Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

That is a very interesting RAM design!

I want to use the ram pump - no power/low maintenance - but had thought I would need to get enough head to get it started and keep it going. That was my problem. I have a strong flowing river but there is little head.
I wonder how high such a design could pump water up on a faster flowing river.

I have fancied the spiral wheel to lift water from the river flow... also known as a coil pump. Then from a top tank to go in series with ram pumps. This ram design seems to be able to do the job right from the river! First time I ever read that....

If you have strong current but low head, a Savonious rotor can be used as a low cost power source. They can be made from barrels cut in half. See http://www.juliantrubin.com/encyclopedi ... rbine.html

Cool wind turbine. Thanks for sharing.
T.

Not just wind. It works better in water. Bearings need more attention though.

Interesting. I did see this video on the same principle. Managed to find it again. Didn't think to use this principle in water.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UPe6A_UVPc
Here is part 2 where he cuts gears to link the turbine to an alternator to generate power
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=24LSnATI ... feature=iv

Another thought: use a series of airtight canisters (propane, for example) to store air compressed via a mechanical compressor/wind turbine combination.

Potentially more complicated to do safely, and there are potential temperature problems, but it might work in a warm climate.

The S-Rotor also works layed on it's side. That is handy in shallow water.