
Turgo Stream Engine
The Stream Engine is designed for use in
battery-based power systems, with electricity generated at a steady rate, and
stored in batteries for use at higher rates than is generated. During times of
low demand, power is stored. An inverter is used when residential
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 2m (6 feet) and upward. The
water passes through a nozzle, where it accelerates, strikes the bronze turgo
wheel, and turns the generator shaft. Up to 4 universal nozzles can be installed
on one machine. The included Universal Nozzles are adaptable in sizing from 3mm(1/8 inch) to
25mm(1inch).
Typically, these systems operate at 12, 24, or 48 volts, with
reconnectable wiring which allows the user to install a standard Stream
Engine at most sites. Custom windings are also available which can
produce high voltage (120, 240) at any site.
Head range: 10’ to 400’, High flow, up to 1000 watts,
adjustable 12,2 4, 48 volts. Long life brushless permanent magnet alternator,
bronze turgo runner, cast aluminum housing. Optional Bronze housing for salty
environments is $700 more.
W502 1 nozzle Shipping
to USA is $150 $2400
Special $2230
W500 2 nozzle Shipping to USA is $150
$2500
Special $2370
W501 4 nozzle Shipping to USA is $150
$2800
Special $2660

LH1000 Low
Head Propeller Turbine

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
needed 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 7” 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.
The
LH1000
typically operates at 12, 24, 48, or 120 volts. It can be specially wound to
operate at 240 volts, when necessary. Employing the same adjustable, permanent
magnet generator as the Stream Engine, the LH1000
has reconnectable wiring for use at a wide range of sites.
LH1000
120 lbs $170 shipping
$3000
Special $2850

LH1000HV
High Voltage Option
$275
LH1000HA
High Current Option
$275
The
Stream Engine and LH1000 both employ a brushless,
permanent magnet alternator that is adjustable, enabling the user to match
turbine output to electrical load. It has a higher efficiency than previous
alternators, and is capable of outputs over 1 kW, while requiring virtually no
maintenance. These microhydro systems employ high efficiency, precision-cast
parts, and non-corrosive alloys for long life and durability. A digital
multimeter accompanies each turbine for measuring output amperage. These units
can be used in stand-alone, or grid-tied systems.
POWER OUTPUT
& 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 second (l/s) or gallons per minute (gpm). This can
be measured by channeling the water into a pipeline, then into a container of a
known volume, noting the time it takes to do so. A weir can be used to measure
flows in larger streams. Head can be measured by using a transit, by
looking along a level, or by using a pressure gauge at the end of the
pipeline. An altimeter can also be used, so long as it is accurate, and
sufficiently sensitive.
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. Two other important factors in a site assessment are system voltage,
and transmission distance. The voltage and distance the power must travel
can affect the efficiency and cost of your transmission lines.