A Small Power Station in Kent
Hydro electricity generated at Kent's working watermill, Crabble Corn Mill
Waterpower, a curious affinity with nature
I've been concerned with the complex issues of renewable energy since the 1980s, as well as the conservation of Britain's heritage, since running the campaign to rescue Crabble Mill and managing its restoration.
Returning once more to address the sustainable resources issue and how best Crabble can contribute to the global agenda, it seemed to me the best way we could participate was by generating electricity with waterpower not only for the mill but also to export to the national grid.
The overheads associated with the running of a watermill are not insignificant. If we could produce our own electricity it would really help. After all, until modern times, the mill had always been self-sufficient. We also thought it a great idea for a hydropower scheme to provide educational demonstrations for schools and other visitors to illustrate how waterpower can be converted into electricity to power our homes.
For me, a real serendipity was that the most desirable location to site our turbines was within the wheel-pit of the earlier, much older mill site which dates back to Domesday. It's right where the long-gone waterwheel turned. It seems a natural upgrade to put a contemporary power source where an historic one previously existed.
As a registered charity, we qualified for grant-aid through the government's Clear Skies programme for renewable micro-generation scheme. We were then able to secure match-funding via EDF's Green Energy Fund. The scheme cuts the mill's carbon emissions by more than 12 tonnes per year. We need just enough power to support Crabbles' requirements, then export the rest. It's a 'win-win' project!
Returning once more to address the sustainable resources issue and how best Crabble can contribute to the global agenda, it seemed to me the best way we could participate was by generating electricity with waterpower not only for the mill but also to export to the national grid.
The overheads associated with the running of a watermill are not insignificant. If we could produce our own electricity it would really help. After all, until modern times, the mill had always been self-sufficient. We also thought it a great idea for a hydropower scheme to provide educational demonstrations for schools and other visitors to illustrate how waterpower can be converted into electricity to power our homes.
For me, a real serendipity was that the most desirable location to site our turbines was within the wheel-pit of the earlier, much older mill site which dates back to Domesday. It's right where the long-gone waterwheel turned. It seems a natural upgrade to put a contemporary power source where an historic one previously existed.
As a registered charity, we qualified for grant-aid through the government's Clear Skies programme for renewable micro-generation scheme. We were then able to secure match-funding via EDF's Green Energy Fund. The scheme cuts the mill's carbon emissions by more than 12 tonnes per year. We need just enough power to support Crabbles' requirements, then export the rest. It's a 'win-win' project!
I've included in this portfolio a very small selection of pictures to outline the uniqueness of the location and to give an idea of the complex issues we had to troubleshoot through and also a couple of articles in the local press and a feature article in a professional trade magazine.
To view the plans, feasibility, and other documents, or to discuss micro-hydropower, please get in touch.
Phil Davis of HydroGeneration explains ...
The hydro system at Crabble Mill uses three 'modular PolyFlow turbines' rather than a larger bespoke-made turbine. The idea behind the PolyFlow turbine is that it is a standard design that can be mass-produced which significantly reduces the hardware costs. PolyFlow turbines use a moulded plastic rotor to further reduce costs and the supporting framework and driveshaft etc. are all designed for simple manufacture on automated machines. At Crabble Mill three turbine units have been installed to make best use of the water available. In wet periods all three turbines would operate, while in drier periods one, two or all of three turbines would shut down depending on how much flow was around. The starting and stopping of the turbines is all controlled by the individual turbine controllers that are networked together and use software to decide how many turbines should operate.
The turbines used at Crabble are the first examples of the production version of the PolyFlow turbine. It took five years of development to reach this point and the hope is that now the turbines can be produced in volume and sold worldwide - so Crabble Mill is not only a pioneer in the south east for having a working hydro system, but also a pioneer for being the first example of a highly innovative hydro turbine which will go on to be sold worldwide.
The hydro system at Crabble Mill uses three 'modular PolyFlow turbines' rather than a larger bespoke-made turbine. The idea behind the PolyFlow turbine is that it is a standard design that can be mass-produced which significantly reduces the hardware costs. PolyFlow turbines use a moulded plastic rotor to further reduce costs and the supporting framework and driveshaft etc. are all designed for simple manufacture on automated machines. At Crabble Mill three turbine units have been installed to make best use of the water available. In wet periods all three turbines would operate, while in drier periods one, two or all of three turbines would shut down depending on how much flow was around. The starting and stopping of the turbines is all controlled by the individual turbine controllers that are networked together and use software to decide how many turbines should operate.
The turbines used at Crabble are the first examples of the production version of the PolyFlow turbine. It took five years of development to reach this point and the hope is that now the turbines can be produced in volume and sold worldwide - so Crabble Mill is not only a pioneer in the south east for having a working hydro system, but also a pioneer for being the first example of a highly innovative hydro turbine which will go on to be sold worldwide.
Kent has at least 500 potential micro-hydropower sites. Much more can be done!
