Watter Buddy

Energy Systems & Design

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

Snapshot
Manufacturing & delivery
Performance & use
Research & standards
Feedback

Product description Brand name and 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 region(s) Target region for distribution/implementation (listed by country if specified)

Worldwide. ^{Interview with representative}

Distributors/implementing organizations Organization(s) distributing/deploying this product directly to communities/individuals?"

Energy Systems & Design. ^{Interview with representative}

Market suggested retail price Price per unit or service price per usage/terms (USD). Subsidies noted.

One Nozzle Watter Buddy has a price of 695 USD

Competitive landscape Similar products available on the market. May not be a comprehensive listing.

Competitors include Harris Hydroelectric System, Turbulent Vortex Turbine, SMART Turbine, PowerSpout PLT, NTN Micro Hydro Turbine and Micro-Hydro Rotor

SDG targeted United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) targeted with this product/application/service

Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy

Target user(s) Target user/consumer base (country, income segment)

Domestic households and communities.

Manufacturing/building method(s) Detail regarding solution production or construction method (instructions, mass production capacity, custom made,etc...)

Mass produced. ^{Interview with representative}

Product Intellectual Property Open source/IP protected (note patent)/trade secret/other?

Trademarked

User Provision Model Where can the product be purchased/acquired by end users?

Directly from the manufacturer.

Distribution to date Number of units that have been deployed, downloads or users to date

Approximately 100 as of 2018. ^{Interview with representative}

Fields marked are sourced values that have been evaluated by the manufacturer or a third party, all others are design specifications.

Output voltage: (VAC)

The output voltage (in terms of alternating current)

Unknown

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

The minimum power output of the system

0.006 kW at 21 m, 0.25 L/s

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

The maximum power output of the system

0.274 kW at 35 m, 2 L/s

Output frequency (Hz)

The output frequency of the generator in Hz

267 Hz

Minimum required head (m)

The minimum required head (in meters) to generate power

Varies

Minimum required flow rate (L/s)

The minimum required flow rate (in L/s) to generate power

Varies

Number of nozzles

How many nozzles are in the system

1 to 4 nozzles

Weight (kg)

The weight of the system

3.6 kg

Phase

Whether the product is single or 3-phase

3-phase

Design specifications Component and Operation overview including power, portability, facility requirements, preventative maintenance and user training requirements

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 Design and assembly illustrations

Unavailable

Technical support Technical support provided by

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 Availability of replacement components (in-country, by order,...)

Unknown

Lifecycle Disposal and warranty

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

Manufacturer specified performance targets Designer / Manufacturer specified targets

Unknown

Vetted performance Findings of manufacturer evaluations or independent testing centers

Unknown

Testing organizations Independent lab, academic research centers, etc.

No independent laboratories have been involved in testing. ^{Interview with representative}

Safety Potential hazards / risks related to operation of this product

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 Performance of this product is improved with another technology (eg. Cookstoves and Wind-blocking skirts)

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

Academic research Academic research related to the product (e.g. published papers in peer-reviewed journals)

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.

Compliance with regulations Product certifications and standards referenced by designer/manufacturer

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission requirements for grid-tie.

Evaluation methods Evaluation methods/protocols/guidelines referenced by designer or manufacturer.

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}

Other information

Our Products – Energy Systems & Design (microhydropower.com)

In context photographs (0)

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In context files & documents (0)

Feedback from users, customers & distributors

Please let us know your experience in using this product through comments below.

Snapshot

Product description Brand name and product description

Target region(s) Target region for distribution/implementation (listed by country if specified)

Worldwide. ^{Interview with representative}

Distributors/implementing organizations Organization(s) distributing/deploying this product directly to communities/individuals?"

Energy Systems & Design. ^{Interview with representative}

Market suggested retail price Price per unit or service price per usage/terms (USD). Subsidies noted.

One Nozzle Watter Buddy has a price of 695 USD

Competitive landscape Similar products available on the market. May not be a comprehensive listing.

Competitors include Harris Hydroelectric System, Turbulent Vortex Turbine, SMART Turbine, PowerSpout PLT, NTN Micro Hydro Turbine and Micro-Hydro Rotor

SDG targeted United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) targeted with this product/application/service

Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy

Target user(s) Target user/consumer base (country, income segment)

Domestic households and communities.

Manufacturing & delivery

Manufacturing/building method(s) Detail regarding solution production or construction method (instructions, mass production capacity, custom made,etc...)

Mass produced. ^{Interview with representative}

Product Intellectual Property Open source/IP protected (note patent)/trade secret/other?

Trademarked

User Provision Model Where can the product be purchased/acquired by end users?

Directly from the manufacturer.

Distribution to date Number of units that have been deployed, downloads or users to date

Approximately 100 as of 2018. ^{Interview with representative}

Performance & use

Fields marked are sourced values that have been evaluated by the manufacturer or a third party, all others are design specifications.

Output voltage: (VAC)

The output voltage (in terms of alternating current)

Unknown

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

The minimum power output of the system

0.006 kW at 21 m, 0.25 L/s

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

The maximum power output of the system

0.274 kW at 35 m, 2 L/s

Output frequency (Hz)

The output frequency of the generator in Hz

267 Hz

Minimum required head (m)

The minimum required head (in meters) to generate power

Varies

Minimum required flow rate (L/s)

The minimum required flow rate (in L/s) to generate power

Varies

Number of nozzles

How many nozzles are in the system

1 to 4 nozzles

Weight (kg)

The weight of the system

3.6 kg

Phase

Whether the product is single or 3-phase

3-phase

Design specifications Component and Operation overview including power, portability, facility requirements, preventative maintenance and user training requirements

See performance charts below.

Watter Buddy Nozzle Size Chart with Flow and Power Output in Watts

Product schematics Design and assembly illustrations

Unavailable

Technical support Technical support provided by

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.

Replacement components Availability of replacement components (in-country, by order,...)

Unknown

Lifecycle Disposal and warranty

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

Manufacturer specified performance targets Designer / Manufacturer specified targets

Unknown

Vetted performance Findings of manufacturer evaluations or independent testing centers

Unknown

Testing organizations Independent lab, academic research centers, etc.

No independent laboratories have been involved in testing. ^{Interview with representative}

Safety Potential hazards / risks related to operation of this product

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 Performance of this product is improved with another technology (eg. Cookstoves and Wind-blocking skirts)

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

Research & standards

Academic research Academic research related to the product (e.g. published papers in peer-reviewed journals)

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

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.

Compliance with regulations Product certifications and standards referenced by designer/manufacturer

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission requirements for grid-tie.

Evaluation methods Evaluation methods/protocols/guidelines referenced by designer or manufacturer.

Other information

Our Products – Energy Systems & Design (microhydropower.com)

Feedback

In context photographs (0)

You can use the form below to contribute a photo of this product.

In context files & documents (0)

Feedback from users, customers & distributors

Please let us know your experience in using this product through comments below.

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Watter Buddy

Energy Systems & Design

In context photographs (0)

In context files & documents (0)

Feedback from users, customers & distributors