Installation manual
© 2014 EcoInnovation Ltd (NZ) Page 112
Volt, Amp and Ohm at play
MPPT controller or grid tied inverter will display the generation Watts and often log this
information for you.
A meter enables you to see any change in the output power, which could indicate a problem
that needs your attention, such as:
Blocked intake screen or
Reducing river flow requiring smaller jets to be fitted.
You may notice a gradual decline in output power that may be due to sediment and organic
growths in the pipeline. This may need to be cleaned out using a pipe pig or by flushing the
pipe with high velocity water.
As the voltage of most systems is relatively constant, the output Watts is determined by
multiplying the system voltage and the generation amps. Annual output can be calculated as
follows.
kWh/year = generation Watts x 24 x 365
For example a 500 W (0.5 kW) hydro will generate 4380 kWh/year
To read amps in the cable you should buy a DC clamp meter (be careful not to buy the
cheaper AC clamp meter).
Such a DC clamp meter is required so that the PLT
turbine with PWM regulation can be optimised for your
site.
We strongly recommend that any household living off
the grid buys a good quality DC clamp meter, as this
will be very useful in a Renewable Energy (RE)
system, and learn how to use it. We also advise you to
learn the difference between volts, amps, ohms, Watts
and Watt-hours as it is very difficult for
installers/advisors to assist over the phone or by email
if you confuse these terms. The Technical Manual has
further information and there are numerous websites
on this topic.
9.2. Spare parts
If you live in a remote part of the world you should consider having a full spare parts kit on
the shelf. This will mean that whatever the problem you can get your system going again
quickly. At the very least you should hold spare bearings; parts from NZ can take up to 10
working days to arrive to some global destinations.
9.3. Lubricating the bearings
Factory fitted bearings in your PowerSpout hydro turbine are top quality SKF
explorer series sealed bearings (or a close equivalent) which can last many
times longer than low cost bearings in the same application: