This is the classical use of an Alternator in miss-use. 30 % efficiency instead of the expected 55 to 60 % minimum. 110 * 1.6 *9,81 = 1727 Gross Watts, so with the proper generator and, of course, the proper Turbine the output power should be around 1 KW instead of the presently harvested 550 Watts It seems to be the alternator the limiting factor, it may be that the Pelton may need two alternators to have sufficient load
Though thinking a bit, the C40 is just a switch and stays fully ON ( below 40 amps) until the battery has charged its Bulk time, therefore it seems that the other problem may be the Pelton not generating the expected 1727 Gross Watts. 550 watts / 50 % = 1100 watts ( generator output) so, somewhere the system has about 627 watts lost in a limbo and not available. This 12 CM Pelton's peak power is set around 3700 RPM for the stated 110 meter head, and with this RPM, the alternator may not be working at maximum power -- this is a common error for many, not to inquire about the power curve, just go the store or the junk yard and buy one and install it, expecting the right "guessed" power output. I could go on and contradict other statements -- just a non-optimized hydro system. One should look for a product that gives the peak power available, specially when the power source is quite limited, like in this case, even though the cost may be a bit higher that in the proper perspective the additional over all cost may increase 10 to 20 % or so. but in the short term, the savings are quite "visible" Nando ----- Original Message ----- From: "Max Klohn" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Friday, June 10, 2005 9:16 PM Subject: Re: [microhydro] Alternators? > I use a Delco Remy 24 V with a 12 cm p.c.d. Pelton, generating 550 W > with 110 m head and 1.6 l/s. > I threw away the internal regulator, use resistive field control to find > the best output and a Xantrex C40 in current diversion mode. > It charges a bank of Trojan T105s; I draw 220V from that with a Steca > inverter. > > Advantages: > * widely available (also in generic replacements, spare parts, and in > automobile disposal facilities), robust, relatively standard. > * The radially mounted carbon contact springs tend to jump out when > opening the case and sometimes get lost. Be sure to have a couple of > those in reserve. This does not happen with some generic replacements > which have tangential carbons and fixed springs. > * In constant use with the internal regulator, the carbon contacts will > last 3 to 4 months. With resistive field control (constant speed), about > 9 months. Both bearings will need a yearly replacement. > * Cost-effective and gets the job done. Definitely the way to go if you > are short in time/money and/or in any remote place where spare parts can > be a problem. > > Disadvantages: > * VERY inefficient. Consider something else if you've got the time > and/or the money, or if you're very short in water. > * After some carbon and bearing changes you start whishing for something > more "solid state" and brushless. > > you *might* find some metal works willing to machine a permanent magnet > rotor for you, but this gets involved. > > > Conclusion: my turbine II will be an triphasic induction motor used as a > generator (needs some trials to find the right capacity of condensers > across the phases), and either a transformer to step the output down to > around 30 V and charge the batteries, or direct 220V output with an IGC > (the latter hard to get here). > > MK > > El vie, 10 de 06 de 2005 a las 16:43, Earl Tilton escribi�: > > I'm working on a very basic project with a friend of mine on his land. We are contemplating a micro-hydro system and would like to know of any good experiences people have had with various *easily obtainable* alternators. We're considering automotive / heavy equipment but would like to know *in layman's terms* what the advantages / disadvantages would be. > > > > Also, I saw a string on a person considering jetski turbines. How would this work with a 12month 3'-wide creek in the mountains of N.C. USA? > > > > Regards, > > -- E.R. Tilton > > ----- Original Message ----- > > From: Radu Babau - VARSPEED Hydro > > To: [email protected] > > Sent: Tuesday, June 07, 2005 2:47 PM > > Subject: Re: [microhydro] new turbines > > > > > > Hello Mr. Ungureanu, > > > > Since I live and work in the country which seems to originate you as well - > > Romania - I must urgently disqualify your feeling ("looser into the cold > > war") as not real at all. Moreover, my personal impression is that your > > skills in making war charges and missiles makes no relevance to the group. > > Please notice that all the people who are placing here some of their small > > or great ideas and concerns are trying to build things, usually out of > > nothing, which is something indeed. > > > > I wish you all the best with promoting your "ultimate step into the field of > > turbines" equipment. > > > > Have fun, > > > > Radu Babau > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Does your company feature in the microhydro business directory at http://microhydropower.net/directory ? If not, please register free of charge and be exposed to the microhydro community world wide! > > > > NOTE: The advertisements in this email are added by Yahoogroups who provides us with free email group services. The microhydro-group does not endorse products or support the advertisements in any way. > > > > More information on micro hydropower at http://microhydropower.net > > > > To unsubscribe: send empty message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] > > Yahoo! Groups Links > > > > > > > > > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Does your company feature in the microhydro business directory at http://microhydropower.net/directory ? If not, please register free of charge and be exposed to the microhydro community world wide! > > > > NOTE: The advertisements in this email are added by Yahoogroups who provides us with free email group services. The microhydro-group does not endorse products or support the advertisements in any way. > > > > More information on micro hydropower at http://microhydropower.net > > > > To unsubscribe: send empty message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] > > Yahoo! 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