Description

This two day workshop will cover the basics of small scale hydro power with field trips to local microhydro installations. Participants will learn about: site assessment techniques including the measurement of head and flow; system design; types of turbines and their associated performance and cost; system components such as the intake, penstock and balance of system; maintenance and troubleshooting; case studies; tips and tricks from an industry icon.

Don Harris is a national microhydro expert. He has developed residential hydro systems since 1981 and is responsible for nearly 3,000 successful systems. The Harris system is an efficient, durable battery charging pelton turbine making it the most popular micro-turbine in the US.

Please join us for two days packed with information and site visits for hands on demonstrations.

Who should attend?.....basically anyone

• Renewable energy installers, contractors, dealers
• Electricians and plumbers
• Land, home, business, or farm owners
• Students, tradespersons and inventors
• Teachers
• Elected officials
• Electrical companies/cooperatives
• Any energy user interested in harnessing power from solar, wind or water

Cost: $400
Students in UNC system cost: $320
Time: 9:00am-4:00pm
Location: Appalachian State University Campus, Raley Hall room 2018, park at College Street Parking Deck (with site visit one day)

Note: Please bring gloves, hat, sunscreen, raingear, water bottle, camera, notepad, etc. Bring warm clothes, dress in layers and wear good shoes for walking in various terrain.

Instructor

Don Harris

A residential micro-hydro system consists of a small turbine in a creek that produces energy that is transferred to the home. Harris—who now lives in the California redwood area and drives a Toyota Prius Hybrid to engagements all over the country—has been developing residential micro-hydro systems since 1981 and his system is an efficient, durable, battery-charging pelton turbine.