Installation manual

© 2014 EcoInnovation Ltd (NZ) Page 10
1.2. Installation checklist
The installation shall be carried out by installers with recognized and approved qualifications,
and experience relating to general electrical installations and micro-generators.
To meet good working practices and safety requirements for this installation, the installer
must:
IN GENERAL
 check for any transit damage to the product prior to installing it, if damaged it must not be
installed.
 connect equipment in compliance with the relevant national standards.
 read and comply with this installation manual.
PENSTOCK / PIPELINE
 do not install stop valves at pipe intakes, unless there is an air vent to prevent negative
pressure pipe collapse. A stop valve should be fitted at the end of the pipe prior to the
turbine. A sign at this turbine stop valve to “turn off slowly” may be a good reminder to
reduce water hammer effect.
 use standard MDPE or PVC pipe. It should be verified that penstocks can withstand 1.5
times the maximum total pressure including surge to which it is subjected, taking into
account the “water hammer” effect produced by the shut-off valve.
 if necessary bury the penstock to protect it against rock falls, tree falls, slips, avalanches,
freezing etc.
ELECTRICAL WORK
 tighten all electrical connections inside the turbine.
 install an earth connection on the exposed metal bulkhead; a labelled earth connection
point is provided - protective class I.
 do not connect a DC pole of the turbine to earth - unless local rules require it.
 provide a suitable DC rated disconnection device close to the turbine that is clearly
labelled (a 2-pole DC breaker is the good recommended solution).
 do not use pluggable connections, hard wiring is required. However “MC4” type
waterproof connectors may be used. If “MC4” type connectors are used, do not open
under load.
 protect the supply cable in conduit as per local wiring rules, ensure wiring, insulation,
conductors and routing of all wires of the equipment is suitable for the electrical,
mechanical, thermal and environmental conditions of use.
 finger tighten all cable glands to secure supply cable.
 ensure that the installation includes the following: voltmeter, ammeter, wattmeter,
pressure gauge and overcurrent protection. Most PWM, MPPT and grid connect
inverters include some basic metering.
 if interfacing to the grid do so via a compliant inverter designed for this purpose and
approved by the makers for hydro generation connection.
 ensure that the local Distribution Network Owner (DNO) is made aware of the micro-
generator installation at, before or within the time allowed after commissioning.
 before working on wiring in grid connected or MPPT situations wait 5 minutes for internal
capacitors to discharge. Always check for voltage prior to touching conductors on
equipment that have been recently turned off.
 Comply with safety advice in this manual when installing batteries.
COMMISSIONING THE TURBINE
 securely fix the turbine base prior to operation.
 do not intentionally run turbine unloaded (for other than short duration VOC testing).
 do not run turbine at a head significantly above the name plate rating.
 in a turbine runaway situation turn off the water supply by closing the water supply
valve(s).