TECHNOLOGIES >> PROJECTS >> MICRO HYDRO CASE STUDY
Gerddi-gleision Farm – 25kW High head Micro Hydro
Micro Hydro potential
Rhian and John approached us at the Royal Welsh Show because they believed they could harness the power of the river through their farm.
We carried out a desk top survey on the spot and quickly identified that it was a viable site in terms of head and flow.
Following the desk top survey, we made a site visit and produced a detailed feasibility study to provide Rhian and John with the information they needed to make an investment decision.
A clear step by step guide was included laying out the stages that a hydro build project would need to follow.
Design and permit
Since all indicators looked positive we proceeded to the next phase. Securing the licencing, planning permission and grid connection. These must be inplace before construction of the scheme could begin.
This all came off the back of our detailed designs. Our design discovered the flow characteristics, environmental considerations and measures needed to minimise impacts to the environment.
This finished with the sizing of the system from the weir, through to pipes, down to the turbine housed at the farm and off to the home and eventual grid connection.
We specified a Coanda intake screen. These are self-cleaning water intake that protects fish and debris from entering the system. These were designed and fabricated by us.
Hydro Install and commission
Working closely with the team at the farm, we installed the system as a collaborative effort, with SJ1 Renewables providing all the specialist design, equipment, and guidance.
The farm followed our detailed drawings to build the weir and the turbine house.
We at SJ1 were on site carry out the specialist elements such as pipe fusing, laying and couplings. Install the intake screens and the turbine installation. The electrical equipment, connections and system commissioning.
The farm helps the UK save 18 tonnes of CO2 per year
This is equivalent to:
The annual emissions of 4 petrol cars
Planting of 800 trees
Proud owners
The farm now benefits from 120,000 units of electricity each year.
It means that they import very little power and have diversified their income at the farm. They benefit from the revenue they get though exporting excess electricity back to the grid.
Key to our success
The success of this project was driven by starting the permitting process early and providing a comprehensive application. Using local skills wherever possible with clear explanations of what’s required. Good communication during the installation phase and installation.
As Rhian and John will attest, using SJ1 Renewables as experienced micro hydro consultants and project delivery specialists took a great deal of the risk out of these multifaceted projects and ensured a smooth project delivery.