of turbine would work best in water? How many blades, how big, what shape, etc. I'm guessing I'd have to make/order one and clock its average speed in the water to see if it could move fast enough to accomodate any energy production.

Answer 1

Electricity generation from that creek is possible, but there are a few problems to be addressed.

The momentum (mass of water x velocity) should be large to rotate the turbine of the generator.

As far as speed is concerned, the rotor of generator should rotate at an average of about 1500 rpm (rounds per minute) to generate 50 Hz 3-phase AC power supply & 1800 rpm for 60 Hz supply.

The size of generator, is a quantity dependent on the quantity of electricity to be generated. More the electricity requirement bigger the size.

Since its a creek, there is a problem of speed of water, which depends on height from where water comes down, you should opt for electricity generation if water speed is quite high, else you can channel water using some arrangement that its made to flow through turbine at high speed. For that you will need to consult some nearby expert.

Last but not least the legal hassle, since you are in Canada, look if law of your country permits you to have such green projects. You may even need to take permission of local authorities.

Answer 2

So... you want to convert a wind-turbine so it can be used as a hydroelectric turbine?

Why don't you just by a hydroelectric setup in the first place?

Why not try... alternate-power.com or otherpower.com

These sites may be able to point you in the right direction to getting a rig that would work in your creek.