Even small streams can become torrents carrying large trees and other debris. Plan to protect the generator and water passages from debris by installing a trash rack at the head of the penstock. Set steel bars on edge to the flow of water and space about 1" apart. Normally trash racks are set on an incline to increase area so water velocity is less than 1.5 feet per second through the rack. An inclined rack is easier to clean with a rake. This feature is particularly important in the fall because leaves may blanket a rack in an hour or two.
A head gate or valve should be installed below the trash rack to control flow and to allow the turbine to be inspected and repaired.
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