Installation manual

5. Electrical System Components

From the coils in the alternator to the heaters that control the battery charge, every part of

the electrical system needs to be compatible with the others so that the whole thing works

properly. Your PowerSpout dealer can design your system for you but it is helpful to

understand these relationships and to be familiar with the options and the safety issues of

your system.

5.1. "Smart Drive" Permanent Magnet Alternator (PMA)

3-phase permanent magnet generator, adjustable for speed and voltage, up to 80% efficient.

Maximum power: 0.7 W/rpm standard, 1.0 W/rpm high power version

Speed: up to 1600 rpm depending on turbine runner and site head.

Magnet rotor

The rotor is directly driven by the turbine runner

via the shaft. Magnetic field strength can be

adjusted to optimise the rpm in the case of direct

battery-charging systems, using packing washers

(See 8.4.3)

Stator

The stator contains coils that produce a 3-phase

AC output when the magnet rotor spins. Your

stator has been chosen based on data provided

in the advanced calculator, so as to provide the

correct voltage at the best RPM for your turbine

runner to operate with your chosen head of

pressure.

Bearing block and shaft

This supports the above parts and also the

turbine runner. Bearings need to be greased and

replaced periodically.

Automatic grease dispensers are available as an

optional extra.

5.1.1. Rectifier

A rectifier within the PowerSpout converts the 3-Phase AC

produced by the PMA to DC for supply to your battery bank or

grid-tied inverter. Contrary to the common myth, it is more

efficient to send DC along a cable than AC for the same cable

size and rms voltage.