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Turbine with ac induction generator	Binary Load Controller with Diversion Load above	Inside View - Binary Load Controller	LCD Display and Push Button controls with LEDs	Example electrical system diagrams	turbine under test with instrumentation and load banks	typical operating curves
click thumbnail image above to enlarge (NOTE: Prototype images, production model may differ slightly)

Hydroelectric Turbine Generator
Medium Head 55-95 feet
230V single phase output
with voltage controller & diversion load
(coming soon)

 

NoOutage.com is introducing this new product to fill the need for lower-cost micro-hydro electric power with shorter lead times.  The design is based on research by Arthur Williams and Dr. Nigel Smith in the UK.  They have installed these type systems at many sites in third world countries.  Approximately 100 units have been operating successfully for years providing electricity to villages where grid power is either unavailable or unaffordable.

The turbine drives an induction generator producing ac power without the need for an expensive DC-AC inverter or battery bank.  And since the generator output is at 230Vac the electricity can be transmitted many hundreds of feet without using oversized conductors commonly required with low voltage DC systems.  If the distance is longer, such as over 1000 feet we can supply a step-up transformer to operate your transmission line at 460V or 600V.

 

Many Unique Features
The controller, capacitors, diversion load resistors, breaker protection and LCD display are all incorporated into two indoor enclosures which means a quick and simple electrical installation.  Just mount the enclosures on the wall, connect the included multi-conductor cord between the generator and controller, controller and dump load, and connect your outgoing wiring, tie-in the water supply pipe (penstock) and outlet (draft tube) and the system is ready for operation.

Turbine & Generator:
* We use a totally enclosed fan cooled (TEFC) generator for longer life and protection against moisture.
* Excitation for the induction generator is provided by properly sized capacitors.
* Turbine has shaft seals that can be replaced in field.

Load Controller:
* Voltage is regulated using a binary diversion load controller.
* Since this type of controller does not chop the ac wave it can provide clean power quality with virtually no
   harmonic distortion.  Other cheaper SCR controllers chop the ac wave causing very bad distortion and RFI noise.
* 32 load steps for accurate voltage control and regulation.
* Response time typically 1 cycle (17 milliseconds for 60 Hz system).
* Microprocessor-based with many settings adjustable in the field by user.
* Complete control via three push buttons and two circuit breakers on front of panel with LCD display.
* Settings are automatically stored in EEPROM memory and are not lost when system is turned off.
* Designed so that no batteries are required for control power.  Self-powered from generator.
* Displays diversion load watts, output load watts, volts, frequency, and more.
* Will automatically disconnect output load when abnormally low voltage is sensed.  Prevents loss of
   generator magnetism that would cause problems upon restarting system.
* Microprocessor installed in Ziff socket for easy change out (in case of future software upgrades).

Diversion Loads:
* Prewired diversion load resistors in vented aluminum enclosure.
* Supplied with five resistor values of proper ohm and watt ratings.

We expect to start shipping these systems in mid 2008.

Watch this page for more detailed information as it becomes available.