IELPH501-PICO HYDROPOWER PLANT
INTRODUCTION
What is Pico Hydro? Pico hydro is hydro power with a maximum electrical output of five
kilowatts. Hydro power systems of this size benefit in terms of cost and simplicity from
different approaches in the design, planning and installation than those which are applied to
larger hydro power. Recent innovations in Pico hydro technology have made it an economic
source of power even in some of the world’s poorest and most inaccessible places. It is also
a versatile power source. AC electricity can be produced enabling standard electrical
appliances to be used and the electricity can be distributed to a whole village. Common
examples of devices which can be powered by Pico hydro are light bulbs, radio’s, televisions,
refrigerators and food processors. Mechanical power can be utilised with some designs. This
is useful for direct drive of machinery such as workshop tools, grain mills and other agroprocessing equipment. This manual explains how to select and install Pico hydro systems for
hilly and mountainous locations.