Installation manual

© 2014 EcoInnovation Ltd (NZ) Page 101
The generator temperature should always be checked as part of the turbine commissioning
by the installer, particularly if installed in very hot climates.
In some environments moist condensing air will result in heavy condensation on
the bulkhead. This will run down the bulkhead and out of the drain hole. You
must ensure that a 15-20mm unrestricted hole is drilled at the lowest point to
ensure that condensation can drain away freely.
8.4. Commissioning procedures
8.4.1. Electrical checks with covers off - before install.
These tests ensure you have completed the output connections and have no unwanted
connections through wiring faults to the PowerSpout chassis. It may be easier to perform
these checks before taking the turbine on site.
1. Connect a DC volt meter to the DC output from the generator.
2. Use an electric drill with a 19 mm (3/4”) socket to spin the magnetic
rotor by slowly driving the M12 bolt that fixes the wet side rotor into
position. Never drive the PMA using the plastic rotor extraction knob as
you will damage the PMA.
3. Watch the voltmeter and increase the drill speed until the voltmeter reads close to
your desired operating voltage.
4. The turbine should spin freely with little noise. (But LH turbines will be tight and
normally require 1-2 hours of running in before they will spin freely.)
5. Connect an ammeter (use a 10 A DC range) between the chassis ground connection
and negative output and spin the turbine to near the same speed as in step 3 above.
6. The turbine should spin freely with little noise and the ammeter must read zero.
7. Repeat steps 5 and 6 above but with the ammeter between the chassis ground
connection and positive output.
A short circuit in the wiring will cause an internal current that "brakes" the turbine and so
these tests will reveal wiring faults. If any of these tests show mechanical or electrical
problems, then remedy these before installing on site.
8.4.2. Commissioning the turbine
Ensure the above electrical checks (Section 8.4.1) have
been carried out before field commissioning.
It is important to formally commission the turbine and
associated system to ensure it is working correctly prior
to leaving the site for the day. It may take time to test
everything because the pipe may need to be purged of
air and the battery may need charging before the
diversion loads can be verified as working.
Once the turbine has been mounted on a suitable base,
the pipe attached and secured, and the power cable
connected to the MPPT controller or battery bank you
may turn on the turbine slowly with supply cable breaker off or fuse removed.