Small-scale hydroelectric power plant for the city of Alamogordo, New Mexico. Final report
A hydroelectric power turbine was installed in a municipal water supply pipeline in Alamogordo, New Mexico, to recover previously wasted power from the flow of water. The Pelton-type turbine produces electrical power for the city. The 12-inch pipeline conveys water from mountain springs to the city. The hydroelectric turbine is installed in the lower section of the pipeline and operates on a head of 460 feet. Flow through the system averages 1000 gallons per minute. A Pelton wheel turbine was used. Flow control is accomplished by two automatically adjustable needle valves. The 9.75-inch Pelton wheel drives a 100-kilowatt three-phase induction generation connected to the utilty line. The system was put on line in December 1985. With a flow of 1400 gallons per minute and a water pressure of 160 psi, the generator produces over 75 kilowatts of electrical power. Overall system efficiencies are measured at 77%. The electrical power produced by the generator is sold to the local utility company.
- Research Organization:
- New Mexico Solar Energy Inst., Las Cruces (USA)
- OSTI ID:
- 5426619
- Report Number(s):
- NMRDI-2-69-1201; ON: DE86901741
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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