This post may contain affiliate links so we may receive compensation if you sign up for or purchase products linked to below. As an Amazon Associate, I can earn from qualifying purchases. Read our disclosure for more information.
Whether you’re looking to implement clean energy solutions at your home, or you just need a handy method of sourcing power when you’re off the grid, a water turbine generator can be a clever way to generate reusable hydroelectric power quickly and easily. There are many different designs that operate in widely varying ways, delivering a range of wattage and functionality.
Also called hydroelectricity, a water turbine generator can provide a clean, alternative source of energy in your home or for temporary off-grid excursions. Based on a centuries-old technology that harnessed the kinetic energy of moving water to create an output of power, water turbine generators convert the kinetic energy of pressurized or naturally flowing water into usable energy that can be stored or immediately accessed. And there are a wide range of methods for doing so.
Best Water Turbine Generators
We’ve gathered a list of the best water turbine generators reviewed to help you enjoy full hydroelectric power access for camping & offgrid living:
1.WaterLily USB
Boasting up to 15 watts of power on demand and a perfected design from years of subsea research, the 12V WaterLily USB water turbine generator is a handy accessory for any off-grid excursions and camping trips. Since it can also be powered by wind, river proximity isn’t required to get the most out of this portable power station. While some water turbine generators are meant to attach to plumbing lines, this device is made for outdoor, off-grid power generation.
Though it is intended for traveling, hiking, and camping, it isn’t the most portable piece of technology and not as easy to travel with as you might hope. It’s on the heavy side and can be bulky and difficult to stow and haul. So if you’re going to be lugging it around in a backpack, you’ll definitely notice the additional weight. Backpacking trips, for example, will be noticeably more challenging with this in your pack and will take space away from other items potentially. Also, it does require a fair bit of wind speed to work if you’re using it that way, so it may not be the most reliable option if you won’t be near a flowing body of water.
Other than its heft, the WaterLily water turbine generator is a super convenient camping accessory. It’s USB capable, so you can plug it directly into your devices or a power block of any kind, making it highly versatile and super easy to use. It’ll power small mobile devices in the same amount of time it would take charging from an electricity source at home. And if you want to generate even more juice, it’s designed with an SAE connector so you can daisy chain multiple water turbine generators together for maximum efficiency.
Another benefit of the WaterLlily is how easy to use it is. Just drop it into a river or stream and use the 4 stainless steel lanyards to mount it however you need or want to. They’re removeable and make for versatile setup. The power cord is 10 feet long, so you can keep your devices plugged in at a safe distance from the river. And the casing and blade on the water turbine generator is sturdy and drop-proof, so you won’t have to worry about it getting damaged while in use or during travel. Just toss it into the river and go about your day.
For anyone looking for alternative energy sources to use during any outdoor, off the grid adventures, the WaterLily USB water turbine generator is a really solid option. It’s durable and built to last, and the engineering behind it has produced really effective technology for energy generation. And since it can be used in a river as well as wind, you can rely on it when you’re out in nature with no electricity or no sunlight, unlike a solar unit. If you’re comfortable hauling it around, it’ll really enhance your outdoor experiences.
Beduan turbine generator harnesses hydroelectric power from water pressure the same way that this renewable source of energy has been utilized for centuries. You don’t need a dam, all you need is pressurized water running through this tiny system.
It’s amazing how it can power up a 12V radio or light up a 10W LED bulb effortlessly. The only requirement is a consistently flowing pressurized water. We also highly recommend adding a power regulator to your mini hydroelectric power system so you can enjoy a stable flow of electricity at a consistent level of power. Unfortunately, that’s not already included here and you’ll have to buy that separately.
As you might expect, if you can install several of these around your home, it’s reasonable to expect your monthly power bill to significantly go down as well. Pay attention to the size of the fittings to make sure they’re the same size as your water pipes.
Pros
This product utilizes hydroelectric power and helps lessen carbon consumption at your home.
Low mechanical noise of 55db means it’s always working in the background.
Designed for durability, this mini device can last at least 3000 hours.
Power output depends on water pressure so no other input is required.
Continuous use will help reduce the amount of your power bill.
Cons
A power regulator may be required to keep consistent energy flowing through.
Product lifespan will depend on many factors, including maintenance.
The Yosoo water turbine generator is another in-pipe option that easily attaches to your home plumbing system for a supplemental energy supply. It’ll generate 12V with adequate water pressure and is great for charging battery units or other small devices. Hook it up to your water main or even your kitchen sink and let it roll, reaping the benefits of the free, renewable energy that it generates. And since it’s so budget-friendly, you can easily hook several up to numerous pipes throughout your home for extra juice.
The biggest drawback of the Yosoo water turbine generator is that it requires a good amount of water pressure to function. To really get any significant juice from it, you’ll need to attach it to a water source that gets at least 60 psi. For reference, the average shower line only gets about 20-30 psi. Most households can get anywhere between 40 and 60, so you may be out of luck if your pressure just isn’t cutting it. And in that case, be sure you still fall within the window where the manufacturer will accept returns or else you’re stuck with a useless product.
If you’ve got the pressure, then you’ll likely be very pleased with this water turbine generator. It’s super quiet and solidly built to last, and it won’t rust. With some plumber’s tape, it’s easy to install to any line or faucet where the pressure is highest. The DC connector may not be as convenient as a USB connector, but it’ll work with a rechargeable battery unit. You could also always connect multiple for even more efficiency.
This particular water turbine generator may require a decent amount of pressure, but the good news is that it won’t inhibit that force of flow on the output. It’s got a capacity of up to 1.2 mpa (or about 175 psi), so using one won’t cause your pressure to diminish whatsoever. Just be sure to keep it dry, especially the wires. It isn’t a submersible unit.
The YoSoo water turbine generator is a budget-friendly option for alternative energy right in your home. And you can easily install it without any expertise required. And while it does demand a significant amount of water pressure to function at its peak voltage, even substandard pressure will generate some power. Handy for power outages or as an alternative means for charging small devices, it’s perfect for anyone looking to invest in a new energy source.
Picking the right one will depend on several different variables and it’s important to understand these before making a decision. And to be clear, there is a bit of math and physics involved here. To help you understand the devices and ensure you’re choosing the right type and model, we’ve put together this comprehensive buyer’s guide about water turbine generators and how they work.
Types of Water Turbine Generators
There are several types of water turbine generators, from large-scale models that are more for commercial use, to medium sized options for powering homes, to mini and portable models that are far easier to use though much less effective. We’ll go over the latter three options to help clarify their uses and functions.
Medium Sized
This type of device is a more large scale option designed to harness energy from a body of water near or on your property. It’s difficult to install but does generate a significant amount of power when functioning at its peak. Before investing in a water turbine generator like this, you’ll need to know the flow and head of the river you’ll be using. To find those numbers, you’ll need to do some rather complex math. So a system like this would really require a professional to install. But if that’s something you’re considering for your home, be sure to consult an expert.
Portable
The portable water turbine generators are ideal for folks who do a lot of outdoor recreational activities. You’ve probably seen solar charging units, and these are a lot like those in purpose and function. They’re designed to harness the energy of a river when access to an electric grid is not available. They’re easy to use and don’t require installation. You simply attach it to a rock or riverbank and let the flow of the river juice up your devices. The benefit of this type of product versus a solar charger is that it can function in day or night, and they tend to be a bit sturdier. However, without access to a river they aren’t helpful.
Mini/Micro Water Turbine Generators
Designed to attach right onto your pipes, these little devices are handy and affordable. They screw right onto a faucet or pipe and turn your pressurized water into usable energy. Though they don’t generate a ton of wattage, they are effective in their own right. Use them with rechargeable battery units to keep LED lights or small devices charged without using your home’s electricity source. When purchasing one of these, keep in mind the psi of your plumbing system. Higher pressure is required to get the most out of them. Otherwise, they’re easy to use and perfect for implementing a small amount of clean energy into your overall electricity consumption.
What Do You Need to Power
Choosing the right water turbine generator ultimately comes down to this question. For reference, the average home uses over 10,000 kilowatt-hours per month, which translates to several thousand watts. So if powering your home is what you have in mind, then micro and portable options (even likely medium sized options) are not going to come anywhere near what you need. But if you’re just looking to charge small devices or LED lights, or possibly just generate some backup power in case of an outage, the in-pipe and portable models will all produce enough juice to meet your needs. A smartphone, for example, uses between 2 and 6 watts, so a 10 watt water turbine generator will produce enough energy to charge the phone twice.
Access to Water
Of course this goes without saying, but it’s important to remember that water turbine generators require a flow that will generate enough kinetic energy to actually convert into energy. The smaller units will work with minimal flow, but it’ll take far longer to actually produce a useable amount of juice. Natural flowing and pressurized water all have different psi, so bear that in mind. If you’ll be relying on the pipes in your house, it would be in your best interest to check the pressure beforehand to ensure you’re getting enough to utilize the water turbine generator effectively. If you’re using a portable device, you shouldn’t need to actually calculate the head and flow of the stream or river. More than likely, even a slow stream will be sufficient. Just remember, the more pressure the more power.
The Conclusion
As a means of alternative, clean energy, small water turbine generators are a low-cost solution that anyone can implement with relative ease. For emergency backup or to charge phones or other handheld devices, they produce the power you’ll need for the most part. But since there are so many variables to consider first, it’s critical that you’re prepared before you make an investment. Knowing how they work and understanding your specific power demands is essential to picking a product that’s actually going to work the way you need it to. Be sure to use this buyer’s guide when purchasing a water turbine generator so you can ensure you get the type and model that’s best for your needs.
Leave a Reply