Installation manual

© 2014 EcoInnovation Ltd (NZ) Page 106
The above illustration shows where the top and bottom jet exhaust water should be hitting
the clear screen for optimal performance. The spray pattern may also give clues to any
misalignment of the jet axis relative to the turbine buckets.
If the exhaust water does not hit the clear front at 90 degrees to the jet, then there are a few
possible issues that should be checked.
 Note the output power and compare this to what you were advised prior to purchase. If
this is similar then it is likely all is well and no further adjustment is needed.
 Check that the Pelton runner knife edge aligns with the centre of the jets and adjust by
altering the packers behind the turbine rotor.
 Apply downwards, upwards and sideways pressure to the jet to alter the angle slightly
and see what effect this has on output. The jet position can be moved slightly within the
casing. Once optimized, secure and support the pipe. The jet retaining cap should only
be hand tight and ensure the thread is well greased so it will come apart in the future.
 Check that the running voltage for your turbine is close to the expected voltage. As we
have a limited selection of stator voltages, a variation of +/- 15% is normal when used
with MPPT controllers.
 Try increasing the swept range of the MPPT controller or grid tied inverter, so that they
sweep over a wider range near the open circuit voltage of the generator.
 If you cannot resolve a problem email all your data and pictures of the install to us via
our web site at www.powerspout.com and we will try to help you find a solution. Also
send a copy of this email to the dealer that supplied the PowerSpout turbine.
8.4.6. Visual optimisation of TRG turbines
It is not as easy to visually optimise a TRG turbine as you cannot normally see the exhaust
water flow. A trial and error approach can be used until the maximum power point is located,
by adjusting the magnet rotor packing and the jet positions as described above.
8.4.7. Optimisation of jet size
You may be able to further increase the power output from your turbine using larger jet
sizes. This has the effect of increasing the flow rate, so it depends on having more water
available. There comes a point when the increase in flow rate causes a dramatic drop off in
pressure due to increased pipe friction losses. The maximum potential output from a given
pipe occurs when the pressure in the pipe (just prior to the jet) drops to 2/3 of the static
pressure (pressure when valve closed). When this point is reached, increasing the jet size
further will actually reduce the power output but consume even more water.
If your turbine has been designed to use the maximum flow for the pipe then the jet sizes
required will have been calculated based on the head, pipe size and flow indicated. Some
fine-tuning on-site will still be required.
When operating your Smart Drive generator near the maximum power level for the rpm it is
operating at, you will notice that a little more or less Smart Drive rotor packing does not
make a significant difference. A 10% reduction in rotor magnetism results in approximately a
10% drop in Smart Drive generator input torque which results in an approximately 5% rise in
Pelton wheel rpm which results in a 5% increase in Smart Drive torque. The two 5% rises
will be almost as much as the 10% reduction in rotor magnetisation.