Preliminary study on the reactivation of the 'Lochmuehle' water mill in Welschenrohr

This preliminary study on the revitalisation of the 'Lochmuehle' water mill in Welschenrohr, Switzerland, describes ideas for the reactivation of an old water mill and its use as a small-scale hydropower plant. Details are given on the history of the mill, the hydrological conditions and on its proposed fitting with an 8 kW generator. The refurbished water wheel, its gears and other mill equipment are described. The costs and amortisation of the small hydropower station, the revenues that can be expected from its operation and other financial factors and prerequisites are discussed. Further, environmental and legal aspects of the project are examined and suggestions are made for the next steps to be taken towards the realisation of this small hydropower plant