Installation manual

Tracking is the process by which the MPPT device changes the voltage to find the maximum

power. Modern inverters/controllers tend to have very fast MPPT tracking. Since a hydro

turbine has rotational inertia, a fast tracking increment (many track every 0.2 seconds) may

not correctly locate the maximum power point. This is because the rotor takes time to

change speed and stores kinetic energy, which can fool the logic of the MPPT trackers in

some cases. Equipment that has been designed for solar, wind and hydro input will work fine

as they have a slower tracking rate or special tracking algorithms for hydro/wind input. They

may cost a little more but it is money well spent.

PowerSpout turbines have been tested for compatibility with a number of MPPT

inverter/controllers and results are available on the website. This list is anticipated to grow as

testing continues so please check the website www.powerspout.com/compatibility for

updates.

If you are in any doubt you should seek the MPPT device manufacturer’s advice.

5.7.4. MPPT battery-charge controllers on the market

There are many MPPT controllers on the market these days. Common MPPT controllers can

be grouped according to their maximum input voltage rating as below.

140-150 V DC input rated

units

Midnite Classic 150

(Manufacturer approved for

hydro use)

Outback FM80 and FM60

(Manufacturer approved

for hydro use)

Midnite Solar The Kid

150Voc – 35 amp

(Manufacturer approved for

hydro use)

Apollo T80

Morningstar TriStar

TS-MPPT-60

Power Master

PM-SCC-80AM