What is Hydroger?

The technology is commonly called watermills. Based on the applicability in Nagaland, NEPeD coined the term ‘Hydroger’ (derived from the amalgamation of Hydro and Generator). The mechanism is unique in its simplicity. It comprises of cylindrical cast iron casing housing an alternator which is connected to the turbine through the shaft. Hydro (water) power is used to turn the turbine to generate energy. There are basically two types of turbines, Reaction and Impulse. Reaction turbine requires volume of water and less height and is suitable in low lying areas whereas Impulse turbine requires higher height and lower volume and is suitable for hilly areas.

Indigenization:

Initially, NEPeD addressed its objectives by importing pico machines (Chinese make). However, the poor performance of these imported Reaction Turbine machines could not help NEPeD in its mission. Faced with these challenges, the Team decided to do R&D on the existing machines and collaborated with The Nagaland Mini Tool room and Training Centre (NMTTC) Dimapur, now known as Nagaland Tool Room and Training Centre (NTTC) for use of their facilities and personnel. R&D was done on the Permanent magnets, Stator windings for the alternator and turbine blades. Prototypes of a 1kW Reaction and a 3kW Impulse Hydroger were produced in 2008. These were found to be more efficient than the Chinese machines. The prototypes were successfully tested at NEPeD’s Testing and Demo Site at Phesama, 8km from Kohima in the presence of the Development Commissioner of Nagaland, Advisor NTTC and Power Department Officials and duly certified by them. To this effect, an MoU was signed between NEPeD and NTTC in 2009 for indigenization.

NEPeD’s hydroger replication program was also supported by NABARD under their Rural Innovation Fund (RIF), for procurement of coils, permanent magnets, shafts, guide vanes and casings.