MICRO HYDRO SYSTEMS - LH1000 OPERATION

The LH1000, like the Stream Engine, is designed to operate in conjunction with battery-based power systems, in order to store electrical power for use at times when consumption exceeds generation. Power is stored during periods of low demand. When AC loads are desired, an inverter is required to convert stored DC to residential AC power.

To gain enough head to operate the LH1000, water is channeled into a sluiceway. The turbine is mounted in a 18cm (7”) diameter opening in the sluice bottom, with the draft tube extending to the tail water below. The water turns the propeller, creating shaft power. This, in turn, powers the generator, producing electricity.

Power Output and Site Assessment

To determine the power available at a site, head and flow measurements must be taken. Flow is the rate at which water moves, measured in liters per minute (l/m) or gallons per minute (gpm). This can be measured by channeling the water into a pipeline, then into a container of known volume, noting the time it takes to do so. Head can be measured by using a transit, by siting along a level, or by using a pressure gauge at the end of the pipeline. It is important to keep in mind that output can only be accurately determined if head and flow measurements are made correctly, so care should be taken during this process.