Since 2007                                            Harvest the Sunpower!

The Micro Hydro Turbine is a submerged generator designed for charging 12V / 24V battery systems from fast flowing zero head streams.  Strictly speaking it is a pico hydro generator ideally suited to difficult situations such as:

• Work Boat
• Seismic Survey Vesseal
• Catamaran
• Navigation Buoy
• Water Supply Monitoring
• Romote Homes
• Aquaculture

The Micro Hydro Turbine generates up to 2.4 Kilowatt hours per day from any 400mm deep fast flowing stream.  When mounted in a stream that flows at 15kph (3.5m/s, slow jog), the unit produces 8 Amps continuously.  This represents enough power to supply a typical remote home, independent of the mains supply.  Even a stream flowing at 10kph (2.5m/s) will produce 1.5 Kilowatt hours per day and this output can be increased by diverting the flowinto a narrow culvert to increase its speed

• Starts charging at flows below 1m/sec (2 knots) - generates up to 8amps at 12v.
• Proven to depth of 10m.
• All water joints (mechanical & electrical) are double sealed.
• The oil filled housing has a pressure expansion chamber to allow operation at intermediary depths & in all temperatures.

The Micro Hydro Turbine is a submerged water powered generator for 12/24 volt battery charging.  It is a self-contained unit, (on-shaft propeller, streamlined housing, sealed alternator with pressure relief chamber), operating to depths of 10m below the water surface. The Micro ydro Turbine features low water spread cut-in (1½ knots) and a high charge rate (8 Amps) without sacrificing space for weight.  The body is filled with hydraulic fluid to eliminate corrosion and to equalize temperature-induced pressure changes.

The forward facing 3 bladed propeller drives a permanent magnet alternator producing up to 8 Amps output current for a 12 volt system.  The shaft rotates in double seals for optimum protection, backed by twin O-ring static seals at the rear of the casing.  The cable exit is similarly double sealed by an internal moulding and external gland. The alternator body is filled with hydraulic fluid to eliminate corrosion and to equalize pressure changes caused by ambient temperature.

Technical Specifications

Propeller Options

Standard Shrouded 
Shroud prevents fine rope, fishing line or debris from winding around shaft and damaging seals. Ideal for low speed start-up (1.8kt).  Charges at approximately 1 Amp/kt thereafter. Clockwise & counter clockwise propellers available, e.g. for twininstallations on oceanographic floats.

Low RPM Shrouded
Designed for fast flows or high speed boats.  Delays charging and reduces drag until greater water speeds are reached.

Mounting and Protection 
We offer 48mm dia. x 1.2m long mounting poles complete with cast socket to mate with UW. Matched clamps are available for fresh water use.  A stainless steel guard is available to protect the unitfrom floating debris.