This paper presents a novel 3-kW three-bladed vertical-axis micro-hydro turbine (VAMHT) system. The
experimental results reveal that using this type of turbine in water is distinct from using it in wind. The
micro-hydro turbine system uses a three-phase permanent magnet symmetric generator that transforms
mechanical energy into electrical energy. The output voltage and frequency of the generator depend on
water flow speed, and voltage steady equipment is used to maintain the maximum output power of the
DC bus. According to the maximum power point tracking of the micro-hydro turbine system, the condition
monitoring of the novel micro-hydro turbine requires no water flow meter. Furthermore, the construction
and installation of the new micro-hydro turbine is simple, economical, and stable. This
system combines a micro-hydro generator and electrical state-monitoring system, which can measure
the speed, output power, DC-bus voltage, and all electrical characteristics of the micro-hydro turbine system.
The results of comparing turbine between wind and water show that the speed ranges of water flow
is narrower than that of wind, and the status transformation from cut-into stable power generation is
short.