| The Stream
Engine, LH1000 and Water Baby are designed for use in battery-based power
systems, with electricity generated at a steady rate,
and stored in batteries for later use at higher rates than
is generated. During times of low demand power is
stored. An inverter is used when AC power is
desired.
Water from a stream is
channeled into a pipeline to gain enough head (the
vertical distance the water falls) to power the
system. The Stream Engine operates at heads of about
2 metres (6 feet) and upward. The water passes through a
nozzle, where it accelerates, strikes the turbine
wheel, and turns the generator shaft. Up to 4 nozzles
can be installed on one machine.
The LH1000 operates at heads up to 3 metres (10 feet). The
water passes through a guide vane assembly and then
turns the propeller which is connected to the
generator, then exits through a draft tube which is a
tapered pipe which is immersed in the tailwater.
The Water Baby operates much the same as the Stream Engine but requires very little water. It will operate on as little as .18 l/s (3 gpm) but requires at least 30 meters (100 feet) of head.
Typically, these
systems operate at 12, 24, or 48 volts, with
reconnectable wiring which allows the user to install
a standard turbine at most sites. Custom
windings are also available which can produce high
voltage (120, 240) at any site.
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Stream Engine
(Bottom View)
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