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By Suneco Hydro

Low head Micro Hydro Turbine

Turbines are essential components when it comes to the generation of hydroelectricity. Pico hydro turbines are normally used for the production of power that is below 5kw. 

Also, there are numerous requirements that you have to consider when setting up a hydropower plant. One of them is the head. A typical plant is required to have a maximum head. 

What if the head is low? Can I still install the right turbine? Yes. All you need is to get a low-head pico hydro turbine. This is a hydro turbine that is specifically designed for low heads. It is still able to generate adequate electricity despite the deficiency of your hydro site.

Types of low-head pico hydro turbines

There are three types of low-head pico hydro turbines: runner tip, pump jack, and pump rotor designs. Each has its mechanism and they also differ in terms of their convenience and reliability.

Runner tip pico hydro turbine

The runner tip turbine is typically the most commonly used low-head pico hydro turbine. It works by making use of the kinetic energy generated by water flow to drive rotating blades mounted on a runner tip which then spins a generator to produce electric power. 

An advantage that this low-head pico hydro turbine has over others is its low installation cost since it only requires one fastener, the runner tip. The low-head pico hydro turbine then easily locks into position without the use of nuts or bolts to prevent water leakages during installation. 

Pumpjack low-head pico hydro turbine

Pumpjack low-head pico hydro turbines work differently compared to low-head pico hydro turbines that make use of a runner tip. It uses a design to capture kinetic energy from low flow and low head conditions. 

A check valve is installed inside this pump jack low-head pico hydropower unit so as not to allow water leakage and ensure optimum run time capacity for your plant. 

The low-head pico hydro turbine features axial blades at its center section which is surrounded by two heavy metal rings. This makes it an effective hydropower system for low heads.

 Pumpjack low-head pico hydro turbines are commonly used in low-flow and low head areas where water availability is low.

A pump rotor low-head pico hydropower system is also known as the Pelton wheel low-head pico hydro turbine. 

Its construction features a bucketed wheel that is attached to a spinner that spins around at a high rate of speed.  When it comes into contact with water flow. Inside the low-head pico hydro turbine, there is tubing installed on both sides of the outer casing with notches cut out between these two tubes so as to take advantage of maximum flow and generate power effectively. 

A low-head pico hydro turbine such as this one produces more electricity compared to low-head pico hydro turbines that are based on other low-head hydropower designs.

A pump rotor low head micro hydro turbine

This type of turbine for hydropower system is also known as the Pelton wheel low-head pico hydro turbine.

 It features a  wheel that is attached to a spinner that spins around at a high rate of speed when it comes into contact with water flow.

Low head micro hydro turbine

Low Head Pico Hydro Turbine Production Capacity and Efficiency

Most people assume that since it is referred to as a low-head it means that it has a low power capacity. This is not true. When it comes to low head pico hydro turbines, low heads don’t necessarily equal low power capacity. 

There are low head pico hydro turbines that can develop higher capacities for low heads so if you have a low head, then don’t worry because there is still hope for you to generate electricity. 

Take note also that the more water flow you have, the higher the production capacity of your low-head pico hydro turbine will be. 

So try your best to maximize water flow to get maximum results from your low-head pico hydro turbine.

Use low-head pico hydro turbines in areas where there is low water flow and low head. You will be surprised at its efficiency despite low heads.

 Low-head pico hydro turbines are low maintenance turbines compared to other types of hydro turbines so when you have one, don’t worry because it won’t need frequent repairs that can cost a lot. 

Components of a low head micro hydro turbine

A low-head pico hydro turbine includes the following components: a low-head pico hydro turbine wheel, a low-head cooler, and an electronics unit.

 The low head pico hydro turbine wheel is placed inside the low head enclosure which keeps it cool because of its low temperature. High temperatures can kill your low head pico hydro turbine.

 The low-head cooler acts as a cooling mechanism for low-head pico hydro turbines, so they don’t overheat. 

A low head pico hydro turbine also has an electronics unit which includes the low-head generator and low head controller. 

The low head micro hydro turbine generator changes mechanical energy from the water flow to electric energy to power your home appliances such as lights, radios, and most importantly – your laptop, smartphones, and tablets!

 If you plan to use a low-head pico hydro turbine in your home, be sure that it is UL listed so that it won’t cause damage or harm when it is used inside your home. 

When low-head pico hydro turbines are installed in low-head and low flow areas, they often come with an automated low-head controller that helps generate electricity at a higher rate. 

This low-head controller also helps regulate water throughput to maximize energy production from low heads.

Mini Kaplan Water Turbine Hydraulic Generator

Where to buy a low-head pico hydro turbine? 

Wondering where to get this low head micro hydro turbine? Consider buying from reputable low-head pico hydro turbine manufacturers. This way, you can be sure about the quality of hydro turbines that you will get.

You can also choose to buy a low-head pico hydro turbine online. If you want to get the best value for your money, be sure to research these companies before deciding where to buy this pico hydro turbine.

I hope that this information has helped you know more about low-head pico hydro turbines. Remember that low head micro hydro turbine won’t always give low capacity so if you have low heads, don’t worry because there is still hope for you to generate electricity.

Suneco low head micro hydro turbine generator system advantages:

30+ Years Micro Hydro System Manufacturing Experience.

3 Years Warranty Against Manufacturer’s Defects.

At least 20 years lifecycle running at minimal maintenance

European CE Certified Manufacturer and Supplier.

All System Are Strictly Inspected and Load Test Before Delivery.

5KW permanent magnet mixed-flow turbines

low head and Medium Head Micro Turgo Turbine Generator Unit Conventional Models:

No.ModelHead(m)FlowGeneratorPhaseSpeedPipe DiameterGross WeightReference EXW Price
(m3/s)(W)(rpm)(mm)(Kg)(USD)
1XJ14-0.3DCT4-Z12-140.003-0.005300Single15005020600
2XJ18-0.5DCT4-Z12-180.005-0.007500Single150050-7523800
3XJ18-0.75DCT4-Z14-180.005-0.008750Single150075421,100
4XJ22-1.1DCT4-Z16-220.008-0.0101100Single1500100762,069
5XJ22-1.1DCTH-Z150.010-0.0151100Single1500125-1501202,320
6XJ25-1.5DCT4-Z18-250.008-0.0111500Single1500125762,213
7XJ25-1.5DCTH4-Z150.012-0.0181500Single1500125-1501202,316
8XJ25-3.0DCT4-Z25-350.015-0.0193000Single1500125-1501023,308
9XJ25-3.0DCF4-Z18-200.018-0.0303000Single15001501343,626
10XJ28-6.0DCT4/6-Z28-350.030-0.0386000Single1500150-2002106,422
11XJ28-6.0DCFF4/6-Z18-200.038-0.0506000Single10002002606,699
12XJ30-10DCT4/-Z30-380.040-0.05010000Single1500200-25030010,911
13XJ30-10DCTF4/6-Z25-300.050-0.06010000Single1000200-25032011,260
14XJ30-12SCTF4/-Z28-350.050-0.06012000Three1500200-25032513,112
15XJ30-15SCTF4/6-Z30-400.060-0.07015000Three1500/100020035014,403
16XJ30-20SCTF4/6-Z30-450.060-0.10020000Three1500/1000250-30038019,203
17XJ38-30SCTF4/6-Z38-450.090-0.12030000Three1500/1000250-30066025,323
18ZD1.8-0.3DCT4-Z1.80.04300Single150031800
19ZD2.0-0.5DCT4-Z20.045500Single1500311,000
20ZD2.2-0.7DCT4-Z2.20.05700Single1500361,100
21ZD2.5-1.0DCT4-Z2.50.051000Single1500431,267
22DG12-3.0DCT4-Z110.0453000Single15001501404,373
23GD15-LZ-3KW70.093000Single10002003065,809
24GD20-LZ-6KW70.1566000Single15003008,105
25GD20-LZ-10KW110.16510000Single150030010,599
26GD30-LZ-15KW5–70.35215000Single150050019,191
27GD30-LZ-20KW7–90.3820000Single150050025,330
28GD35-LZ-30KW90.5530000Single150060036,762
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