The LH1000 Stream Engine

The LH1000 is specifically designed machine to operate efficiently in low-head sites. It takes advantage of the same generator as the Stream Engine, however the water turbine component uses a low head propeller design. The LH1000, is designed to operate in conjunction with battery based power systems, storing electrical power for use at times when consumption exceeds generation.

To gain enough head to operate the LH1000, water is channelled into a sluiceway. The turbine is mounted in a 18cm (7″) diameter opening in the sluice bottom, with the draft tube extending to the tailwater below. The water turns the propeller, creating shaft power. This in turn powers the generator producing electricity. This machine is suited for sites that do not have much head (vertical drop) but have a lot of water (500-1000 gallons per minute).

Typically, these systems operate at 12, 24, 48 or 120 volts. The LH1000 can be specially wound to operate at 240 volts if necessary, employing an adjustable, permanent magnet generator and reconnectable wiring. A low volume propeller is available which will use half the water and produce half the power for any given head. This can be used at sites with lower flow or when the water at a higher flow site is drying up.