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HYDRO-POWERED ARCHIMEDEAN SCREW - ELECTRICITY GENERATION

V.Ryan © 2017

 
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Modern Archimedean Screw systems can generate between 1Kw to 350Kw, depending on the volume of water behind the sluice gate and the scale of the construction project. Normally, Archimedean Screw systems are used to lift water up hill. However, to generate electricity, the water flows down hill, turning the screw. As the screw turns, a generator converts the movement to electricity.
 
 
 
Usually water is held behind the sluice gate, until it is at a sufficient depth. The gate then lifts, allowing the flow of water down the Archimedean Screw. This means that it can also be considered as an energy storage system, turned ‘on’ and ‘off’ as required.
 
 
ANIMATION
 
 
 
 
NEW MILLS TORRS HYDRO ELECTRIC SCHEME
 
This is an example of an Archimedean Screw, being applied to a small scale hydroelectricity scheme, on the Goyt River, New Mills, Derbyshire. As water flows down the screw, it turns generating electricity.
 
 

There are several advantages to the use of this technology, when producing electricity:

Very little maintenance is required. The spiral nature of the pattern is self-cleaning, with debris clearing the mechanism, because of the pressure of the flowing river water.

Fish can travel through the system or a parallel ‘canal’, usually constructed alongside.

The cost of construction is relatively low, compared to other hydroelectricity systems.

Existing riverside constructions, such as an old mill, are ideal for the location of this technology. New riverside builds, can be designed to include electricity production, on this scale, supplementing electricity from the National Grid. Excess electricity that is generated when water levels are good, is fed back into the National Grid.

The range of production is 1Kw to 350Kw, which means it is ideal for small to medium scale electricity production.

 
 
 
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