Students bring hydro-electricity to 1751 mill
Tim Hessler, assistant facilities supervisor for the Ward Melville Heritage Organization in Stony Brook, observes a small hydroelectric generator, foreground, attached to the grist mill's wheels allowing it to generate enough electricity to power lights above it. (Aug. 6, 2010) Credit: Joseph D. Sullivan
At the old Grist Mill museum at Stony Brook, there is something extra -- additional electric lights powered by the mill.
Three Stony Brook University students wanted to bring more electric light to the 259-year-old mill, and they decided as a class project to try hydropower, the use of water to generate electricity.
Under the guidance of their mechanical engineering professor, Lei Zuo, the students -- all from the graduating class of 2010 -- designed and installed a hydropower generating system. Zuo said he believes it is the first time an old water-powered mill in the state has been retrofitted to produce electricity.
"Hydropower is worth more attention" than it has gotten, Zuo said, noting that it is low cost and clean. "The motivation behind the project is to increase the awareness . . . of renewable hydropower sources within" the state.
Zuo said that the Grist Mill hydropower is producing up to 1.5 kilowatts of electricity, using a generator with 80 percent efficiency in the structure's lower-level room. That's roughly the amount needed to supply electricity to two homes in the state, Zuo said.
"Since the Stony Brook Grist Mill no longer processes harvested crops but serves as a museum, the hydroelectricity system will educate visitors on the capabilities of producing hydropower and allows them the chance to see it in action," Zuo said.
Gloria Rocchio, president of the Ward Melville Heritage Organization, which has owned and operated the mill since 1947, said she was approached about a year ago by Stony Brook over the project. "They came with drawings," she said. "They met with our trustees. This will be incorporated into our program for youngsters to see."
Gordian Raacke, executive director of Renewable Energy Long Island, applauded the project and said hydropower has a place in the alternative energy world, although there is limited ability to do it here and it works best with smaller projects like the Grist Mill. But, Raacke said, "I'm going over to see this." Brian Bates, 22, of Smithtown, one of the three students who worked on the project, said the students spent about 10 hours a week working at the mill "on top of school."
"They did a very good job," Zuo said.
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