Waimea
Net Head: 166ft
Rated Output: 32kW
This project has a 32 KW hydroelectric turbine and generator installed within a potable water system serving a portion of the Island of Hawaii. The new turbine system parallels the existing inlet headworkâs pressure reducing valve to reduce high pressure raw water supply into the Waimea Water Treatment Plant. It replaces an existing Pump-as-Turbine with a wider operational range Pelton turbine installation. This installation switches automatically between PRV valve operation and turbine operation. It is an example of a hydroelectric turbine installation on a public water system, capturing energy lost in a pressure reducing valve and creating power that supplies most of the plants power needs thereby offsetting the cost of the power bill.