Water turbine generator with bypass flow control

A device for generating electricity in an irrigation system that includes a pipeline configured to flow water, comprising:

• a water turbine for converting a flow of the water into rotational energy;
• a generator connected to the water turbine for converting the rotational energy into electrical energy;
• and
• a bypass valve in fluid communication with the water turbine and the irrigation system, the bypass valve being configured to regulate the flow of the water through the water turbine and to direct excess water around the water turbine and back into the irrigation system,
• wherein the device is configured to generate electricity while maintaining a predetermined flow rate in the irrigation system and to direct excess water around the water turbine and back into the irrigation system when the flow of water through the water turbine exceeds the predetermined flow rate.

A method for generating electricity in an irrigation system that includes a pipeline configured to flow water, comprising:

• rotating a water turbine positioned in the pipeline to convert kinetic energy of the water into mechanical energy;
• converting the mechanical energy into electrical energy;
• and
• selectively diverting a portion of the water away from the water turbine to control a flow rate and pressure of the water passing through the water turbine.