DESCRIPTION

Turbines placed within the flow of water produce mechanical energy that causes the turbines to rotate at high speed. The turbines drive a generator that converts the mechanical energy into electrical energy. The amount of hydroelectric power that can be generated is related to the water flow and the vertical distance (known as head) through which the water has fallen. In the smallest hydroelectric schemes, the head of water can be a few metres, in the larger schemes the power station which houses the turbines is often hundreds of metres below the reservoir.

Useful power may be produced from even a small stream. The key issue relating to micro hydro is to maintain the watercourse’s ecology by restricting the proportion of the total flow diverted through the turbine. All watercourses of any size are controlled by the Environment Agency. To remove water from them (even though it may go back in) will almost certainly require their permission in the form of a licence. They are also responsible for fish protection and other environmental aspects of any riverside development.

The Wheel House at the Merton Abbey Mills, originally used to grind corn and later power machinery has been renovated to provide 0.6kW of electricity. It is thought to be the only working water wheel in London.

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