What could i use to generate power with a 4-5ft diameter fixed paddlewheel on a stationary houseboat?

Question

trying to generate hydroelectric power for my houseboat. Was wandering if a 4-5ft diameter by 6ft wide paddle wheel mounted on a stationary houseboat connecting to a series of automotive alternators and a battery bank would work in generating dc lighting for houseboat. Not sure of rpm and pulley ratios if this is possible.

Answer 1

You need to gear up, using pulleys & belts, so that the RPM of the Alternator is running at minimum of 500rpm. Most cars operate at 1500 - 2000rpm.

The Alt generates power to the battery which feeds the lighting network. Use a marine type battery (low discharge) since you are not needing to crank an engine which draws 500amps to start.

Also, connect the field winding of the Alt to the battery. It provides a reference voltage for the regulator built in.

Depending on the Rpm of the paddlewheel, say its 10rpm, then a 50:1 step up pulley system is required. This could be done in multiple steps if required..