Download Aquair UnderWater - Energy Alternatives

Aquair UnderWater
An effective way to produce hydroelectric power
The AQUAIR UW Submersible Generator is a permanent-magnet low-speed high-output alternator
sealed in an oil-lled waterproof housing. It is ideally suited for use as an alternative power source for
remote cabins, small equipment and communications, as well as for residential power. One or more of
these units can supply a sufcient amount of sustained electricity for critical residential systems when
connected to storage batteries and an inverter.
It was originally developed for use aboard seismic sleds which are towed behind oil exploration
vessels. Unlike other micro-hydro units where head, ow and nozzle pressure are factors this unit
simply requires a owing stream, creek, river or sea, and simply gets lowered into the water. The
AQUAIR UW is solidly constructed from heavy aluminum castings. The top-grade aluminum propeller
(impeller) is connected to the shaft with a stainless steel cap screw. It can be quickly and easily
hammered back into shape if necessary. Mounting the Aquair UW can be left to your ingenuity, but
a few guidelines are in order.
Mount the AQUAIR in smoothly-owing fast water near the bank or in a side ow where tree boles
and debris cause less of a danger. Provide an upstream diversion that sweeps big stuff aside. You
don’t need a screen, since small debris can’t hurt the generator. Make your overhead supporting
structure very strong since downstream forces are unexpectedly powerful. If the stream is subject to
heavy spates due to seasonal run-off or heavy rains upstream, you should provide a way to raise
the generator safely above the new water level. If your home is on the sea or near a tideway, the
AQUAIR UW is also ideal for you. Its alternator produces electricity no matter which way the current is
owing. Under ideal conditions, the AQUAIR UW puts out 8.3 Amps at 12 Volts DC, 200 Amp-Hours
(AH) per day (2.4 kWh) with a stream speed of 9 m.p.h. At 6 m.p.h. it will still produce
1.5 kWh per day. This electricity must be stored in deep-cycle batteries that are at least
double the capacity source. High sustained outputs as in the AQUAIR UW system require
regulation to protect your batteries. Use an effective voltage regulator to prevent overcharging
just like with solar or wind powered systems. A minimum 25 amp regulator is required.
See below. 2.4 Kilowatts is almost 1/4 the power used by a typical suburban home.
In a wilderness home it can provide a good deal of comfort with a little bit of care.
Standard Options
• Voltage Regulator/Isolator
• Spare propeller
• Heavy duty mounting pole to raise/lower unit
Other Options:
• Shrouded propeller
• Low RPM propeller
• Propeller guard
Technical Information
The Aquair UW is approximately 14 1/2 “ from nose to tail and 8 3/8 “ in diameter. 8mm mounting
bolts are spaced 1.75” on centers. Propeller diameter is 12 1/2”. Complete weight 22 lbs Propeller
weight 2.2 lbs The forward facing 3 beaded 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. This unit is well sealed and contains
mineral oil, making it extremely environmentally safe. A transom mounted bracket is available for
sailing yachts to provide a 3 position support for the generator. This bracket must be situated such that
the lifting action on the generator caused by the thrust on the propeller will not allow the machine to
surface. When required, the unit is raised above the surface of the water and stowed by a retaining
mechanism. It can also be swung completely upside down to allow inspection and cleaning of the
propeller and shaft. A simple shear pin guards the generator against impact on the propeller. The unit
can also be mounted between hulls on catamarans.
ELECTRICAL AQUAIR U.W. 13.2’ in length of 4-core cable connects to 2 external rectiers xed
onto a heatsink which should be mounted in a suitably dry location near the battery. The output control
switch and fuse are wired in the DC battery line. Any through-deck connector requires 4 individual
contacts. The Aquair requires a charge controller. The standard option above is a voltage
regulator rated at 25 amps, or you can use any 12/24v minimum 25 amp charge regulator like
a Trace C-40. This simply, but importantly prevents over-charging your batteries since the unit
produces sustained high output.
Aquair UW Technical Drawings
All dimesions in millimeters
25.40 mm = One inch
Aquair comes with standard propeller - other items shown are optional.
Optional Mounting Pole shown above is one meter in length.
Key to Sectioned Drawing
1. Body Casting
2. Stator Spacer
3. Stator Winding
4. Cable Gland
5. Output Cable, 4 metres 4 core 1.5 sq. mm cores
6. Permanent Magnet Rotor
7. Front Bearing, 17 x 40 x 12mm Type 6203
8. Internal Circlip, 40 x 1.75mm
9. Shaft Seal, rubber plain lip, 17 x 40 x 7mm (3 required) & cover washer
10. Shaft, stainless steel, grade 316
11. Propeller Bush stainless steel
12. Propeller Fastener M8 x 30mm grade A4 stainless steel cap screw complete
with M8 shakeproof washer
13. 3 Blade propeller casting
14. Base Mounting Lug, M8 clearance hole
15. Rear Bearing, 15 x 35 x 11mm Type 6202
16. “O” Ring Retaining Plate
17. “O” Ring, metric size 351
18. Oil Reservoir, Nitrile (synthetic rubber) moulding
19. Plastic Reservoir Attachment
20. Oil Filler Screw, M8 x 12mm
21. Water Seal “O” Ring, Metric size 351
22. Helicoil, M6 x 15mm stainless steel (3 required)
23. Hemisphere Casting
24. Hemisphere Fastener, M6 x 25mm stainless steel grade A4 & Shakeproof washer
(3 of each required)
Cable seal components, not shown a. Threaded sleeve
b. Feed-through seal body
c. Feed through seal "O" ring size 614