Manual 1
     The LH 1000 Low Head Propeller Turbine Personal Hydropower Owner's Manual

 
 



Table of Contents

Introduction

Site Evaluation

Head Measurement

Flow Measurement
Intake, Pipeline & Tailrace

Batteries, Inverters & Controllers

Wiring & Load Center

Output Adjustment

Disassembly & Service

Wiring Diagrams

Current Measurement Technique

 

  

OUTPUT ADJUSTMENT

For the machine to produce the highest output, the rotor height should be adjusted, so as to match the magnetic power of the rotor to the power of the waterway at the site. Since each site varies from the next, it is important to adjust the rotor for maximum output at your site. This involves raising and lowering the rotor to change or adjust the magnetic flux level until the optimum level is found.

After the machine is installed, perform a trial operation to establish a power output level. This can be determined using a digital multimeter, plugged into the output jacks in the precision shunt found in the junction box. It is recommended to keep a logbook to note any output changes in relation to settings, and to monitor long-term performance. After everything is installed, start the LH1000 by opening the water source. Operate it long enough for the output level to stabilize and note the current (or voltage). Then shut off the water.

Power output
Click for larger view

The LH1000 comes with the rotor (the chrome plate) set very close to the stator (the stationary, black body of the generator). To increase this distance, and reduce the magnetic flux level, you first must, while holding the rotor stationary with the 1/4-inch rotor pin placed in the hole in the rotor's edge, loosen the smaller (7/16" head) bolt. Next, hold the rotor stationary with the pin, and tighten the larger bolt, which will force the rotor up. Each full turn of the bolt will move the rotor vertically 0.050" or 1.25 mm. If raising the rotor causes the current (or you may be monitoring the voltage in a high voltage site) to increase, then continue to do so until there is no longer an increase. If a point is reached where a decrease occurs, then the rotor should be lowered. This is done by loosening the larger bolt and then tightening the smaller one. Turning the smaller bolt causes the rotor to move vertically the same distance per turn as the larger bolt does. When you have found the best position (no increase in current or voltage), make sure the larger bolt is turned until it is tight. Now the smaller bolt should be tightened securely to lock everything in place. No further adjustments should be required unless site conditions change.

When adjusting the rotor downward, it may contact the stator. If this occurs, always adjust it upwards by at least a 1/4 turn of the larger bolt. Operating the machine with the rotor any closer than this will not result in any power increase but may damage the machine. ** Always turn the rotor by hand before starting the machine to check for rubbing and make sure you can always fit a business card in the space between the rotor and stator**. Remove the pin from the rotor edge before starting the machine.