Wondering

[hvacker]

Has anyone here tried to convert an auto alternator with a paddle wheel to run a sluice pump?
Seems if water was available and running fast enough it might be easier than lugging batteries and generators.

 

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[63bkpkr]

The device is called a Pelton Wheel and yes it has been done and yes it works. My brother built one for a mining operation in Alaska to run the night lights and refrigeration for food and 'beverages'. It can be found on the web..........................63bkpkr

 

[Gelmac]

From what I understood of your proposed idea, I came across similar concept used in a device that was marketed for small scale miners. I don't remember the links of the website, but I think it uses a paddle to operate the device which works like an elutriation tower. The operator puts dirt from above and use his feet to paddle, water comes from a nearby source and works to recover minerals (Gold,Diamonds...etc) by gravity. May be someone can help find any info regarding this type of equip?

 

[fowledup]

What can be done with microhydro power is amazing, unfortunatley and unneccessarily so is the price. $1000 base for a micro hydro turbine, $800 portable pelton wheel set up. The concept is simple the technology isn't all that advanced, wish somebody would manufacturer it accordingly

 

[rodoconnor]

I had some friends build a Pelton wheel from a generator from a 10 speed bike. It wasn't a big powerhouse but it did keep a couple of 12 V batteries charged. Actually quite a cool setup

 

[kayakpat]

I saw a windmill using one somewhere, no reason why you could not use them for hydro.

 

[Asmbandits]

A family member of mine at his cabin built a alternator windmill, I don't know the details but from the looks of it, it's just an alternator with a custom propeller attached to it on a pole. I don't see why you wouldn't be able to make a water wheel to turn it.

 

[Jimmydolittle]

 

[hvacker]

A day after I posted this I was watching a National Geo show called Dirty Riches. On that show an eel fisherman was trying to keep a bear away from his eels. What he wanted to do is have a bright light shine all night. He used some Styrofoam floats about 4 feet long separated enough so a 2' x it looked 8" wide paddle wheel McGuivered with a PVC shaft. I missed what was used to generate but might guess an alternator producing 12v dc.
This was a very cheap setup. I could see tethering it from shore and providing loght weight power.

 

[hvacker]

Damn dog. I really couldn't hear the details well but the idea is cool.
I might think a flywheel generator from a lawn mower or chain saw could do the generation. I couldn't hear what this guy used.
The hard part might be having a pressured water source. I was thinking of using the force of river water and a paddle wheel.

 

[Reed Lukens]

I have a pelton wheel that I used to run a small crusher but for a small bilge pump the weight and bulk of everything doesn't compare to solar.
This is what I have for my Gold Cube Trommel. I'm still in test mode but when there is sun, it works. Even better with a small back up battery and this is what I am researching right now. I will be picking up a small AGM soon. Amazon.com : Renogy? Foldable Solar Suitcase Battery Charger 100W : Patio, Lawn & Garden