can i covert a gas generator to run with a waterwheel

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May 26, 2011
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tujunga ca
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xlt mxt gmz and now a gmt whites
thinking about removing a gas motor and using a water wheel to run a generator. because it is all wired up for 110v or 12 volt, with pulleys i could get any rpms i need, the wheel is about 5 feet in dia, and a good moving river. so what am i missing? just thinking out loud. oh and i would be running a jack shaft to the generator on the shore to keep it dry. thanks brad
 

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It could probably be done but at what cost. If you check youtube, someone has probably already tried it or at least something similar. I've seen some pretty interesting setups on youtube.

Shooting from teh hip on this but if it is an inverter gen set you may be OK, if one of the older ones that depend on motor rpm then probably not so much.
 

yes, theres a lot of crazy and helpful stuff, thanks for your in put.
 

You may be able to get a DC alternator and turn it in 110v off a water wheel. I am sure it will depend on the RPM's you are producing. There has to be a product out there for this.
I want to se pics when you are done.
We thought of using a water wheel to barbecue a pig ! Lol
 

This sounds like an interesting project. I too would like to see some pictures of this, when complete or better yet at stages of development.
 

Sounds like a cool fun project. I would think as long as your water flow is pretty stable and you do the math to turn your shaft 3000rpm-ish you'll be rocking it🤘
Keep us posted! Wish I was around to help🤠
 

Sounds like a man with a plan
 

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It could probably be done but at what cost. If you check youtube, someone has probably already tried it or at least something similar. I've seen some pretty interesting setups on youtube.

Shooting from teh hip on this but if it is an inverter gen set you may be OK, if one of the older ones that depend on motor rpm then probably not so much.
This I think is a GREAT POST !!
 

You may be able to get a DC alternator and turn it in 110v off a water wheel. I am sure it will depend on the RPM's you are producing. There has to be a product out there for this.
I want to se pics when you are done.
We thought of using a water wheel to barbecue a pig ! Lol
ANOTHER GREAT IDEA !!
 

hey guys, i didnt want to leave you guys hanging, this project is not going forward , my friend decided to do some else. thanks for all the infor , take care, brad
 

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