.. enough power for 4 average US homes. At a kit cost of approximately $45k USD, that’s about a 7 year payback if maxed to capacity, and no subsidies are available. That does not include installation and concrete costs, or any permit fees.
From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gravitation_water_vortex_power_plant
A gravitation water vortex power plant is a micro hydro power plant, which is capable of producing energy using low heads 0.7 to 3 metres. The technology is based on a round basin with a central drain. Above the drain the water forms a stable line vortex which drives a water turbine.
As an added advantage, the inventor refers to the fact that the turbine aerates the water, helping improve water conditions, while the reduced speeds of the turbine, and the lack of cavitation ensure that most types of fish can pass through the turbine without danger, something which is much more difficult to achieve at normal hydro plants that require additional structures for the fish migration.
Because of the intensive aeration of water by the gravitation water vortex – in the rotation tank of the gravitation water vortex power plant is an ideal living area for aquatic plants, microbes and fish.
This particular unit (14′ diameter), with 5′ head of water and a .7 m³/s flow, can produce approximately 120 kWh daily. That’s enough power for 4 average US homes. At a kit cost of approximately $45k USD, that’s about a 7 year payback if maxed to capacity, and no subsidies are available. That does not include installation and concrete costs, or any permit fees.
