A Hydroelectric Education

May 24, 2007 12:39 PM

I've done my research, and now I'd like to get some hands-on experience with a variety of microhydro on- and off- grid systems.

I plan to install my own setup; I doubt I will build it from scratch. Although, I'd like to have a working knowledge in order to handle my own repairs. Ultimately, it would be great if I became capable enough to facilitate others in going hydro, as well.

I'm thinking of approaching some WWOOF operations, offering to assist with planning and implementing hydrogeneration. I also figure that working with a green energy consulting firm, rather than a microhydro manufacturer/installer, might get me a better exposure to all the types of systems. I'd be interested in academic options, too, if they exist. I'm not sure how best to break into any of these fields. And, of course, I'd travel far away to do shit labor for no money if I'd have to.

A bit about me, if it matters: While I always had a strong capacity for the hard sciences, I spent three (unhappy) collegiate years as a liberal arts dork. I'm going back to school for an environmental management / landscape architecture -type degree, but that's not exactly mechanical or electrical engineering. I do have plenty of general construction experience, although I haven't done any substantial pipe fitting, metal fabrication, electrical work and so on.

Am I heading in the right direction (with the right tact)? I'd appreciate any advice or anecdotes on breaking into a technical "occupation" without the education. Thanks.

posted by glibhamdreck to Science & Nature (3 answers total)

Best answer: I went to a micro-hydro workshop from SEI a while ago (despite the "Solar" in their name, they do other sorts of sustainable-energy stuff as well). A chunk of book-l'arnin' and a chunk of hands-on experience including visits to a few local installations. I thought it was a good workshop and probably good preparation for putting in one's own system, although I didn't end up doing so.
posted by hattifattener at 1:30 PM on May 24, 2007

My father has his own small hydro plant in Massachusetts, which he designed himself (he's an EE by training and experience, plus an overall "inventor"). It seems that the hardest thing for small hydro plants is dealing with FERC. If you can make the FERC approvals any easier for your clients, that will be very useful for them (and you.)
posted by nekton at 1:44 PM on May 24, 2007 [1 favorite]

No chance to volunteer overseas? I was involved in installing microhydro systems in rural development projects. If you have the skills, you might even be able to do a short placement.
posted by Abiezer at 2:01 PM on May 24, 2007