Building a Hydro Generator

A hydro generator is basically a machine and its function is to generate electricity through water power. In fact it is quite easy to build a mini hydro generator, one will definitely feel proud of having the ability to produce power from nature. This is a fairly common method that is used in some households and this is also similar to the use of convertible solar energy.

Materials Needed
Some of the materials needed for this project are motor generator, garden pipe, wire coils, water wheel and light-emitting-diode (LED). This project uses a similar system which is used in bigger hydro generators that transmit electric supply to homes and commercial locations.

Generator

Procedure
Following is a step by step procedure to build a hydro generator.

1- The major priority id water source, it should be obtained from a reservoir or river located close. The hydroelectric potential of the source has to be determined before constructing anything else. Generally, the flow or movement of water generates electric power. This explains the reason why waterfalls or powerful gushing rivers are good sources. The running of water rotates the blades.

2- The rotating wheel is then connected to AC generator. This helps the rotor to spin. The rotor is connected to powerful magnets inside the wire coils. The spinning of magnets cause electricity to flow through wires set up earlier. This factually shows that the fast movement of water is converted into electrical energy. The energy source can be used for various purposes. Soon, one will pay less for electricity and will be able to enjoy this new found electric source.

3- For testing the efficiency level of the generator, LED is used. It will show a light when electricity is generated. These small generators are very useful for small environments. Water dams are constructed for the very same purpose for converting water energy into electrical energy.

The operating cost of this type of generator is very cheap than using non-renewable sources like fuel, gas or coal. Another benefit is that the electric supply can be spread to places that are far away using complicated wiring system. Some common steps are listed here to build a hydro generator. Other ways are also available to build such a device, some use easy-to-find household products. A similar building method is also used by many science projects although it is not too much complex in nature. It is a good exposure for students because they can now build their own electricity generator.

Building a Hydro Generator