Post #1824130

2026-04-24 20:25 UTC

@mwt Sadly I think the actual output would be infinitesimal. The payback period on installation and connection costs (on a quick estimate) would be in multiple human lifetimes.

Replies (1)

@BobLefridge@mastodon.nz 2026-04-24 21:17

The greater the flow, the more power you can produce. The tech is already proven off-grid with Pelton wheels charging a battery. Farmers use them to power irrigation pumps and so forth. When we lived in QT there was a serious water main from the Fernhill reservoir running downhill beside our house. I often mused about taking a spur off that, running it through a Pelton wheel then feeding the water back into the mains. In theory it would've worked. In reality, the council wouldn't want anyone interfering with their water mains. Here's a kiwi DIY project from 2006. https://theshed.nz/build-a-hydro-power-plant/ And a selection of Pelton wheels for sale. https://www.powerspout.com/collections/pelton-plt @leighelse @mwt

Open ##1824131