Energy Systems and Design

The Stream Engine

This model uses a brushless permanant magnet alternator designed specifically for this application by ES&D. This breakthrough technology contributes to increased output because of higher efficiency. Because brushes are not used, maintenence is minimal. This machine is equipped with a turgo turbine wheel with rugged bronze construction. This design allows the use of high flows at low heads. Output up to 1kW and higher is possible.

How the Machine Works

The Stream Engine is designed for use in battery based systems. Power is generated at a steady rate and stored in a battery bank. This enables power to be used at rates much higher than it is generated. During times of low demand power is stored. An inverter is used in systems when AC power is the desired output.

Water from a stream is channeled into a pipeline that runs downhill. This pipeline is as long as required to gain enough head (the vertical distance the water falls). Sites with heads as low as five feet and as high as hundreds of feet can be utilized for power production. Flows can be a few gallons per minute (gpm) or as high as hundreds of gallons of gpm. The Stream Engine is located at the end of a pipline near the stream. The water passes through a nozzle that increases it's velocity as it exits, and then it strikes the turbine runner, which is connected to the generator shaft. Nozzle inserts from 1/8 inch to one inch diameter can be used, and up to four nozzles can be installed on one machine.

Usually these systems operate at a battery voltage of 12, 24 or 48 volts. Reconnectable wiring enables the standard machine to be installed at most sites. Custom windings are available that permit almost any voltage to be produced at any site.

Power Output and Site Parameters

To determine the power that can be used at your site you must know the flow and the head. The flow is the rate at which water moves in the stream, measured in gallons per minute (gpm) or litres per second (l/s). This can be determined by channeling the water into a pipe and then into a container of know volume and noting how much time it takes to fill. The head is the vertical distance the water travels. This can be measured with a transit or by siting along a level. Another technique uses a length of pipe filled with water and with a pressure gauge attached to the end. Also a transparent hose can be filled with water and used as a level. Use the hose to measure one section of of the stream at a time.

Note that the accuracy of the output calculation depends on the accuacy of these measurements.

Stream Engine 2 Nozzle

Part # 41

Stream Engine 4 Nozzle

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Once the head and flow are known, an approximate estimate can be made from the following formula:

Head (feet) x Flow (gpm) / 10 = Watts [For example, 30 gpm x 100 feet/ 10 = 300 watts]

Before considering the purchase of a Stream Engine, perform the above estimate. If your site has adequate potential output, contact us to discuss these other site parameters:

Pipeline: The length, diameter, and type of pipe must be determined to predict losses due to friction.

Transmission Distance: This affects the generation voltage required and wire size needed to keep losses acceptable.

System Voltage: Many factors affect voltage, such system capacity and transmission distance. Power is usually generated at battery voltage. Where transmission distances are too great, higher voltages can be genrated and transformers effectively used to step down battery voltage.