Pico hydro is a term used for hydroelectric power generation of under 5 kW. These generators have proven to be useful in small, remote communities that require only a small amount of electricity – for example, to power one or two fluorescent light bulbs and a TV or radio in 50 or so homes.[2] Even smaller turbines of 200–300 W may power a single home with a drop of only 1 metre (3.3 ft). Pico-hydro setups typically are run-of-stream, meaning that a reservoir of water is not created, only a small weir is common, pipes divert some of the flow, drop this down a gradient, and through the turbine before being exhausted back to the stream.
Like other hydroelectric and renewable source power generation, pollution and consumption of fossil fuels is reduced, though there is still typically an environmental cost to the manufacture of the generator and distribution methods.
- ^ Thomas, Brian; Jordan, Bill; McGhee, Ryan (January 24, 2013). "Pico-Hydropower Franchising: A Test Bed in Rural Honduras" (PDF). National Collegiate Inventors and Innovators Alliance. Retrieved August 24, 2018.
- ^ "Micro Hydro Project". Technologies for Conservation & Development project. Archived from the original on July 31, 2009. Retrieved September 6, 2010.