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Potential Energy
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Case Studies
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“There are loads of experts who have come here and told me that I need to install a hydro plant. You came here and told me the different ways that I could do it, and asked what I wanted!”
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Case Study
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Alhampton Mill Project
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| Harness river’s energy potential, reliability, minimal maintenance, avoid debris accumulation, protect fish and wildlife. |
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The Alham is not a large river, and its banks are tree lined, producing large volumes of debris such as logs and leaves. An Archimedes screw turbine was chosen as the site is away from the mill house, and so the turbine needs to be reliable and minimal maintenance. The screw allows fish and much of the debris to simply pass through, removing the need for protective screens and associated cleaning equipment. Tree roots had caused considerable structural damage to the river bank and historical mill infrastructure, and so a major rebuilding project was undertaken during which the foundations for the screw turbine were installed.
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Case Study
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Hewletts Mill Project
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| Hydro power with minimum investment while observing the properties Grade II listing. |
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Many people have found the cost of hydro power prohibitively expensive, despite the return on investment being considerably greater than most alternative investments. At Hewletts Mill, the brief was to get the maximum return for the least investment, while also respecting the special nature of the historic mill and it surroundings. By installing a water wheel, the garden has gained a superb focal point which heats the house in winter, and has eliminated huge swimming pool heating costs in summer. Energy bills have been slashed, and the visual and financial worth of the property enhanced.
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