Joshua Able

1) The system has been working for nearly 16 years.  I installed it new.

2) The jets are 1/2" diameter opening.

3) Typically about 60-70 gpm.

4) Ca. 100 ft. head, pressure ca. 60 psi.

5) Flows back into stream from which withdrawn.

6) Twelve batteries.

7) Trace C40 charge controller, heating coil diversion load.

 I am measuring turbine output right at the alternator.  It should not be influenced by battery voltage.

Thanks, Thomas.  This forum looks to contain lots of great information on many topics.

You may be onto something re the positioning of the new stainless Pelton wheel.  I has, as you know, a longer "neck" that threads onto the shaft than did the old bronze wheels.  Thus the spacers have to be changed somewhat.  I followed Denis Ledbetter's instructions as best I could and it looked like the nozzles (2) were aligned well with the notch on the Pelton's cups.  I don't know how critical this is, however, and I suppose it could be a little bit off.  Do you recall the size and order of the spacers and washer between the wheel and the turbine housing that you used and which obviously works?

Mine is a permanent magnet alternator.  Nothing was loose, but I have played around with the field strength adjustment, trying to locate the "sweet spot".  Apparently I have found it.  Still, the system is not putting out nearly what it should.  When first turned on, it will jump up to as high as 35 amps, but settles back to about 26-27, but that is only an amp or two better than what I was getting with the old wheel that was FAR more worn than the one you pictured.  When this system is working optimally, it should output between 30-35 amps continuously.

I am pretty sure that there is no problem with the water.

Thanks for any additional wisdom you may have, especially re the spacers and alignment of the wheel.

Josh

Hi there, I was searching the internet and I hope you may be able to offer a hint at what we have done wrong with our Harris.

We just replaced the pelton wheel, but something isn't right. We turn the water on and it starts at a high level, but then drops off steadily till it's a steady but low 15a, where with our old and worn pelton (as in your pictures) we were still getting a steady 19a.

Is there something simple we cocked up?

Thanks!

My email is joshuaablez@gmail.com