Would it be possible to create a small hydro electric generator for a creek?
The rate of water flow is somewhat important, however the height difference between the inlet and outlet to your turbine or wheel is crucial, as well. The greater the available height, the less water flow you need. You may have to experiment to see how much torque and what speed the set-up can deliver. The converter of mechanical to electrical energy is a generator. You would have to size it for the power you expect to produce and see if you have enough energy from your creek source. Those are the technical issues. If you live in the US, the regulatory issues are another story. I just read a news article today that said many people want to build small hydro plants but are stalled because the regulations require environmental studies that are way too expensive for small hydro projects. Also, you may want to consider your neighbors may get upset it you create a pond or other impoundment upstream, water rights can cause disputes. And if you are trying to do this without an impoundment you
