I have watched all of your videos on this project and have enjoyed them very much. I admire the thought and manual work which ensured its completion, but have also wondered about the final cost- it must have been considerable. Of course you already know it if I say you live in a most beautiful part of the world.
Gerry The initial spring fed system cost about 25k but we also got domestic water and a pond in addition to the machinery which was moved in the upgrade to the creek source. The additional costs for the move were around 55k. All of this was in lieu of paying the utility 20k/mile * 7 miles or 140k to bring power in via a 1995 estimate and then pay utility bills. The estimated cost to bring it in was 250-300k in 2013 when the decision was made to move the system. Some people try to figure a break even on cost but we were way ahead from the start given the grid power estimates. You pay for all future power up front with hydro, but in our case we consider it an investment in the value or worth of the property and a worthwhile move towards added resilience. Thx so much for watching!
@@mrhydrohead I was thinking of asking the same question. With all your work building and now continuing on a regular basis it is still MUCH cheaper than trying to bring in Grid power, then paying for usage. Now what would be really great would be to supplement this system with something else I have been following on TH-cam, the Infinity SAV Magnetic Generator, maybe the 5KW system for $8,000 or the 10KW system for $15,000. Not sure when, or if, these will be available but sure beats the cost of installing both Micro-Hydro or PV systems, or even Wind. I even Preordered the 5KW system to supplement my 5KW PV system. I am grid-tied with Net-Metering and was planning to add additional PV prior to our purchasing our 2nd Tesla so hope the Magnetic Generator becomes a reality. I have enjoyed watching your videos and hope you can give us another "Annual Update" for us to keep following. Thanks much.
Frank P I haven’t heard of this device. I will be looking into it. Thx for sharing. I am planning a short update video and also searching around for other systems to document.
I love that instead of hastily making videos, and pushing them out frequently, you really take your times on your videos, and give us an amazing video every few months.
Thanks so much for the support! When I went to film school the one thing I learned was you needed to have something to make a film about. Hopefully I won't disappoint. best to you
I would wait any length of time for these well made, well written, interesting, ingenious, knowledgeable, project videos. Thanks for taking the time. Think I'll watch from the beginning again.
I'm loving this going through your series, even though I started at the end and am now working my way back to the front. Your descriptions of the concerns and review of operation is spot on. I must add that your voice and pacing remind me of the narration that accompanied 'The Waltons' I watched as a child. For me, that is simply an added bonus!
ProstetnicVogonJeltz I’m so glad you’re enjoying the journey. I got more committed to the quality of the videos as it progressed. A Multiyear project. That’s funny about the Waltons. Much appreciate your comment and thx for watching.
Love the update! Been following for a while now, and I always refer to your intricately documented example whenever I spread the word of micro hydro projects.
So envious of your life style and engineering prowess. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this project giving me hours of relaxing viewing while soaking in the bath. Thanks.
As some pone who has always lived in places worth virtually no snow (in Guadalajara I’ve only seen snow once, and none in Melbourne), these videos that show the beauty of frozen water in nature are breathtaking...
I have watched the project from the moving of the power plant to present & enjoyed all of it. As a electrical contractor it very interesting w/ all the details you have shared.
So i am sure i missed it. It sure would be nice to see a schematic of waterflow and elevation from source to pump house, for mental image of property scale and orientation. Really great stuff and something I would love to do myself. Congratulations on you successes !!!
I really admire your videos. I've learned an enormous amount about practical maintenance, and application problems to consider before installing a hydro system.
Good to hear it is still running. I only have grid tied solar panels, but I do enjoy that they can keep keep up with power usage of my heat pump although only in the day time.
When we built our home we installed an air to air heat pump because of alergies with electric backup. Our total energy bill was the same as our neighbours using gas heat and electric appliances. I will always install a heat pump from now on.
This was one hell of a journey. Been watching it for a while, never really commented though - just kept hitting the Like button. What a fantastic way to live!
It's taken years to do this, so l must have a passion for it. This week been looking back over all the footage working on an overview and am amazed at the time, effort, and all the details. Thx for the compliment, we do love the life.
I always recommend your videos anytime hydro electric comes up! Your work in micro hydro is the best on yt imo. Your photography skills make every second worth watching. I am thrilled for whats to come from you in the future!
MrHydrohead, Love your videos. I'm just about to start building an off grid homestead near Greeley this spring. I don't have a perineal stream but I have the wind out in the prairie. Cheers and best of luck!
Sounds great! A combo of wind and solar would fit nicely with new lithium tech. Once completed, off grid is a great feeling of self sufficiency. Best of luck with it. Thanks for watching
Fantastic!!!! Geez TH-cam sucks. Your channel is what I would like to pop up regularly as a suggestion instead on the garbage that it suggests 99% of the time . PLEASE keep your channel up! Many thanks x1000
Wow thx for the compliment. Working on a summary set of videos to put the multiyear experience in perspective. Then hopefully I'll find so other systems to document. Thx for watching!
Most of the algae is probably coming from the meadow and cascading down. It would be possible to install a screen before the accelerator plate, but that would require maintenance.
Thanks for your video! I have watched all your series on hydro power, excellent videos! I will stay tuned... and eventually be building a VERY small micro hydro system in the future (right now tweaking up my Hydraulic Ram Pump). Thanks for the excellent documentation and description.
VERY lucky you. Our old family homestead (parents sold it in 1996 as I graduated high school - doh!) had massive springs like that with lots of elevation change. Such a shame that got sold... some day again... for now... I use 6.5 feet of head to pump 72 foot vertical and 800 foot distant.
Good video. You might want to feed the pipe directly from your filtered intake. If it's deep enough you won't get any air, but the benefit is that 1, you only screen the water you use and 2, there is back pressure from beneath the screen that forces debris up and downward. I don't use a vent pipe so you may get away without it too.
Excellent job, of presentation. Also an excellent implementation of available technology to improve your lives, Kudos to you and thank you for sharing.
Hi Mrhydrohead, I just wanted to let you know that I absolutely LOVE all of your videos and have watched this whole series multiple times. I’ve always dreamed of being energy independent but never really thought that it was attainable, but now I know that it is. It hS also been a dream of mine to purchase land in the backcountry of MT, so my wife and I have connected with a realtor there and this summer we’re going to start looking. You helped us make the decision to make the cabin that we’ll build there, and later our home, be off grid. We’re looking for a place that has a steady stream somewhere on the property. I’m excited to start the journey AND for your future videos! If you had a patreon I’d donate to it. And also if you ever need assistance with anything over there in Colorado, I would love to help out and glean some wisdom from you. Just a thought ;) Anyway, thanks again for your videos!
Wow that's great to hear. MT should be a good place. You don't need tons of water, but even having a spring is a great asset. Flow and fall will dictate your best equipment and you can always integrate it with some solar too. Solar was way expensive when I started, now not so. We have a great abundance with the creek and it was a life long dream for me too. Took a long time to manifest, but so well worth it in the long run. Hopefully future vids can show other approaches with DC/batteries. So glad to hear you're motivated. Thx for watching and the gracious compliment
Tommy, the calculations aren't difficult but it takes some looking to find the formulas. I'm in the process of putting an e-mail together to Mrhydrohead. I don't want to swamp him with requests for info but he is a valuable resource of information.
Man I really wanted to do something like this. I live in a tropical country and we have a property that has constant stream of water flowing. No floods or erosion to worry about. Also the water is very clean as the rocks above have filtered it. We even have a permanent faucet that flows 24/7 throughout the year. The cost is the main factor for me.
The size of our system is big and hence the cost high. Far less costly approaches can be undertaken. Just remember you pay for all future power up front, so buying quality helps amortization of cost. Check out Powerspout. They have good gear which is expandable. Thx for watching
Thanks for your informative and visually stimulating videos. I was tickled to be able to be the subscriber to add my "like" to give this video 1000 likes!
Thx for watching. I've followed the view count since posting and watched it rise to 15531 views. Then it froze and sometime today reset under 10k. Not sure I understand it but do appreciate your #1000 so much. Thx it's rewarding to see people find value in all of this
In an earlier video, I had commented on the idea of a greenhouse protecting the in and outtakes but now seeing how the ice formed around both of them, it has me thinking that nature provides the best solutions, I guess I wonder how the design could encourage a faster ice growth for your winter season protection.
The lack of snowfall that last year made the ice formations much more impressive. After several winters it seems the icing doesn’t stall or slow the system. Just keeps running. Snowfall does tend to insulate against very cold nights. And im certain pipe burial helps too.
How is your internet connection? Just a question from someone who wants to live off the grid like you but still loves good internet access. Don't want to lag in any online games lol.
Wait a few years for Elon Musk's satellite Constellation internet. Latency is suppose to be in the mid 20s as the satellites are in LEO as opposed to a GEO where current sat internet providers are located resulting in 500ms or higher.
@@mrhydrohead lol. Thanks for uploading, I really enjoyed the series and was following it for a while. TH-cam videos that don't waste time are rare, and this is one of them. Thanks again.
Maybe if you have a metal cover on two hinges on each side to keep the sun off the screen the algae will not grow? Amazing video as always, liked first than watched!
As of today, I discovered your Hydro Videos. I like them. I've only seen the last few, so I was wondering if you ever showed off your living quarters and the usage of the power created. Most of my life has been devoted to making power as a Millwright. Biomass, Hydro-(those big dams,) Geothermal, and Atomic. 10 years of living living off grid makes me appreciate your efforts. So, about your typical power usage at home...?
We turn system up/down Winter/Other seasons 7.5kw/4.5kw on the basis of need for heat. Haven't done a specific video showing uses. Typical lights, appliances, electronics, with excess going to heat 300 gallons of domestic water. Hot tub added last year for excess as well. Part 14 of series details some of the usage and electrics th-cam.com/video/1c8AYt6C2P4/w-d-xo.html thx for watching
Mate, such a pleasure to see your efforts and results.I frequently visit Bali island, a long way from your place in the world. I have a fantasy of retiring on the island and building an interesting home near a town called Ubud. I think I might have to invite you to a consult visit. In the meantime I enjoy your videos.
I loved Bali when I visited in the 90's. THAT would be a dream to realize! My best wishes for you to bring it into being. Thx for watching. A set of synopsis vids to be coming soon. Cheers!
I'd love to see an overhead picture with the route of the creek diversion to the intake to the pump house highlighted. Can you get an overhead view, or is it to much area to get in a picture? If that makes any sense. I have been watching this whole time, just loving this whole project, awesome!
It's a pretty long run of about 1/2 mile of pipe, lots of it covered by trees, so that would be difficult. All so small as to be invisible. Thx for watching
@@mrhydrohead Sure, fully understand it. I am amazed by the engineering skills and knowledge involved in this project. The way to keep away air bubble is interesting. I was like: why I didn't think of it.
You could automate the ice removal by adding heat elements. You have plenty of power for this, also where it freezes have the water flow instead into pipes.
I've watched most (if not all) of your micro hydro videos and I don't remember any mention of water rights. I know that's a big deal in CO so I'm curious if you own the water rights on your property and if you had to get any special permits or anything before you started this process.
You bet! Acquired rights on the springs and augmentation in 1996 and others on the creek when Bush came into office. The creek rights were re-filed in required intervals a few times. Used a lawyer originally, then filed pro se (self guided application) more recently. Not all that complicated as they are non consumptive rights, but certainly necessary.
would be cool if you did like a collab with a bunch of other people who do like building project youtubes like those guys that build cabins or huts in South America.
I absolutely love this system! Maybe some day when I grow up I'll do something similar... Things to dream about. Have you ever considered using old servers running Folding@Home or some such as load balancers? Nvidia Tesla M2090 can be had fairly cheap, and you could use the waste heat for heating of your house. It will have some parasitic losses from idling, I imagine using a script that starts up the number crunching process if there is excess power. So a set of cheap old graphics cards with a favourable idle to full load ratio would be best. What do you think of that? Help cure cancer or other scientific endeavours with your excess power!
From what I researched using GPU's of some kind (GPU's/general purpose GPU's/co processors) would be inevitable, since they have the best idle to max load power usage ratio. Mostly because you can fit a whole lot of them to one motherboard. I found it hard to learn about idle power consumptions on different kind of servers, since it's rarely a metric that people are interested in. A solution might be to undervolt the GPU to increase the idle/peak load ratio. No idea if that helps though. I was thinking you'd need a script of some kind that turns individual computations on or off depending on the situation. Perhaps there's a computer recycler or system integrator nearby you who can point you to the right direction. There's a lot of functional hardware chucked out because it's just not worth running it any more due to its efficiency. But if you're using it instead of load balancing resistors, you're computing instead of throwing power away. I've been following your stuff for a few years and I really enjoy what you're doing and showing, keep living the good life!
Im in a similar situation in bc rockies. Just wonder how much the power generating system cost. Love the idea of 5000 watt off grid power but the cost might be a deterant?
We started in 1995 acquiring water rights and putting in a penstock from springs. That initial system cost around 25k in 1996 dollars. We also got gravity pressurized domestic water and a pond for raising fish at that price. When we moved the existing equipment to the creek we incurred additional costs of around 55k in 2015 dollars because we needed a full redesign of penstock, powerhouse, transmission and load management. Our system is capable of generating 7500 W and could be bumped up to 10,000 W if we wanted to add a second jet to the turbine. With Hydro you must realize you’re paying for all future power up front. There are all sorts of designs and new equipment available I didn’t exist when we started. People often ask how long it will take to payback the system, but this neglects to consider that we would have had to spend about $140k in 1995 to bring power lines 7 miles into the off grid property. That estimate had ballooned to $250-300k by 2015 when we moved the system. We would have had to pay that to bring power lines in and then had power bills to pay on top of that. So it was a no brainer to install our own system at either juncture and the question of payback was/is a moot question. We look at the installation as an asset investment in the overall property. Thanks for watching and best of luck.
@@mrhydrohead tx for all the info. Still looking at options. Have hydro line already to property just like the idea of generating power from the creek. My situation seam sonewhat more simple. Lots of water and lots of grade. A turgot system might make sense being fairly inexpensive. If course its not a 7500watt system!
When it is all said and done, what is the total cost of the project? Piping and components don't come cheap, sadly enough. For someone thinking of investing in something like this, what would be a reasonable budget amount? I recognize that the distances you cover with piping will vary from others', but I'm wondering if there's any way that you could provide an estimate for the required standard equipment? Thank you for all of your effort and your willingness to share your experience. I wish very much for your continued success.
The video series outlines two systems which spans back to 1995. First system (spring source) was 25k, upgrade to second system was 55k. Pricing of equipment and options of equipment have changed greatly in those decades. Power output was greatly increased with the move to the creek source and the property became a full time residence. All hydro installations are different due to topography, reliable water supply, and differences in generation transmission and storage if any. There is no standard equipment as different options provide different results and people have different needs for their power. Education and research are essential to designing and installing any system. This series is an attempt not to design a standard system, but to give a sense of what can be involved and provide some level of education and methodology. Thx for watching and I'm sorry that I can't provide a specific estimate, it's just too broad of a question. Measure flow and head, then research deeply and compare options based on expected need for power.
MrHydrohead Thank you for your response. I figured that it would be difficult to quantity, given all of the reasons you listed. But, with the numbers you provided, I think it at least gives someone contemplating something similar a goal to shoot for financially. In one of your videos, you mention going to a show, or an expo, and that it catered primarily to the industrial power users and not the small or individual user. I was curious, as to whether, you ever found an expo that focused on the individual user? Or perhaps, a source that was really helpful in helping you to find what you needed to know? I greatly appreciate your insights and your willingness to share. Thank you very much.
I could recommend two sources for focused valuable information. Solar Energy International has courses in hydropower which teaches the basics for both DC or AC systems. I took their course in 1995 and gained great assistance in designing my first system and choosing the proper equipment. They have courses in all forms of renewable energy. The second would be to get a subscription and access to the database of all back issues of Home Power Magazine. There you would find countless examples of actual installations of both hydro and most all viable systems for supplying your own power and developing efficient uses of that power. They also published a book compiling most past hydro articles titled “ Serious Micro Hydro” available in paperback, on kindle and maybe epub versions. Tons more information on the the internet which barely existed when i started in the mid 90’s as well. Im glad you find my videos of some value. Just trying to give back with my efforts. 😉
Serious Microhydro by Scott Davis itunes.apple.com/us/book/serious-microhydro/id392500802?mt=11 www.homepower.com/ www.solarenergy.org/ books.google.com/books/about/Serious_Microhydro.html?id=ujkT03H6jlkC&hl=en
Yes, most likely. I just haven't made time to do another update. I may put in a second jet to produce a bit more power (10KW) up to the limit of the current electric components. That would be used primarily in the Winter when we can actually utilize all that power for heating. We have a steam shower that can also be run with it, but just haven't gotten to it yet. Thx for watching
25k for first spring fed system, ~55k to move & re situate on creek. I think each system is unique, so what is learned at each one is different, so I doubt I will make one on that topic. Can't think of enough changes that would be of interest. Synopsis videos coming soon and thx for watching.
I have watched all of your videos on this project and have enjoyed them very much. I admire the thought and manual work which ensured its completion, but have also wondered about the final cost- it must have been considerable. Of course you already know it if I say you live in a most beautiful part of the world.
Gerry The initial spring fed system cost about 25k but we also got domestic water and a pond in addition to the machinery which was moved in the upgrade to the creek source. The additional costs for the move were around 55k. All of this was in lieu of paying the utility 20k/mile * 7 miles or 140k to bring power in via a 1995 estimate and then pay utility bills. The estimated cost to bring it in was 250-300k in 2013 when the decision was made to move the system. Some people try to figure a break even on cost but we were way ahead from the start given the grid power estimates. You pay for all future power up front with hydro, but in our case we consider it an investment in the value or worth of the property and a worthwhile move towards added resilience. Thx so much for watching!
@@mrhydrohead I was thinking of asking the same question. With all your work building and now continuing on a regular basis it is still MUCH cheaper than trying to bring in Grid power, then paying for usage.
Now what would be really great would be to supplement this system with something else I have been following on TH-cam, the Infinity SAV Magnetic Generator, maybe the 5KW system for $8,000 or the 10KW system for $15,000.
Not sure when, or if, these will be available but sure beats the cost of installing both Micro-Hydro or PV systems, or even Wind. I even Preordered the 5KW system to supplement my 5KW PV system. I am grid-tied with Net-Metering and was planning to add additional PV prior to our purchasing our 2nd Tesla so hope the Magnetic Generator becomes a reality.
I have enjoyed watching your videos and hope you can give us another "Annual Update" for us to keep following. Thanks much.
Frank P I haven’t heard of this device. I will be looking into it. Thx for sharing. I am planning a short update video and also searching around for other systems to document.
@@mrhydrohead They have a TH-cam channel but their website is:
infinitysav.com/
@@frankp5992 q 40
I love that instead of hastily making videos, and pushing them out frequently, you really take your times on your videos, and give us an amazing video every few months.
Thanks so much for the support! When I went to film school the one thing I learned was you needed to have something to make a film about. Hopefully I won't disappoint. best to you
I've been waiting for 6 months, always a joy to watch.
I appreciate your watching it's fun to do this
I would wait any length of time for these well made, well written, interesting, ingenious, knowledgeable, project videos. Thanks for taking the time. Think I'll watch from the beginning again.
I'm loving this going through your series, even though I started at the end and am now working my way back to the front. Your descriptions of the concerns and review of operation is spot on. I must add that your voice and pacing remind me of the narration that accompanied 'The Waltons' I watched as a child. For me, that is simply an added bonus!
ProstetnicVogonJeltz I’m so glad you’re enjoying the journey. I got more committed to the quality of the videos as it progressed. A Multiyear project. That’s funny about the Waltons. Much appreciate your comment and thx for watching.
Love the update! Been following for a while now, and I always refer to your intricately documented example whenever I spread the word of micro hydro projects.
Mikey Billek Spread the word man. I can't possibly express how fine it is the live with this source!
Keep on sharing. THX!!!
Love the great videos. I think I would love to live there and be able to enjoy the great seasons of change.
Thx for watching! I appreciate that viewers feel they are gaining something.
So envious of your life style and engineering prowess. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this project giving me hours of relaxing viewing while soaking in the bath. Thanks.
I have the habit w/tubs too. Now in the outdoor hydro heated hot tub. Thx for watching
Stumbled across this series and have to say thanks for all the hard work and careful explaination. Such a beautiful area.
Thx for watching
As some pone who has always lived in places worth virtually no snow (in Guadalajara I’ve only seen snow once, and none in Melbourne), these videos that show the beauty of frozen water in nature are breathtaking...
Thx for watching
I have watched the project from the moving of the power plant to present & enjoyed all of it. As a electrical contractor it very interesting w/ all the details you have shared.
Thx for watching. It's rewarding when people like it
So i am sure i missed it. It sure would be nice to see a schematic of waterflow and elevation from source to pump house, for mental image of property scale and orientation. Really great stuff and something I would love to do myself. Congratulations on you successes !!!
Thx for watching. I think there is one in part 20-1. Parts 20-1,2,3 are an overall synopsis of the whole shebang.
I really admire your videos. I've learned an enormous amount about practical maintenance, and application problems to consider before installing a hydro system.
Glad you find value in them. that was the idea. Thanks for watching and best of luck with your own plans.
Good to hear it is still running.
I only have grid tied solar panels, but I do enjoy that they can keep keep up with power usage of my heat pump although only in the day time.
When we built our home we installed an air to air heat pump because of alergies with electric backup. Our total energy bill was the same as our neighbours using gas heat and electric appliances. I will always install a heat pump from now on.
Probably the most underappreciated videos on TH-cam, this vid alone deserves at least 10,000
Thx so much. I appreciate the support
This was one hell of a journey. Been watching it for a while, never really commented though - just kept hitting the Like button. What a fantastic way to live!
It's taken years to do this, so l must have a passion for it. This week been looking back over all the footage working on an overview and am amazed at the time, effort, and all the details. Thx for the compliment, we do love the life.
Excellent writing and oration!! Lovely series!
Thx for watching
I always recommend your videos anytime hydro electric comes up! Your work in micro hydro is the best on yt imo. Your photography skills make every second worth watching. I am thrilled for whats to come from you in the future!
Thx for watching and the kind compliment. It's a labor of love
Thanks for bring us along during your hydro journey.
Love that you are using the extra power in an hot tub 👍👍👍
Yup! Very satisfying to relax in heat gathered from natural energies. thx for watching
MrHydrohead, Love your videos. I'm just about to start building an off grid homestead near Greeley this spring. I don't have a perineal stream but I have the wind out in the prairie. Cheers and best of luck!
Sounds great! A combo of wind and solar would fit nicely with new lithium tech. Once completed, off grid is a great feeling of self sufficiency. Best of luck with it. Thanks for watching
Fantastic!!!! Geez TH-cam sucks. Your channel is what I would like to pop up regularly as a suggestion instead on the garbage that it suggests 99% of the time . PLEASE keep your channel up! Many thanks x1000
Wow thx for the compliment. Working on a summary set of videos to put the multiyear experience in perspective. Then hopefully I'll find so other systems to document. Thx for watching!
You are so blessed living in Colorado. It's simply amazing.
We have to pinch ourselves to believe its so. Thx for watching
Have it shielded from direct sunlight to get rid of the Algae, perhaps?
DerbJd good idea, but what you see is about 3 months growth. No big deal
Most of the algae is probably coming from the meadow and cascading down. It would be possible to install a screen before the accelerator plate, but that would require maintenance.
I like how all of your videos sound like a school project presentation.
😂 lol
Wonderful overview of how things have gone for you. Thanks for sharing and God bless.
Thx for watching
Thanks for your video! I have watched all your series on hydro power, excellent videos! I will stay tuned... and eventually be building a VERY small micro hydro system in the future (right now tweaking up my Hydraulic Ram Pump). Thanks for the excellent documentation and description.
Thanks for watching. Ram pumps are cool, although our spring fed water is gravity. Lucky us
VERY lucky you. Our old family homestead (parents sold it in 1996 as I graduated high school - doh!) had massive springs like that with lots of elevation change. Such a shame that got sold... some day again... for now... I use 6.5 feet of head to pump 72 foot vertical and 800 foot distant.
And a big thank you to you for keeping us updated :)
A wonderful set of videos. Like a meditation..Thank you!
Hey thanks for the nice comment. I'm glad you like the vids. They were/are a labor of love. thx for watching.
Really enjoyable update.. your voice over reminds me of Mutual of Omaha's "Wild Kingdom" TV show from the 70s.. very pleasing
I remember that show. Not sure I sound like Marlin Perkins, but one never hears their own voice as others hear it anyway. Thx for watching
Love this project and these updates. Keep em coming!
Thx for watching. Working on an extensive round up just now. It was 5 years ago this week I decided to undertake the move to the creek. Woah🤓
Wow. I'll bet you don't regret that one!
Not a bit. Lots of work but mostly fun
Excellent video watch all your video they are really so nice and beautiful
Thanks for watching!
Good video. You might want to feed the pipe directly from your filtered intake. If it's deep enough you won't get any air, but the benefit is that 1, you only screen the water you use and 2, there is back pressure from beneath the screen that forces debris up and downward. I don't use a vent pipe so you may get away without it too.
What an absolutely phenomenal landscape! Great work, mate. Keep it up!
Thx so much for watching this
Excellent job, of presentation. Also an excellent implementation of available technology to improve your lives, Kudos to you and thank you for sharing.
Thx for watching
Enjoy your voice with the nature sound in the background, thank you for sharing your amazing video
Thx for watching
Absolutely hooked! Great videos they are like art and so calming! Amazing work. What a fantastic project.
Wow thx for the compliment. I'm glad you've enjoyed. Working on synopsis videos now, soon to be released. Thx for watching
Always love watching your videos!! Wish you did more!
Unfortunately got I have something to film in front of the camera. Looking for projects to document now. More to come
Your best narration since Dances with wolves.
The metal inlet plate is really awesome.
It seldom requires cleaning too. Once every 3-4 months maybe. Thx for watching
What a amazing place. Love your videos, only quality informations
thx for watching. If you haven't seen it check out parts 20-1,2,3 which are a synopsis of it all.
Hi Mrhydrohead, I just wanted to let you know that I absolutely LOVE all of your videos and have watched this whole series multiple times. I’ve always dreamed of being energy independent but never really thought that it was attainable, but now I know that it is. It hS also been a dream of mine to purchase land in the backcountry of MT, so my wife and I have connected with a realtor there and this summer we’re going to start looking. You helped us make the decision to make the cabin that we’ll build there, and later our home, be off grid. We’re looking for a place that has a steady stream somewhere on the property. I’m excited to start the journey AND for your future videos! If you had a patreon I’d donate to it. And also if you ever need assistance with anything over there in Colorado, I would love to help out and glean some wisdom from you. Just a thought ;) Anyway, thanks again for your videos!
Wow that's great to hear. MT should be a good place. You don't need tons of water, but even having a spring is a great asset. Flow and fall will dictate your best equipment and you can always integrate it with some solar too. Solar was way expensive when I started, now not so. We have a great abundance with the creek and it was a life long dream for me too. Took a long time to manifest, but so well worth it in the long run. Hopefully future vids can show other approaches with DC/batteries. So glad to hear you're motivated. Thx for watching and the gracious compliment
Tommy, the calculations aren't difficult but it takes some looking to find the formulas. I'm in the process of putting an e-mail together to Mrhydrohead. I don't want to swamp him with requests for info but he is a valuable resource of information.
Eastern Woods Glad to help if I can...
As you while away the hours enjoying the fruit of your efforts, what comes next? Hopefully something as memorable and industrious. Keep on keepin on!
Considering a couple of themes for the next vid
What a beautiful landscape
We see different displays of beauty every day. One of the pleasures of being here. thx for watching
@@mrhydrohead You are very lucky to live there, hope you enjoy it to the fullest :)
Super nice ! Thanks for making the videos for us to watch.
I love the responses. Appreciate them all Thx for watching
Man I really wanted to do something like this. I live in a tropical country and we have a property that has constant stream of water flowing. No floods or erosion to worry about. Also the water is very clean as the rocks above have filtered it. We even have a permanent faucet that flows 24/7 throughout the year. The cost is the main factor for me.
The size of our system is big and hence the cost high. Far less costly approaches can be undertaken. Just remember you pay for all future power up front, so buying quality helps amortization of cost. Check out Powerspout. They have good gear which is expandable. Thx for watching
I missed this way too much.
Thx for watching
Another awesome video! An over view would be great as it's been a long time since I watched the series. Forget how the meadow part works.
Working on a review now. Lots of elements to boil down. Want to get it done so I can move on to documenting other systems
HEY GLAD TO SEE Y'ALL AROUND
Thx for watching
Thanks for your informative and visually stimulating videos. I was tickled to be able to be the subscriber to add my "like" to give this video 1000 likes!
Thx for watching. I've followed the view count since posting and watched it rise to 15531 views. Then it froze and sometime today reset under 10k. Not sure I understand it but do appreciate your #1000 so much. Thx it's rewarding to see people find value in all of this
Absolutely beautiful video
Thx for watching
In an earlier video, I had commented on the idea of a greenhouse protecting the in and outtakes but now seeing how the ice formed around both of them, it has me thinking that nature provides the best solutions, I guess I wonder how the design could encourage a faster ice growth for your winter season protection.
The lack of snowfall that last year made the ice formations much more impressive. After several winters it seems the icing doesn’t stall or slow the system. Just keeps running. Snowfall does tend to insulate against very cold nights. And im certain pipe burial helps too.
Another great video update - shared :)
A great amount of Imfo. Thank you for this Power System .
Really enjoy your vids on the project. Thanks!
Thx for watching
Really like the videos, intresting to listen and watch and the nature is there amazing! Thanks for sharing :)
My pleasure. Thx for watching
I love this! Great job and design.
Glad you enjoyed it. Thx for watching
You should be able to adjust the windings in your 480V to 120/ 240V transformer to get a better balances of voltage and current in both 120V legs...
I think I know where all your snow went.
its in my yard, do you want it back?
Thanks for the update!
Good yuk! My lady is from Cape Breton. I understand Canadian Winters have their ups and downs. What goes around comes around. 🌨✌🏻
near the middle of march we got just over a foot of snow in a night, then another 6inchs at the beginning of april.
I think that we in Sweden got some of your snow as well.
Living in hot equator here. Can I have some of the snow please????? So hot in here. Damn climate change.
How is your internet connection? Just a question from someone who wants to live off the grid like you but still loves good internet access. Don't want to lag in any online games lol.
Wait a few years for Elon Musk's satellite Constellation internet. Latency is suppose to be in the mid 20s as the satellites are in LEO as opposed to a GEO where current sat internet providers are located resulting in 500ms or higher.
We have a radio tower system. 12ms lag and 9-10 Mbps. Not killer but adequate. Will look forward to Constellation
MrHydrohead cool
thanks for the video man,..i like ur documentary expecially without music...lol..hope to hear from u sooon stay safe whatever u do..peace!
Incredible video work. Thank you for posting!
Thx for watching
Haha lol I just realized that your profile picture is a pelton wheel. I was like 'wtf are these scales'.
Well I like your picture too, but I must say you have a rather tarnished reputation. haha. thx for watching
@@mrhydrohead lol. Thanks for uploading, I really enjoyed the series and was following it for a while. TH-cam videos that don't waste time are rare, and this is one of them. Thanks again.
Very cool. Nice camera work.
thanks for watching. My career was as a Hollywood cinematographer before I retired. Its funny to me that most of this series was shot on an iPhone.
Great update. I enjoy your videos.
Maybe if you have a metal cover on two hinges on each side to keep the sun off the screen the algae will not grow? Amazing video as always, liked first than watched!
The algae is so minimal it's no prob. Thx for watching
Lovely to see
Could watch for hours. Keep it up!
Wilco bro, keep watching
Thats awesome...i'm really impressed about your videos... tks for share..
yes, ive been waiting. Stay safe my dude!
Wilco. Thx for watching
As of today, I discovered your Hydro Videos. I like them. I've only seen the last few, so I was wondering if you ever showed off your living quarters and the usage of the power created. Most of my life has been devoted to making power as a Millwright. Biomass, Hydro-(those big dams,) Geothermal, and Atomic. 10 years of living living off grid makes me appreciate your efforts. So, about your typical power usage at home...?
We turn system up/down Winter/Other seasons 7.5kw/4.5kw on the basis of need for heat. Haven't done a specific video showing uses. Typical lights, appliances, electronics, with excess going to heat 300 gallons of domestic water. Hot tub added last year for excess as well. Part 14 of series details some of the usage and electrics th-cam.com/video/1c8AYt6C2P4/w-d-xo.html thx for watching
Great video!! Thanks
Winter is a beautiful thing so long as you don’t work out in it.
Well done. Dreamy hot tub. Cheers.
Thanks R. Hope life's been good since the eclipse. Working on a set of synopsis vids to be finished before long ✌️
Mate, such a pleasure to see your efforts and results.I frequently visit Bali island, a long way from your place in the world. I have a fantasy of retiring on the island and building an interesting home near a town called Ubud. I think I might have to invite you to a consult visit. In the meantime I enjoy your videos.
I loved Bali when I visited in the 90's. THAT would be a dream to realize! My best wishes for you to bring it into being. Thx for watching. A set of synopsis vids to be coming soon. Cheers!
I'd love to see an overhead picture with the route of the creek diversion to the intake to the pump house highlighted. Can you get an overhead view, or is it to much area to get in a picture? If that makes any sense. I have been watching this whole time, just loving this whole project, awesome!
It's a pretty long run of about 1/2 mile of pipe, lots of it covered by trees, so that would be difficult. All so small as to be invisible. Thx for watching
Great video, thanks for uploading
My pleasure thx for watching
Nice I love the New digital meters
Yeah, they were relatively inexpensive and can be reset on Kilowatt Hours count up. A nice feature
Yes the digital meters look great. Where did you source them?
Ebay out of China
Have you considered to join Airbnb? This is definitely something to experience!
We've thought about getting some tiny homes to rent out, but its just an idea. We value our privacy Thanks for watching!
@@mrhydrohead Sure, fully understand it. I am amazed by the engineering skills and knowledge involved in this project. The way to keep away air bubble is interesting. I was like: why I didn't think of it.
You could automate the ice removal by adding heat elements. You have plenty of power for this, also where it freezes have the water flow instead into pipes.
Interesting video ... Thanks
Thx for watching
I've watched most (if not all) of your micro hydro videos and I don't remember any mention of water rights. I know that's a big deal in CO so I'm curious if you own the water rights on your property and if you had to get any special permits or anything before you started this process.
You bet! Acquired rights on the springs and augmentation in 1996 and others on the creek when Bush came into office. The creek rights were re-filed in required intervals a few times. Used a lawyer originally, then filed pro se (self guided application) more recently. Not all that complicated as they are non consumptive rights, but certainly necessary.
Awesome, thank you for your reply. We're hoping to use micro hydro as well when we move up there and build a house at some point in the future.
Looking forward for more!
dilbot macguillacutty Coming up
Love the videos!
would be cool if you did like a collab with a bunch of other people who do like building project youtubes like those guys that build cabins or huts in South America.
Hard to find lots of other ongoing projects locally. And with distance comes costs. But you never know. Thx for watching
Great stuff. Would love to see a map or diagram of the whole system so I know how the different bits fit together.
I'll share a map w/u soon
Really cool stuff
I am from Queensland it never goes below 10 degrees C, reaches 23C in Winter, that cold must suck, man!
No worries, we love the ice & snow
Yo bro since you making emergy why not put a warming thing around your pipe so you never have to unclog it?
I absolutely love this system! Maybe some day when I grow up I'll do something similar... Things to dream about.
Have you ever considered using old servers running Folding@Home or some such as load balancers?
Nvidia Tesla M2090 can be had fairly cheap, and you could use the waste heat for heating of your house. It will have some parasitic losses from idling, I imagine using a script that starts up the number crunching process if there is excess power. So a set of cheap old graphics cards with a favourable idle to full load ratio would be best.
What do you think of that? Help cure cancer or other scientific endeavours with your excess power!
An interesting idea. Have thought about some sort of bitchain but this is very interesting. I'll look into it thx for watching and the suggestion
From what I researched using GPU's of some kind (GPU's/general purpose GPU's/co processors) would be inevitable, since they have the best idle to max load power usage ratio. Mostly because you can fit a whole lot of them to one motherboard. I found it hard to learn about idle power consumptions on different kind of servers, since it's rarely a metric that people are interested in. A solution might be to undervolt the GPU to increase the idle/peak load ratio. No idea if that helps though.
I was thinking you'd need a script of some kind that turns individual computations on or off depending on the situation.
Perhaps there's a computer recycler or system integrator nearby you who can point you to the right direction. There's a lot of functional hardware chucked out because it's just not worth running it any more due to its efficiency. But if you're using it instead of load balancing resistors, you're computing instead of throwing power away.
I've been following your stuff for a few years and I really enjoy what you're doing and showing, keep living the good life!
I like very much your sistem.
Thx for watching. I never know who has seen what segments. Parts 20-1,2,3 are a synopsis of the whole thing.
Im in a similar situation in bc rockies. Just wonder how much the power generating system cost. Love the idea of 5000 watt off grid power but the cost might be a deterant?
We started in 1995 acquiring water rights and putting in a penstock from springs. That initial system cost around 25k in 1996 dollars. We also got gravity pressurized domestic water and a pond for raising fish at that price.
When we moved the existing equipment to the creek we incurred additional costs of around 55k in 2015 dollars because we needed a full redesign of penstock, powerhouse, transmission and load management. Our system is capable of generating 7500 W and could be bumped up to 10,000 W if we wanted to add a second jet to the turbine. With Hydro you must realize you’re paying for all future power up front. There are all sorts of designs and new equipment available I didn’t exist when we started.
People often ask how long it will take to payback the system, but this neglects to consider that we would have had to spend about $140k in 1995 to bring power lines 7 miles into the off grid property. That estimate had ballooned to $250-300k by 2015 when we moved the system. We would have had to pay that to bring power lines in and then had power bills to pay on top of that. So it was a no brainer to install our own system at either juncture and the question of payback was/is a moot question. We look at the installation as an asset investment in the overall property. Thanks for watching and best of luck.
@@mrhydrohead tx for all the info. Still looking at options. Have hydro line already to property just like the idea of generating power from the creek. My situation seam sonewhat more simple. Lots of water and lots of grade. A turgot system might make sense being fairly inexpensive. If course its not a 7500watt system!
It must be fun i wish i could do that for living
It was a long term dream which finally was achieved. Thx for watching
When it is all said and done, what is the total cost of the project? Piping and components don't come cheap, sadly enough. For someone thinking of investing in something like this, what would be a reasonable budget amount? I recognize that the distances you cover with piping will vary from others', but I'm wondering if there's any way that you could provide an estimate for the required standard equipment? Thank you for all of your effort and your willingness to share your experience. I wish very much for your continued success.
The video series outlines two systems which spans back to 1995. First system (spring source) was 25k, upgrade to second system was 55k. Pricing of equipment and options of equipment have changed greatly in those decades. Power output was greatly increased with the move to the creek source and the property became a full time residence. All hydro installations are different due to topography, reliable water supply, and differences in generation transmission and storage if any. There is no standard equipment as different options provide different results and people have different needs for their power. Education and research are essential to designing and installing any system. This series is an attempt not to design a standard system, but to give a sense of what can be involved and provide some level of education and methodology. Thx for watching and I'm sorry that I can't provide a specific estimate, it's just too broad of a question. Measure flow and head, then research deeply and compare options based on expected need for power.
MrHydrohead Thank you for your response. I figured that it would be difficult to quantity, given all of the reasons you listed. But, with the numbers you provided, I think it at least gives someone contemplating something similar a goal to shoot for financially.
In one of your videos, you mention going to a show, or an expo, and that it catered primarily to the industrial power users and not the small or individual user. I was curious, as to whether, you ever found an expo that focused on the individual user? Or perhaps, a source that was really helpful in helping you to find what you needed to know?
I greatly appreciate your insights and your willingness to share. Thank you very much.
I could recommend two sources for focused valuable information. Solar Energy International has courses in hydropower which teaches the basics for both DC or AC systems. I took their course in 1995 and gained great assistance in designing my first system and choosing the proper equipment. They have courses in all forms of renewable energy.
The second would be to get a subscription and access to the database of all back issues of Home Power Magazine. There you would find countless examples of actual installations of both hydro and most all viable systems for supplying your own power and developing efficient uses of that power. They also published a book compiling most past hydro articles titled “ Serious Micro Hydro” available in paperback, on kindle and maybe epub versions.
Tons more information on the the internet which barely existed when i started in the mid 90’s as well.
Im glad you find my videos of some value. Just trying to give back with my efforts. 😉
Serious Microhydro by Scott Davis itunes.apple.com/us/book/serious-microhydro/id392500802?mt=11
www.homepower.com/
www.solarenergy.org/
books.google.com/books/about/Serious_Microhydro.html?id=ujkT03H6jlkC&hl=en
MrHydrohead Fantastic! Thank you so very much!
Very nice!
Thx for watching
R u going to continue to do updates on the system?
Yes, most likely. I just haven't made time to do another update. I may put in a second jet to produce a bit more power (10KW) up to the limit of the current electric components. That would be used primarily in the Winter when we can actually utilize all that power for heating. We have a steam shower that can also be run with it, but just haven't gotten to it yet. Thx for watching
I love your videos. But they are very rare...
Unfortunately it takes time to have things to put in the vids
Thx for watching
Very cool!
What has been the cost so far?
Can you make a video of things you would have changed?
25k for first spring fed system, ~55k to move & re situate on creek. I think each system is unique, so what is learned at each one is different, so I doubt I will make one on that topic. Can't think of enough changes that would be of interest. Synopsis videos coming soon and thx for watching.
LOL! I guess if i watched till the end i would see what i was asking for Sry.
Are they own the mountain?
Or they allowed to dig and bury their pipe from the creek?
We own the land where the system exists and we secured the necessary non- consumptive water rights to harness the power. thx for watching
@@mrhydrohead i just watch part 20-1, which answer the question. And i just know, there there is something called "water rights". Thanks.