Waterwheels that earn their keep

[Denver Dave]

Waterwheels that earn their keep
- identification of sources and discussion

Waterwheels have been used for thousands of years to move water, but surprisingly, few (if any) small production waterwheels are available for sale other than decorative models.

Perhaps we could discuss if there are units available for sale and also ideas for construction of the actual wheel and water diversion box.

Here is a link to a related discussion regarding water 2 pump water:
http://www.backwoodshome.com/forum/vb/showthread.php?t=21122

Here are 3 of the things a waterwheel may do:
(1) Lift water to a higher elevation for the water to run in a ditch or pipe
http://youtu.be/9gAHxO4y_OU

(2) Power a water pump

Spiral pump
http://www.backwoodshome.com/forum/vb/showthread.php?p=289400

Archemides Screw
http://math.nyu.edu/~crorres/Archimedes/Screw/applications/ScrewFarmer1.jpg

Low RPM pump
http://www.windtrans.ca/zelda2.html
http://youtu.be/GN9KLd9X6ZE

(3) Power an electric generator
http://youtu.be/qUMobqgfLcU
http://youtu.be/wDgGvPdAuTU
http://youtu.be/G5rz91Z5QUY

Best way to purchase or construct the actual waterwheel?

= = =
One source:
http://www.waterwheelfactory.com/

[GoneFishing]

I have to agree that hydropower is the way to go if you have any flowing water anywhere to access.

It out preforms any other source of energy:


No Batteries required unless you have to store it up for big use items.
It can be constant! Runs 24/7 -You'll never get that out of wind or solar (though they both have their places).
Cheap since it doesn't need gas, coal or fossil fuels to run.

One of the designs I've been studying to see if it fits our use is called a Water Bug (http://www.MyBackAchers.com). And there are several things I really get jazzed over in the design.


You don't need to build a dam. I think we will build a little jenny to increase velocity of the water but this thing would work on our little creek.
It floats, so it doesn't need adjusting if it floods or the water changes level.
We can add to the system over time and since we have nearly 3/4 mile of creek - we can add to the system as we have the funds available.
It looks like it can be made from parts we have available. Barrels, fins and motors is about all the design calls for. Like I stated earlier, I would narrow down the creek to make it flow a little faster but I can't beat this kind of cheap dependable power for us when we finally get off the grid.

The final issue is to hook up the units if we buy them or make them. This is the area I am studying the most since I want to use the power as it is produced.

One of the things I am thinking of is running most appliances over the night time when computers ... day-time power uses are not running. I've been thinking I would put timers on the refrigerator/freezers, clothes washer, dish washer and even the bread maker to run over night time. Other night time uses might include turning the hen house light on over night or charging the water pressure.

I'd love to hear more about how others are using hydropower for electrical off-grid use!