Has anyone researched the availability and use of micro-hydro generators, and the (associated) use of ram pumps?
Many of us live on land with both permanent water courses and significant gradients. I often look at the water tumbling down our little creek and wonder how we could harness it.
Ram pumps are old technology largely discarded because of their low performance when compared with a fossil fuel powered pumps and, consequently, they are hard to find. To-date I have only found one "boutique" manufacturer in the US but they were once produced here in Australia. It's time for ram pumps to make a comeback.
As for micro-hydro, the systems I have seen so far are all homemade, based on reverse-engineered dynamos or the like. I have heard of "in-pipe" generators but cannot find them.
Please post a response if you have any useful info.