(Head(m) x Flow in Cubic Meters per Second) / 8.8 = KW output.

Then take KW output x Hrs producing x Generating Rate ($/KWH) = $

The planned DoradoVista Ranch system is based on a renewable energy resource - Run Of the River Hydro power. The water is not stored except for head regulation and intake requirements, any excess water passes the intake and continues downstream. There is also an instream flow requirement that sets a minimum flow for continued health of the stream critters between the intake and power house.

In our case we will start with a Canyon Hydro -- 350 kW Pelton wheel similar to the one picture above. This unit has a 350KW GE induction generator with servo control and grid switching gear. It is currently a 28 inch pitch Pelton wheel with a single 4.125 inch dia. nozzle (3.5 in effective jet) which can be upgraded to a two jet unit for more flow and therefore power. Our potential head is less than the design head so we will seek to increase flow. The variable jet control combined with the extra nozzle and pelton turbine gives a better range of efficiencies for our variable flow regime. A crossflow unit would probably be a better match but it has less efficiency.

The goal is to produce renewable energy with Net Zero green house gas and a minimum of ecological impact. Just add water!

Our creek has a history of sufficient flows for a significant part of the year such that it should reasonably generate predictable electric power for 9 months per year. The 3 month late summer season will typically be used as down time for maintenance of the equipment. This will maintain a minimum instream flow to keep the creek ecologically balanced and healthy.

The ranch property owned by DoradoVista, Inc. has a significant portion of the available head (170 ft out of a total of 350 ft) and water flows sufficient to be considered as a likely site for small hydro development, according to the "Idaho National Labs - INL, Hydro Power Prospector". The INL web site has more on hydropower prospecting: http://hydropower.inel.gov/prospector/index.html This is a great renewable Small Hydro energy resource provided by the US Government, take a look at the GIS driven resource maps for an area. Drive it around and get the feel for the many prospects and limitations for Small Hydro in the future. The site rates a solid five stars by DoradoVista Inc!

The Financial Goal of our Hydro system cash return is to Break Even in < 7 Yrs (BET)

-- Model does not include finance costs otherwise so, expect typical 10 yr commercial return.

-- System should return $ ~predictably over 5 yr interval. Just as Farmers know, rain is 'an act of God.'

The key to any Hydro success is to set up statistically optimized cash flow structure such that the system is economically viable. We will need to keep a good multi year model of production and a good capital and operating expense budget to match! Save cash from peak rainfall years to help make up for missing cashflow on low years.