micro-hydro
Small-scale water power
Micro-hydro refers to small-scale hydroelectric power generation, typically producing less than 100 kilowatts—enough to power a single home or small community.
These systems divert water from a stream through a turbine without requiring large dams: The off-grid cabin runs on micro-hydro from the creek.
The term distinguishes modest installations from industrial hydropower projects.
Blade-driven energy converter
- generatorElectricity-producing machine
- penstockControlled water conduit
- powerhouseSource of great energy
- intakeAmount received or consumed
runner · alternator · inverter · controller · crossflow · impulse · reaction · nozzle
Steady continuous flow
- creekNarrow natural watercourse
- riverLarge flowing watercourse
- flowUnbroken forward movement
- headUppermost body part
drop · weir · diversion · channel · pipe · pressure · volume · catchment
Without utility connections
- villageSmall rural community
- remoteDistant or controller
- communityCollective of connected people
- developingBecoming more advanced
Nepal · Andes · Himalayas · mountainous · isolated · decentralized · local · cooperative
Capable of restoration
- cleanFree of soil
- low-impactMinimally stressful on body
- run-of-riverDamless hydroelectric generation
- carbon-neutralNet-zero emissions state
green · environmentally · sustainable · ecological · minimal · footprint · natural · continuous
Potential for success
- surveySystematic data collection
- damWater-holding barrier
- canalDug water passage
- pipelineLong-distance fluid transport tube
wiring · commissioning · maintenance · permits · cost · investment · payback · lifespan
turbine
Blade-driven energy converter
- generatorElectricity-producing machine
- penstockControlled water conduit
- powerhouseSource of great energy
intake · runner · alternator · inverter · controller · crossflow · impulse · reaction · nozzle · tailrace
stream
Steady continuous flow
head · drop · weir · diversion · channel · pipe · pressure · volume · catchment · watershed
off-grid
Without utility connections
developing · Nepal · Andes · Himalayas · mountainous · isolated · decentralized · local · cooperative · household
renewable
Capable of restoration
- cleanFree of soil
- low-impactMinimally stressful on body
- run-of-riverDamless hydroelectric generation
carbon-neutral · green · environmentally · sustainable · ecological · minimal · footprint · natural · continuous · reliable
feasibility
Potential for success
pipeline · wiring · commissioning · maintenance · permits · cost · investment · payback · lifespan · durability
micro, hydro, microbe, microbial, microchip, microfilm, microgram, micrometer, microorganism