| AQUAIR UW Submersible Hydro Generator - no
turbines, no dams, no pipes… up to 2.4 kilowatt-hours per day from any fast-running
stream with only 13" of clear water!
The Aquair UW Sybmersible Generator is a special low-speed, high-output alternator which
has been mounted in an oil-filled heavy-duty cast aluminum housing with triple
seals. Originally designed and used aboard seismic sleds towed behind oil
exploration vessels.
It is
designed to produce substantial amounts of DC power at moderate propeller speeds; this is
ideal for home power generation when the house is located near a reasonable fast-running
stream.
When mounted in a stream that flows at 9 mph (slow jog), the Aquair produces 8 amps (100
watt-hours per hour) continuously, 2.4 kilowatt-hours per day. With energy
conservation measures, this is enough to provide a good level of comfort in a remote home
away from utility power. At a stream speed of 6 mph (brisk walk) it still produces
1.5 kilowatt-hours of energy per day. And you can construct a timber or rock venturi
that increases water speed and output considerably.
The Aquair is often mounted above a narrow stream on bridging logs, with a simple verticle
leg that can be adjusted for varying water levels. On wider streams, use the ancient
"well-sweep" counter-weighted cantilever system to raise and lower the unit into
the flow. Other mounting options are to secure the unit inside a venturi pipe or
under floating pontoons.
The Aquair Submersible Generator should be mounted with the propeller facing the stream
flow. It should be strongly secured to a timber or aluminum supporting structure to
withstand strong downstream forces. The method of supporting it and providing
vertical adjustment depends entirely on the character of the stream or river you're
using. The propeller is 12.5" in diameter and requires a water depth of at
least 13 inches. Generally speaking, try to mount it in smoothly-flowing fast
water near the bank or in a side flow out of the way of floating logs or large
debris. Small stuff can't hurt it so you don't need a screen.
A
3" diameter vertical leg can be purchased (see picture below) that you can adapt to
your installation.
The Aquair UW is a very rugged machine and requires no maintenance once it has been
mounted. The prop is made of top-grade ductile aluminum and can be hammered back
into shape in case it really gets walloped. To be on the safe side, it can't hurt to
get a spare prop.
If
your home is on the sea or near a tideway, the Aquair UW is ideal for you. Its
alternator produces electricity no matter which way the tide is flowing, and the unit is
impervious to saltwater.
The Aquair UW is 14.44" from nose to tail, 8.375" diameter and weighs 22
lbs.
8mm mounting bolts are spaced 1.75" on centers. Propeller diameter is
12.5".
In
ideal conditions, the UW puts out 8 amps at 12 VDC, a total of 192 amp-hours per day (2.4
kilowatt-hours). It is self-current limiting and can't overspeed or burn out the
windings. The energy it produces must be stored in deep cycle batteries.
Aquair produces a lot of power. it must be carefully regulated to get the best out
of your system and to avoid damaging the battery bank.
If your home is on the banks of a stream (up to 100 feet away), you can transmit the
Aquair's power directly to the battery bank in the house. Make sure the wire size is
big enough to handle the voltage load without excessive voltage drop. If the house
is up to 250 feet away, you can use the 24 VDC Ampair generator and a direct wire
link. If the house is any further than 250 ft. away, your best approach is a battery
bank and 120VAC inverter in a well-insulated "power shed" near the
generator. There is little line loss with AC--you can string it out for hundreds of
feet.
The Aquair UW Submersible Generator is warranted for three years. |
