Home >> Hobbies >> Other Hobbies

How to Use Hydropower to Create Pneumatic Power

Hydropower is the term used to describe the process of using water to produce power or mechanical motion. Pneumatic power uses gases, such as air, to to produce power. There are two ways to produce pneumatic power from hydropower. The first method is the direct method in which an air compressor is connected to a water turbine. As the turbine spins, the compressor will spin, generating pneumatic power. The indirect method is the most common method. In this method, the turbine will turn a generator to produce electrical power. The electrical power is then used to power an electric motor, which turns the air compressor. The air compressor then produces the pneumatic power.

Things You'll Need

Water wheel and water wheel support
Pulley
Pulley drive belt
Air compressor equipped with a drive pulley
Allen wrenches
Moving water such as a small river or creek

Instructions

- 1
  Locate the best location for the water wheel. The water wheel should be able to take advantage of as much of the water's energy as possible. Set up the wheel supports and attach the water wheel to the supports. Tie a small rope to the wheel and the wheel support to prevent the wheel from turning until the entire unit is assembled.
- 2
  Attach the small pulley to the water wheel shaft and tighten it using the Allen wrenches. Move the air compressor into position. The pulley on the compressor and the pulley on the water wheel should be inline with each other.
- 3
  Move the compressor close enough to the water wheel so the pulley drive belt can be attached to both pulleys. Pull the compressor away from the water wheel until the belt is tight. Also, make sure both pulleys are still inline. Secure the compressor and ensure the belt is tight. Cut the rope that is keeping the wheel from turning. If the water power is strong enough, the wheel should start turning along with the air compressor.

Other Hobbies