How to Make Power From a Stream
- 1). Locate a section of the stream where the bottom is relatively flat. Choose a location where possible that is downstream of an elevated drop or downward slope. The drop or slope helps speed up the water and provides more power.
- 2). Build a rectangular frame, placing the boards flat to the ground, with the sides of the frame equaling the exterior width of your spool. Make the width of the frame equal the height of the spool. The frame will resemble a picture frame when completed.
- 3). Measure the depth of the water at your location. Measure the distance from the middle of the spool to the outer rim. Add these two numbers together. This is the height of the support arms to hold the water wheel to the frame.
- 4). Set the support posts for the paddle wheel in the center of the boards forming the short sides of the frame. Drive bolts through the bottom of the frame into the ends of the support posts.
- 5). Mount the frame with bolts drilled through the frame into the stream bedrock.
- 6). Insert the pipe through the center opening of the spool. Weld the pipe into place. Make sure the pipe fits snug with the spool opening for an even rotation.
- 7). Locate an axle to fit the pipe. Weld the axle onto the pipe at the end farthest from the spool.
- 8). Measure the surface length from the post to the exterior edge of the spool face. This is the width of the paddles you will need to turn the wheel. Measure the length of the spool between the inside edges of the spool's top and bottom. This becomes the length of the paddles.
- 9). Measure and cut 12 boards the length and width required for your paddles.
- 10
Mark the location of the boards on the wheel. Divide the circumference of the spool by 12 to get equidistant spacing between the paddles. - 11
Use the speed square to determine a 30-degree angle for each paddle on the wheel. The angle helps utilize the force of the water to generate more efficient use of force and momentum. - 12
Align the boards so they fit between the top and bottom of the spool snugly. Line up the boards to the markings. Attach the boards with bolts and nuts for the most secure fit. - 13
Construct a flat surface next to the stream bed adjacent to the paddle wheel. This is where the generator will go. Set up the generator with the axle end alongside the axle of the paddle wheel. - 14
Measure across the middle of the axles to determine the distance between the farthest point of each axle to each other. This is the length needed for the belt to connect them. - 15
Wrap the belt around the axles. Make sure it is a tight fit. - 16
Dig a 6-inch-deep trench from the generator to the circuit box for the wires. Measure and cut the RVC pipe to fit the trench. - 17
Connect the wire to the generator. Run the wire through the pipe to the circuit box before burying the pipe. Bury the pipe in the trench. Cover the exposed wire at the generator and the distance between the ground and circuit box with electrical tape. - 18
Connect the wiring to the item being powered. Professional instillation may be required depending on the need and local law.
