[RE-wrenches] micro-hydro distribution problem

[Kent Osterberg]

Nick,

I think the best alternative would be to use four turbines; each set of 
batteries is maintained with its own diversion control. 

To use just one turbine, put a single diversion controller at the 
turbine and set it to keep the voltage below 16 volts (plus the largest 
voltage drop possible in the system).  Then use a separate series-type 
voltage controller (such as a Morningstar TS-45) at each set of 
batteries.  Problem with this scheme is that the lowest set of batteries 
hogs all the power.  It'll be really hard to get anyone's batteries 
equalized.  One energy piggy in the group will make sharing a nightmare.

Kent Osterberg
Blue Mountain Solar, Inc.


Nick Houser wrote:
>
> Esteemed fellow wrenches: May we put our heads together on today's 
> problem
> in my terrain: How best to distribute and regulate the output of a single
> turbine from a convenient distribution point to
> four residences on the off grid property, each with it's own 12 volt
> battery/inverter system. If I may spare you the details of the
> lake/stream/intake/penstock and apparatus, let's say we have
> sufficient head and flow to divide 700 watts four ways, average distance
> maybe 300 feet. The problem becomes:  diversion controllers and dump 
> loads
> at each battery or some central scheme?
> Anybody done this kind of thing? Cautionary tales welcomed. (Any
> experienced comments welcomed.
> Thanks muchly in advance.  Nick Houser  Off Grid Services,  Lund, British
> Columbia.
>