Updated on December 31, 2023

·

Created on May 29, 2014

Watter Buddy

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The Watter Buddy is a small package water turbine generator capable of generating DC power from a running water source.

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Product Description

The Watter Buddy is a small package water turbine generator designed by Energy Systems & Designs, capable of generating DC power from a running water source. The system can be used with water systems such as the city water supplying systems which are under a certain pressure as well. The manufacturing facility is situated in Waterford, Canada.

Target SDGs

SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

Market Suggested Retail Price

$875.00

Target Users (Target Impact Group)

Household, Community

Distributors / Implementing Organizations

Energy Systems & Design. Interview with representative

Competitive Landscape

Manufacturing/Building Method

Mass produced. Interview with representative

Intellectural Property Type

Trademark

User Provision Model

Directly from the manufacturer.

Distributions to Date Status

Approximately 100 as of 2018.Interview with representative

Output voltage: (VAC)

Unknown

Power output, min (kW at head, flow rate)

0.006 kW at 21 m, 0.25 L/s

Power output, max (kW at head, flow rate)

0.274 kW at 35 m, 2 L/s

Output frequency (Hz)

267 Hz

Minimum required head (m)

Varies

Minimum required flow rate (L/s)

Varies

Number of nozzles

1 to 4 nozzles

Weight (kg)

3.6 kg

Phase

3-phase

Design Specifications

The system has two models 12/24 or 48/120 volts. The output power of the device is up to 200 W. It is small and weighs only 3.6 kg. The number of nozzles can range from 1 to 4.  Brass nozzles are supplied with the device from 3 mm up to 7 mm in size. For higher head applications smaller nozzles can be used and for lower head applications larger size nozzles can be used. See performance charts below. Watter Buddy Nozzle Size Chart with Flow and Power Output in Watts

Product Schematics

Technical Support

The manufacturers in Canada may provide technical support. Local electricians or plumbers may be of assistance but it is possible that they are not familiar with this specific technology. Additionally, the manufacturer provides a user manual, which offers advice on measuring flow rate, determining head, and guiding the installation of the system, although the directions are fairly complex and require some technical expertise. Not all parts necessary for a complete system are included in the kit

Replacement Components

Unknown

Lifecycle

90-day warranty on Watter Buddy, no specified plan for disposal.Interview with representative

Manufacturer Specified Performance Parameters

Unknown

Vetted Performance Status

Unknown

Safety

Varying water flow rates can cause an increase in voltage beyond battery rated capacity (potentially lethal), improper installation can lead to electrical fires.

Complementary Technical Systems

Additional components can be purchased by sending a direct inquiry regarding additions to the water buddy system.

Academic Research and References

No research related to this specific product performance is available, although other products by this manufacturer have been included in market analysis studies.

Kusakana, K., Munda, J.L., Jimoh, A.A., A survey of technologies increasing the viability of micro-hydropower as a cost-effective energy source for remote communities in South Africa. AFRICON 2009. 2009 Sept 23-25, pp. 1-4.

Ranjitkar, G., Huang, J., Tung, T., Application of micro-hydropower technology for remote regions. EIC Climate Change Technology. 2006 May 10-12, pp. 1-6.

Watter Buddy. n.d. Energy Systems & Design.

Products. n.d. Energy Systems & Design.

Small/Low Impact Hydropower Projects | Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. n.d. ferc.gov.

Energy Systems & Design. 2013. The Watter Buddy Owner’s Manual (v. 1.3). Microhydropower.com. Canada: Energy Systems & Design.

 

 

Compliance with regulations

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission requirements for grid-tie.

Evaluation methods

No specific protocols were mentioned, although through correspondence it does not appear that any full-scale lifecycle testing has been completed. Although, the manufacturer has completed tests both on installed products and utilizing a pump system to simulate streamflow. Testing was performed on sites in Waterford, New Brunswick, Canada.Interview with representative  

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