I'll let the pictures tell the story:
The installation comprises two Powerspout Low Head Pro turbines generating into a single 2 kW Enasolar inverter which is grid connected. With both turbines running, the power into the grid is just over 1 kW; the operating voltage is 204v dc. Using the Powerspout calculator to 'back' calculate how much water is actually passing through the two turbines, I get it to be 82 l/s.
A lot of water is needed for these low head sites, but as can be seen, at the time of year I visited, at this site there was more than enough, - with much overspilling via the rectangular holes cut into the tank.
With regard to how noisy they were, there was so much sound from water splashing from the over flows that I couldn't hear the turbines themselves at all.
...a nice set up! My thanks to the owner, - with whose permission these pictures are posted.
2 comments:
Good afternoon, very good refurbishment project, but seeing that there is 83lS, possibly an extra configuration of another turbine would be more than affordable to place a third one that could even be a mini 800w with 200mm pipe instead of 250mm to complement the surplus of flow and add more available power, and for maintenance to always be able to turn off one without missing the necessary energy!
What type of investor is Enasolar? Does it have a tracker for wind type or is it solar but adapted by mppt?
Dani, form spain ;)
Hi Dani. Thanks for commenting.
Yes, you are correct that there is scope for adding another turbine to this installation; before this refurbishment was done using Powerspout turbines, the installation did have three Canadian LH1000 Stream engines (you can read the full story about the refurb at: http://www.westflight.co.uk/hydro-electric-systems/hydro-electric-case-studies/low-head-hydro-in-scotland/
The Enasolar inverter is no longer made; it was manufactured in New Zealand (like the Powerspout turbines) but production ceased about 4 years ago. It could operate in either mppt mode or turbine mode - the latter being what you refer to as wind type mode.
Powerspout recommend using mppt mode for grid connected inverters but my preference is to use turbine mode; it gives a constant turbine speed without the 'hunting' up and down to find the best speed / best power point.
The two SMA inverters you see in the picture of the original installation were Windy Boy 1200 inverters and operated in turbine mode.
I hope this answers your question and what I have said is of interest to you.
Bill
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