Waterlily Turbine Unboxing and Mini Review

Описание: Unboxing the USB Waterlily turbine and testing it at a moderately flowing creek. The USB version enables me to charge my power bank directly. My initial thoughts are:

1. Max generation was 0.6A - which is on the low side. I do expect the figures to improve with faster flowing waters. Will try other rivers in the future.

2. The angle of attack is everything - how the turbine is aligned under water has a direct impact on the wattage being produced. So there is an element of trial and error to get the best angle of attack to the flow of water. Having said that, you may not be able to achieve the optimum angle due to the limitations on how best you can place your anchor and how the the stainless steel lanyards orientate under water.

3. This particular campsite is shaded by rainforest canopy, so the efficiency of my solar panels is hampered by limited solar time.

4. The hand crank is a novelty and its good that @waterlily is modifying it to a turn it into a wind turbine instead.

Conclusion:
As it stands, it is not my sole power generation option for long camping trips - unless i know the waters are really fast flowing. I would still need my Goal Zero + solar panel for a better peace of mind.

The other consideration in this part of the world is that it rains often - even if it is not at where you are camped but miles upstream. That may mean rising river waters during the night when we are fast asleep. I am therefore not confident on leaving the waterlily at night.

This is a nice to have item for car camping. I would not hike with this heft in my backpack. Overall pretty happy with the investment.