Generator versions

PowerSpout BE

This is the standard, Battery Enabled version of the PowerSpout. It must be used with external regulation to prevent overcharging of your batteries. This is our most common product line for remote properties not connected to the national grid. The turbine will generate commonly 48 vdc (12 and 24 vdc also available) and is fed into a battery bank, regulator and inverter system. 120/240 vac is supplied via an inverter to meet the needs of the home. Surplus power is diverted via the regulator to your hot water tank.

An example of a regulator for use with the BE: MorningStar TS45/TS60

PowerSpout ME

There are several versions MPPT Enabled versions of the PowerSpout.

PowerSpout ME100
(Cable length 50 - 750)
Designed for MPPT regulators that have a 100 VDC limit or for the Latronic grid-tied inverters that are made in Australia.

PowerSpout ME120
(Cable length 50 - 1000)
Connected to a battery bank through a MPPT controller such as the Outback FM60. Used in markets that have the 120 VDC ELV laws.

PowerSpout ME 140
(Cable length 50 - 1500)
Connected to a battery bank through a MPPT controller such as the Outback FM60. Operates at close to the 150 VDC limit of common MPPT regulators

PowerSpout ME 250
(Cable length 50 - 2000)
Connected to a battery bank through a MPPT controller such as the Midnite Classic 250. Operates at close to the 250 VDC limit of this MPPT regulator.

These products are similar to the GE version but generats a DC voltage up to 250 vdc, to save on cable costs. At the end of the cable an MPPT (maximum power point tracker) controller coverts the incoming voltage to that required to charge the batteries. The main advantage of MPPT is that the turbine will set itself up to the correct speed to extract maximum power from the flow without the need for manual adjustment. When the batteries are full the MPPT controller can then turn on a hot water element to divert energy not needed.

Inside the hydro turbine is a fast acting electronic circuit which progressively connects a water element to prevent the voltage rising rapidly. This prevents the turbine from damaging standard MPPT controllers that typically have an upper limit of 140-150 vdc input.

Common MPPT controllers that can be used:

PowerSpout GE400

This is the Grid Enabled version of the PowerSpout for direct connection to grid-tied inverters. This product is for existing homes already on the grid that live close to a good hydro resource and want to generate power without the need for battery storage. This product is similar to the ME version but it generates a higher DC voltage up to 380 vdc to allow connection with standard grid tied inverters. At the end of the cable a grid tied inverter converts the incoming voltage to that required to supply the grid. In the event of grid failure the PowerSpout GE diverts its energy to a water heater inside the PowerSpout.

Inside the hydro turbine is a fast acting electronic circuit which progressively connects a water element to prevent the voltage rising rapidly. This prevents the turbine from damaging standard grid connect inverters that typically have an upper limit of 400-500 vdc input. There are many brands of grid tied inverters available on the market that can work with our PowerSpout GE. Normal operation resumes once grid power is restored.

Summary