Josh Kaufman

Thanks for responding, Carl. I meant
“nozzles open.” Yes, there’s an analog meter on the dc side, but I’ve verified the reading with a digital hand-held one.

The voltage regulation is pretty close to lead acid. According to the company I keep it about 54 volts in float (which it rarely comes out of) and about 57 to 58 volts for a few minutes in bulk. I manually bring the voltage to bulk when in constant float for more than a week or two.

You might be on to something with the lower resistance thought. I’m going to look into that. In any event, I can hear the turbine wind down when the 4th nozzle is opened.

Our creek is about 800 feet from the house so that higher voltage output definitely saved us from running massive cables.

Hi All,

Our hydro sends 3 phase 205 volts ac to a transformer that outputs nominal 48 volts dc to a lithium iron phosphate, 300 ah battery. We’ve had the system for over 15 years with barely a hitch. Several years ago we transitioned from lead acid to lithium and about that time noticed that with 3 nozzles open current output was as expected, but with the 4th open it decreased. At the turbine site there are no obstructions or flooding issues and pressure is all good. The transformer components - fuses, caps, buck boost transformers and rectifiers - are all within spec, too.

Which leads to my question. Has anyone heard of or had an issue with lithium batteries in a hydro system? It doesn’t seem like it would make a difference. Just trying to eliminate another idea.

Thanks, Thomas, I think whoever mounted the wheel wasn’t such a firm believer. I’ll keep trying, but it’s hard to apply enough torque with just a pair of gloved hands. This may end up at the machine shop.

Thanks for the great thread. I’m hoping to change out the bearings on my motor but can’t figure out a good way to unscrew the Harris wheel from the shaft. It’s been on there for about 5 years and turning the wheel by hand while holding the other end of the shaft with a vice grip isn’t working. I’m hesitant to use any pressure on the wheel itself. Any suggestions?