Robert,
Rotating machinery might prove difficult and inefficient, but don't give up. I've been experimenting in 'daft' ideas to 'save money' for 40 odd years - my very first machine extracted heat from cold water with a heat pump [an old refrigerator] and a heat exchanger [ a '54 'Morris Minor' heater matrix]. If you can get your hydro-scheme running, you can use solid state conversion to EU 230v 50hz. I'd try a 12v car alternator c/w the rectifier diodes, driven by a water wheel/bike chain gears? and feeding x vdc to lead-acid battery[s]. The rpm is not supercritical but you need to find the ideal speed by experiment using a volt/ammeter.
Taut bike chain is up to 95% efficient as a drive and cogs are everywhere on scrap bikes....
Machine Mart
http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/search/filter/inverter/type/any/page/1 sell a range of inverters up to 2.5kw, with a 300W model for under 40 quid - automatic 50 hz 230v power output from 10-15vdc input.
I recommend that any DIY electric production be NOT fed into your standard house wiring, for safety reasons. Use the power to auxilliary-heat DHW - I've been using PTC plate heaters like this with great success -
http://uk.farnell.com/dbk/hp06-2-24...mp;crosssell=true&in_merch=true&- Cheap as chips, self regulating, no thermostat required, so wiring is a cinch.
Get your
quality juice from your utility provider [poco]- the waveform from a diy [rotating or inexpensive solid state device] may leave a lot to be desired and destoying the Freesat box & tv will take all the fun out of the project!
