The Stream Engine®

Owner’s Manual
Please Read Carefully

PO Box 4557
Sussex NB
Canada E4E 5L7

Phone +1 (506) 433-3151

Fax +1 (506) 433-6151
Email: support@microhydropower.com
Website: www.microhydropower.com

The Stream Engine is a Trademark of Energy Systems & Design Ltd.

V2.01 rev 8-2017

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Congratulations on your purchase of a new Stream Engine! With a proper installation and a little
routine maintenance, your Stream Engine will provide you with years of trouble-free operation. This
manual will help you to install your Stream Engine as well as assist you in trouble-shooting and
problem solving. Of course, you may contact Energy Systems & Design Ltd. if you run into
trouble.

May your RE adventures prove successful!

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

It is very important to keep the alternator rotor from contacting the stator (the stationary part under
the rotor). If this occurs, serious damage may result.

Whenever you are operating the machine with a small air gap (distance between alternator rotor and
stator) you should check the gap whenever an adjustment is made!

Do this by inserting the supplied thickness gauge which is 0.020” (0.5mm) thick in the gap when the
rotor is stationary. Most business cards are 0.010” (0.25mm) thick, therefore, using two business
cards or one folded in half could be used to check the air gap. Check all the way around the rotor.
This is also a way to check for bearing wear on a monthly basis. If you cannot easily insert the
gauge into the gap, either all or in part, it is necessary to adjust the rotor upward (see Output
Adjustment in this manual). DO NOT USE steel feeler gauges as they will be attracted to the
magnets.

When making air gap adjustments, make sure the larger bolt is tightened (clockwise) against the
shaft and the smaller bolt is also tightened (clockwise); so as to lock both parts in place.

Table of Contents

Introduction .............................................................................................. 3
Site Evaluation ......................................................................................... 3
Head Measurement .................................................................................. 4
Flow Measurement................................................................................... 4
Stream Engine Output in Watts Table ..................................................... 5
Intake, Pipeline & Tailrace ...................................................................... 6
Batteries, Inverters & Controllers ............................................................ 7
Wiring and Load Center........................................................................... 9
Design Example ....................................................................................... 9
Output Adjustment ................................................................................... 11
High Voltage Models .............................................................................. 12
Determining Nozzle Size ......................................................................... 12
Nozzle flow chart ..................................................................................... 13
Bearings, Service and Assembly ............................................................. 14
Copper Wire Resistance Chart ................................................................. 15
Pipe Friction Head Loss Charts ............................................................... 16
Wiring Diagrams ...................................................................................... 19
Wiring Schemes ....................................................................................... 20
Current Measurement Technique ............................................................. 20
Installation Examples ............................................................................... 21
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INTRODUCTION

This manual describes the Stream Engine, which is manufactured by Energy Systems and Design
Ltd (ES&D). The installer must have some knowledge of plumbing and electrical systems, as should
the end user of the system. These machines are small, but can generate very high voltages. Even
12-volt machines can produce high voltages under certain conditions. Practice all due safety.
Electricity cannot be seen and can be lethal.

It is important to consult with local officials before conducting any watercourse alteration. ES&D
advises following all local laws and ordinances regarding watercourses.

Electricity is produced from the potential energy in water moving from a high point to a lower one.
This distance is called "head" and is measured in units of distance (feet, meters) or in units of
pressure (pounds per square inch, kilo-Pascals). "Flow" is measured in units of volume (gallons per
minute - gpm, or liters per second - l/s), and is the second portion of the power equation. The power
available is related to the head and the flow.

The Stream Engine is available with three different turbine wheels or runners and two types of
magnet rotors. One to four nozzles can be used with these machines.

The turgo wheel is available in plastic or stainless steel. Nozzles up to one inch (25 mm) in diameter
can be used with this wheel.

For lower flows we offer our “low flow wheel” (LF) in stainless steel. This can use nozzles up to one
half inch (13 mm) in diameter. This turbine wheel operates at a higher efficiency than the turgo so
that increased output of 10-15% can be realized for the same flow. A machine with the low flow
wheel and multiple nozzles could generate more power than a turgo machine that has one or two
nozzles and the same flow.

The Stream Engine is also available with two types of magnet rotors. There is the standard rotor and
the rotor using bigger, more powerful magnets. This is used with the X-Stream Engine and doubles
the capacity of the machine. That is, one X-Stream can generate the power of two standard machines.

The Stream Engine uses a permanent magnet type alternator. This design eliminates the need for
brushes and the maintenance that accompany them, while increasing efficiency. The Stream Engine's
output can be optimized by simply adjusting the rotor clearance. This should be done because it will
usually increase the output of the machine. This is covered in the section on Output Adjustment.

SITE EVALUATION

Certain information must be determined concerning your site, in order to use its potential for
maximum output. Head and flow must first be determined. Other factors are: pipeline length,
transmission distance, and the system voltage. These factors determine how much power can be
expected.

Power is generated at a constant rate by the Stream Engine and stored in batteries as direct current
(DC). Power is supplied, as needed, by the batteries, which store energy during periods of low
consumption for use in periods where consumption exceeds the generation rate. Appliances can be
used that operate directly from batteries, or alternating current (AC) power (at regular domestic
specifications) can be supplied through an inverter, converting DC to AC power.

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Sites may vary, so carefully consider flow and head when choosing yours. Remember, maximum
head can be achieved by placing the Stream Engine at as low an elevation as possible, but going too
low may cause the machine to become submerged (or washed away!).

HEAD MEASUREMENT

Head may be measured using various techniques. A garden hose or length of pipe can be submerged
with one end upstream and the other end downstream. Anchor the upstream end with rocks or have
an assistant hold it, water should flow out the low end, especially if the pipeline is pre-filled. Once
water is flowing, raise the downstream end until it stops. Do this slowly since the water tends to
oscillate. When the flow has stabilized, measure the distance down to the level of water in the stream
with a tape measure. This will give a very accurate measurement of that stream section. Mark the
spot and then repeat the procedure until the entire distance is covered.

Another technique is to use a surveyor's transit. This method can also be approximated using a
carpenter's level, a measuring stick or a "story pole". This technique is also done in a series of steps
to arrive at the overall head. A variation on this method is the use of altimeters. GPS equipment
could also be used to measure elevation.

FLOW MEASUREMENT

The easiest method to measure small flows is to channel the water into a pipe using a temporary dam
and to fill a container of known volume. Measuring the time to fill the container enables you to
calculate the flow rate.

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 WEIR MEASUREMENT TABLE
Table shows water flow in gallons/minute (gpm) that will flow over a weir one inch wide and from
1/8 to 10-7/8 inches deep.
Inches 1/8 1/4 3/8 1/2 5/8 3/4 7/8
0 0.0 0.1 0.4 0.7 1.0 1.4 1.9 2.4
1 3.0 3.5 4.1 4.8 5.5 6.1 6.9 7.6
2 8.5 9.2 10.1 10.9 11.8 12.7 13.6 14.6
3 15.5 16.5 17.5 18.6 19.5 20.6 21.7 22.8
4 23.9 25.1 26.2 27.4 28.5 29.7 31.0 32.2
5 33.4 34.7 36.0 37.3 38.5 39.9 41.2 42.6
6 43.9 45.3 46.8 48.2 49.5 51.0 52.4 53.9
7 55.4 56.8 58.3 59.9 61.4 63.0 64.6 66.0
8 67.7 69.3 70.8 72.5 74.1 75.8 77.4 79.1
9 80.8 82.4 84.2 85.9 87.6 89.3 91.0 92.8
10 94.5 96.3 98.1 99.9 101.7 103.6 105.4 107.3
Example of how to use weir table:
Suppose depth of water above stake is 9 3/8 inches. Find 9 in the left-hand column and 3/8 in the
top column. The value where they intersect is 85.9 gpm. That's only for a 1-inch weir, however. You
multiply this value by the width of your weir in inches to obtain water flow.
The weir method is more versatile and may prove useful for higher flows. This technique uses a
rectangular opening cut in a board or piece of sheet metal, set into the brook like a dam. The water is
channeled into the weir and the depth is measured from the top of a stake that is level with the edge
of the weir and several feet upstream. Looking at the chart above will enable you to convert the
width and depth of flowing water into gallons per minute.

Measuring the flow at different times of the year helps you estimate maximum and minimum usable
flows. If the water source is seasonally limited, you may have to depend on some other source of
power during dry times (solar, wind). Keep in mind that a reasonable amount of water must be left in
the stream (Don't take it all, that water supports life forms).

When head and flow are determined, the expected power output can be determined from the
following chart. Keep in mind that chart values represent generated output and that actual power
delivered to the batteries will be reduced by transmission lines, power converters, and other
equipment required by the system. All systems should be carefully planned to maximize power
output.
Stream Engine Output in Watts (Continuous)
* In these higher output situations, it may be worthwhile to utilize more than one Stream Engine.

Net Head Flow Rate

Liters/sec (Gallons/min)
0.67 1.33 2.50 5.00 6.67 7.50 9.50
Meters Feet (10) (20) (40) (75) (100) (112) (150)
3 10 - 20 40 75 100 130 150
6 20 15 40 80 150 200 250 350
15 49 45 100 200 375 500 650 800
30 98 80 200 400 750 1000 * *
60 197 150 400 800 1500 * * *
90 295 200 550 1200 * * * *
120 394 300 700 1500 * * * *
150 492 400 850 1900 * * * *
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INTAKE, PIPELINE, AND TAILRACE

Most hydro systems require a pipeline. Even systems operating directly from a dam require at least a
short plumbing run. It is important to use the correct type and size of pipe to minimize restrictions in
the flow to the nozzle(s). When possible, pipelines should be buried; this stabilizes the line and
prevents animals from chewing it.

At the inlet of the pipe, a filter should be installed. A screened box can be used with the pipe
entering one side, or add a section of pipe drilled full of holes wrapped with screen, or small holes
and used without screen. Make sure that the filter openings are smaller than the smallest nozzle used.
Note that particles over about ¼” or 6mm in size may lodge in the turgo runner.

The intake must be above the streambed so as not to suck in silt and should be deep enough so as not
to suck in air. The intake structure should be placed to one side of the main flow of the stream so that
the force of the flowing water and its debris bypasses it. Routinely clean the intake of any leaves or
other debris.

Another option is to use what is called a Coanda intake. These are available from
www.hydroscreen.com. These must be placed at the lowest spot the water flows so as to wash the
surface of the screen to removed debris.

If the whole pipeline doesn't run continuously downhill, at least the first section should, so the water
can begin flowing with the use of a bypass valve. This should be installed at a low point in the pipe.

For pipelines running over dams, or in conditions that create a siphon, the downstream side may be
filled by hand. Once filled, the stop valve at the turbine can be opened to start the flow. If full
pressure is not developed, or air builds up in the line, a vacuum pump can be used to remove air
trapped at the high point.

At the turbine end of the pipeline a bypass valve may be necessary to allow water to run through the
pipe without affecting the turbine, purging the line of air or increasing flow to prevent freezing.

A stop valve should be installed upstream of the nozzle. A pressure gauge should be installed
upstream of the stop valve so both the static head (no water flowing) and the dynamic head (water
flowing) can be read.

The stop valve on a pipeline should always be closed slowly to prevent water hammer (the column
of water in the pipe coming to an abrupt stop). This can easily destroy your pipeline and for this
reason, you may wish to install a pressure relief valve just upstream of the stop valve. This can also
occur if debris clogs the nozzle. In a single nozzle machine a nozzle that becomes clogged suddenly
may create a water hammer.

Nozzles can be installed or changed by removing the nozzle. The nozzle is removed by unscrewing
its four nuts using a 7/16” (11 mm) wrench. The use of flexible pipe makes it easier to remove the
plumbing from the nozzles. The low flow wheel uses a separate adapter with threaded brass nozzle
inserts that come in different sizes.

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- Now with ¾” (19mm) drip lip.
- Nozzle opposite Junction box (J-box) should always be primary nozzle for cooling.

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The turbine housing can be mounted as simply as supporting it on two boards to suspend it above the
stream. It is recommended to have the Stream Engine in a small enclosure or under some cover to
keep it dry and provide a place for auxiliary equipment. Mounting the machine on a concrete base is
also possible (you may wish to try a temporary wood mounting first). The housing now has a ¾”
(19mm) drip lip and can be mounted in an opening 10 inches (250 mm). Make certain the tailrace
(exit channel) provides enough flow for the exiting water. The diameter of the bolt holes is ¼” (6
mm). In cold climates, it may be necessary to build a "trap" into the exit. This prevents outside air
from entering the housing and causing freeze-ups.

BATTERIES, INVERTERS & CONTROLLERS

System Voltage

A small system with a short transmission distance can be designed to operate at 12 volts. Larger
systems can also be 12 volts, but if higher power is desired or the transmission distance is long, then
a system of 24 volts or higher may be preferable. This is especially true if all loads are inverter-
powered. In a 12-volt system operating at a low power level, it may be advantageous to operate all
loads directly from batteries. Many 12-volt appliances and small inverters are available.
In 24-volt systems, it may also be preferable to operate the loads directly (although not as many
appliances are available).

In higher power systems, it is usually better to use an inverter to convert battery voltage to regular
120 volt AC power at 60 Hz (cycles per second), or 240 volt 50Hz in some countries. This has been
made feasible with the advent of reliable high power inverters. Thousands if not millions of home
power systems are in operation with only AC loads.

Sizing Battery Bank

A typical hydro system should have about one or two days of battery storage capacity. This will
generally keep lead-acid cells operating in the middle of their charge range where they are the most
efficient and long-lived.

Batteries should be located outside of any living space unless they are the sealed type. Adequate
ventilation should be provided for flooded lead acid batteries, as a rising charge level tends to
produce both hydrogen gas and corrosive fumes. Also, distilled water should be added as needed to
maintain the electrolyte level as water is consumed in flooded batteries.

Charge Control

Unlike solar systems, a hydro system must always be connected to a load even when the batteries are
fully charged. If the output power does not have somewhere to go, system voltage can rise to very
high levels. This situation provides an opportunity to do something with the excess power like water
or space heating.

As the batteries become more fully charged, their voltage rises. At some point, excess power should
be diverted to a secondary or dump load. You will need to use a controller that has diversion
capability. Most charge controllers permit different charge levels such as bulk, absorption, and float.
Literature supplied with the controller should be consulted to determine the set points of the charge
controller.

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Watt-Hour meters are available that monitor the battery state of charge.

An ammeter that monitors turbine output should always be installed that shows the power going into
the batteries. This can be installed in a high traffic or living space so difficulties with the machine
can be easily detected. If a drop in output is noticed, the machine should be inspected. This could be
caused by air in the pipeline, or a blocked or partially blocked nozzle. More importantly, a drop in
output could be the beginning of bearing failure. Bearing failure will cause serious damage to the
machine. Early detection of problems with the bearings is vital. ES&D sells a power meter that
measures watts output in addition to volts and amps.

WIRING AND LOAD CENTER

Every system requires wiring to connect the various components. Load centers are available as a
complete package that easily facilitates the connection of loads and power source(s). All circuits in
the system should use wire of adequate size and have fuses or breakers of sufficient capacity to carry
the expected load current. The Stream Engine must be fused when connected directly to the batteries
since it can suffer from a short or similar fault just like anything else in the system.

Inside the junction box on the side of the machine are two terminals for the battery wiring that are
mounted to the terminal board. The positive terminal is painted red and the negative is black. Your
transmission wire ends are inserted into these two connectors (after being stripped of insulation) and
then tightened. Make sure that the battery wiring is correctly connected with respect to polarity or
the rectifier will be destroyed. Do not operate the machine without being connected to the batteries
as very high voltages may be generated. A grounding terminal on the side of the box is painted
green.

The supplied multi-meter can be temporarily connected to the test jacks on the side of the junction
box (see current measurement technique, pg. 20) which will measure current output and is used
when adjusting the output.

DESIGN EXAMPLE

This example shows how to proceed with a complete installation. The parameters of the example site
are:

-120 feet of head over a distance of 1000 feet

-30 gpm of flow (most of the time)
-100 feet of distance from the house to the hydro machine
-24 volt system

The first thing to do is determine the pipeline size. Although maximum power is produced from a
given size pipe when the flow loss is 1/3 of the static head, more power can be obtained from the
same flow with a larger pipe, which has lower losses. Therefore, pipe size must be optimized based
on economics.

The pipe flow charts show us that two-inch diameter polyethylene pipe has a head loss of 1.77 feet of
head per 100 feet of pipe at a flow rate of 30 gpm. This is 17.7 feet of loss for 1000 feet of pipe.

Using two-inch PVC gives us a loss of 1.17 feet of head per 100 feet of pipe or 11.7 feet for 1000
feet.

9
Polyethylene comes in continuous coils because it is flexible (and more freeze resistant). PVC comes
in shorter lengths and has to be glued together or purchased with gaskets (for larger sizes). Let's say
we select polyethylene.

The maximum output occurs with a flow of about 45 gpm since that gives us a head loss of 3.75 feet
per 100 feet of pipe, or 37.5 feet of loss for our 1000 feet of pipe. This is 37.5' loss/120' head = 31%
loss. This means that if the flow is increased beyond this, the power will actually drop as the losses
in the pipe are increasing faster than the flow.

A flow of 30 gpm gives a net head of 102.3 feet (120' - 17.7'). The losses caused by the various pipe
fittings and intake screen will further decrease the dynamic head, so 100 feet is a good working
figure for the net head. Looking at the nozzle flow chart, we see that a 3/8” nozzle will produce a
flow of 27.6 gpm at a head of 100’. This is very close to the design point and the net head will be a
bit higher since the flow is less. Looking at the output chart we see that the machine could generate
about 300 watts. That is, at a 30 meter head or about 100 feet and halfway between 20 and 40 gpm.
A simple rule of thumb to use is: Head (feet) x Flow (gpm) and divide by ten, for metric: Head (m) x
Flow (l/s) x five, which will roughly give the output in watts. Our machines can usually do better
than this, but this is a starting point.

Since we require 24 volts and the transmission distance is fairly short, we can generate and transmit
24 volts using the Stream Engine. This Stream Engine could also be used for higher voltages like 48
and 120 or 240. With higher voltages, the power could be transmitted longer distances.

We need to go 100' with 300 watts at our site. This will be about 10 amps at 30 volts at the
generator. Note that there will be some voltage drop in the line and batteries require somewhat
higher voltages than nominal to become charged. So the 10 amps must pass through 200' of wire for
the round trip. Resistance losses should be kept as low as economics permit, just like the pipeline
losses.

Let's say we can accept around a 10% loss. This is 30 watts out of the original 300. The formula for
resistive loss is I2R = watts. I = Intensity (current in amps) and R = Resistance (in ohms).

(10 amps)² x R (ohms) = 30 watts

100 amps x R (ohms) = 30 watts
R = 30 watts/100 amps
R = 0.3 ohms

This is the wire resistance that will produce a 10% loss. The wire loss chart shows loss per 1000', so:

1000'/200' x 0.3 ohms = 1.5 ohms per 1000'.

The chart shows 12 ga. Wire has a resistance of 1.62 ohms per 1000', so:

200'/1000' x 1.62 ohms = 0.32ohms. This is close to the desired level.

10 amps x 10 amps x 0.32 ohms = 32 watts of loss.

Increasing the wire size further would reduce the losses. Voltage drop in the wire is equal to:

IR = 10 amps x 0.32 ohms = 3.2 volts

10
So if the battery voltage is 26.8 the generator will be operating at 30.0 volts. Keep in mind that it is
always the batteries that determine the system voltage. That is, all voltages in the system rise and fall
according to the battery's state of charge.

At the site, we would be generating 10 amps continuously. If we use lead acid batteries and wish to
have two days of storage capacity, then:

10 amps x 24 hrs x 2 days = 480 amp. hours (Ah) Capacity

We would probably use an inverter and load controller with the system. The diagram for such a
system would look like this:

Diagram of a typical battery-based system:

OUTPUT ADJUSTMENT

For the machine to produce the highest output, the rotor height should be adjusted. This involves
raising or lowering the rotor to change the magnetic flux level. This is necessary to match the output
of the turbine with that of the generator which optimizes output.

After the machine is installed, perform an initial run to establish a power output level. This can be
determined using the method described on page 20. After everything is hooked up, start the machine
by opening the stop valve. Run it long enough for the output level to stabilize and note the current
(or voltage in the case of a long distance transmission AC machine). Then shut the stop valve.
Since the machine comes with the rotor set very close to the stator (the stationary part of the
machine), you will need to adjust the rotor upwards to see if this gives a power increase. To increase
this distance and reduce the magnetic flux level, first insert the 1/4" pin supplied in one of the holes
in the edge of the rotor. Then the smaller 7/16"(11 mm) head bolt is loosened while using the pin to
keep the rotor from turning. Now you can turn the larger 3/4” head bolt, which will force the rotor
up. Each full turn of the bolt will move the rotor vertically 0.050” (1.25 mm). If raising the rotor
causes the current (or the voltage) to increase, then continue to do so until there is no longer an
increase. If a point is reached where a decrease occurs, then the rotor should be lowered. This is
done by loosening the larger bolt and then tightening the smaller one. Turning the smaller bolt
causes the rotor to move vertically the same distance per turn as the larger bolt does. When you have
found the best position (no increase in current or voltage), make sure the larger bolt is turned until it
has contacted the shaft but not enough to change your adjustment. Now the smaller bolt should be
tightened securely to lock everything in place. No further adjustments should be required unless
nozzle sizes are changed. It will likely take a few tries to get this right.
11
When adjusting the rotor downward, it may reach the point where it will contact the stator. If this
occurs, always adjust it upwards by at least a 1/2 turn of the larger bolt. Operating the machine with
the rotor closer than this may damage the machine. Be sure the air gap is at least 0.020” (0.5 mm) as
described on page two.

** Always turn the rotor by hand before starting the machine to check for rubbing**.
Remove the pin in the rotor edge before starting the machine.

High Voltage models Using Transformers

When operating a Stream Engine using transformers, it will require a different technique in order to
optimize the output. This can be done at the turbine by adjusting for maximum voltage rather than
maximum current. AC voltage can be measured using any two of the test jacks with the meter set on
one of the AC scales. Make rotor air gap adjustments according to the above instructions.

DETERMINING NOZZLE SIZE

Optimum nozzle size can be determined by following the Design Example (page nine) using the
Nozzle Flow Chart. It usually works best to use nozzles in the middle of the size range whenever
possible. When using two or more nozzles they do not have to be the same diameter.

Two types of turbine runners are offered for the Stream Engine.

1- The standard turgo runner can use nozzles of up to one inch in diameter. This turgo wheel is
used for higher flow sites which are associated with lower heads. The universal type of nozzle
is supplied with the turgo runner. With the universal nozzle, it is possible to create any size
nozzle jet that might be required by simply cutting the nozzle to the appropriate length. Cutting
can be done with a hacksaw, or any other fine toothed saw. The end of the nozzle should then
be finished with a piece of sandpaper. This is best done by placing the sandpaper on a flat
surface and moving the nozzle against it. Start at tip and continue until desired size is achieved
by measuring across the opening.

LF A B C D E F G
mm 3 4.5 6 8 10 11 13 16 19 22 25
inches 1/8 3/16 1/4 5/16 3/8 7/16 1/2 5/8 3/4 7/8 1

2- The low flow (LF) runner comes with brass nozzle inserts that are supplied in sizes of 1/8” to
1/2” (lettered A-G) in increments of 1/16”. These inserts are screwed into a plastic holder or
adapter that mounts to the housing.

Both the standard turgo and the low flow version are supplied with nozzles or adapters which have
1-1/2” male pipe thread that is connected to the incoming plumbing. For lower pressure sites, two
inch flexible hose can be used which will fit over the threaded end. The hose can be secured with
hose clamps as shown in the pictures on pages 21-22. Using flexible hose simplifies the plumbing
and makes nozzle removal easier. At higher heads it is best to use standard barbed fittings and 1-1/2”
flex line.

12
 NOZZLE FLOW CHART

Turbine
Head Pressure Nozzle Diameter, inches RPM
Feet PSI
1/8 3/16 1/4 5/16 3/8 7/16 1/2 5/8 3/4 7/8 1.0
5 2.2 6.18 8.40 11.0 17.1 24.7 33.6 43.9 460
10 4.3 3.88 6.05 8.75 11.6 15.6 24.2 35.0 47.6 62.1 650
15 6.5 2.68 4.76 7.40 10.7 14.6 19.0 29.7 42.8 58.2 76.0 800
20 8.7 1.37 3.09 5.49 8.56 12.4 16.8 22.0 34.3 49.4 67.3 87.8 925
30 13.0 1.68 3.78 6.72 10.5 15.1 20.6 26.9 42.0 60.5 82.4 107 1140
40 17.3 1.94 4.37 7.76 12.1 17.5 23.8 31.1 48.5 69.9 95.1 124 1310
50 21.7 2.17 4.88 8.68 13.6 19.5 26.6 34.7 54.3 78.1 106 139 1470
60 26.0 2.38 5.35 9.51 14.8 21.4 29.1 38.0 59.4 85.6 117 152 1600
80 34.6 2.75 6.18 11.0 17.1 24.7 33.6 43.9 68.6 98.8 135 176 1850
100 43.3 3.07 6.91 12.3 19.2 27.6 37.6 49.1 76.7 111 150 196 2070
120 52.0 3.36 7.56 13.4 21.0 30.3 41.2 53.8 84.1 121 165 215 2270
150 65.0 3.76 8.95 15.0 23.5 33.8 46.0 60.1 93.9 135 184 241 2540
200 86.6 4.34 9.77 17.4 27.1 39.1 53.2 69.4 109 156 213 278 2930
250 108 4.86 10.9 19.9 30.3 43.6 59.4 77.6 121 175 238 311 3270
300 130 5.32 12.0 21.3 33.2 47.8 65.1 85.1 133 191 261 340 3591
400 173 6.14 13.8 24.5 38.3 55.2 75.2 98.2 154 221 301 393 4140
Note: Figures are in US gallons per minute and refer to one nozzle. The standard Stream
Engine can generate about 500 watts per 1000 rpm. The X-Stream Engine can generate about
1000 watts per 1000 rpm. These figures are theoretical maximums. Actual flow rates will
always be somewhat less—usually by five or ten percent.

METRIC NOZZLE FLOW CHART

NOZZLE FLOW CHART FLOW RATE IN LITRES / SECOND
Nozzle Diameter mm
Me t er s Turbine
He a d 9.5 11.1 12.7 RPM
3.2 4.8 6.3 8 16 19 22 25
2 0 0 0 0 0.39 0.53 0.69 1.08 1.56 2.12 2.77 460
3 0 0 0.24 0.38 0.55 0.73 0.98 1.53 2.21 3.00 3.92 650
5 0 0.17 0.30 0.47 0.68 0.92 1.20 1.87 2.70 3.67 4.79 800
6 0.09 0.19 0.35 0.54 0.78 1.06 1.39 2.16 3.12 4.25 5.54 925
9 0.11 0.24 0.42 0.66 0.95 1.30 1.70 2.65 3.82 5.20 6.75 1140
12 0.12 0.28 0.49 0.76 1.10 1.50 1.96 3.06 4.41 6.00 7.82 1310
15 0.14 0.31 0.55 0.86 1.23 1.68 2.19 3.43 4.93 6.69 8.77 1470
18 0.15 0.34 0.60 0.93 1.35 1.84 2.40 3.75 5.40 7.38 9.59 1600
24 0.17 0.39 0.69 1.08 1.56 2.12 2.77 4.33 6.23 8.52 11.1 1850
30 0.19 0.44 0.78 1.21 1.74 2.37 3.10 4.84 7.00 9.46 12.4 2070
37 0.21 0.48 0.85 1.32 1.91 2.60 3.39 5.31 7.63 10.4 13.5 2270
46 0.24 0.56 0.95 1.48 2.13 2.90 3.79 5.92 8.52 11.6 15.2 2540
61 0.27 0.62 1.10 1.71 2.47 3.36 4.38 6.88 9.84 13.4 17.5 2930
76 0.31 0.69 1.26 1.91 2.75 3.75 4.90 7.63 11.0 15.0 19.6 3270
91 0.34 0.76 1.34 2.09 3.02 4.11 5.37 8.39 12.0 16.5 21.5 3591
122 0.39 0.87 1.55 2.42 3.48 4.74 6.20 9.72 13.9 19.0 24.8 4140

13
BEARINGS, SERVICE & ASSEMBLY

In order to replace bearings, the turbine wheel must first be removed. Both types of turbine wheel
are held in place with a single bolt with a 9/16” (14 mm) head, flat washer and lock-washer. You can
remove this by using a wrench on the bolt and keeping the rotor from turning by inserting the ¼” (6
mm) pin that is supplied with the machine into the hole in the edge of the rotor to keep it from
turning. Once the turbine wheel has been removed, the four 7/16” (11 mm) nuts that retain the
generator can be removed. Now the hub that the wheel mounts to can be removed by unscrewing it
from the shaft. To do this, insert the screwdriver that is supplied with the machine into the hole
through the hub and the pin into the rotor edge and unscrewing the hub. This is a conventional right
hand thread so the hub is unscrewed by turning it counter clockwise—looking at the end of the shaft.

Now you can remove the rotor/shaft/hub assembly. This is mostly held by the magnetic attraction of
the rotor to the stator—the stationary part of the machine that appears as a big black lump of epoxy.
To make it easier to remove the rotor, it will help if it is raised up by turning the larger bolt with the
¾” (19 mm) head clockwise. You will first have to loosen the smaller bolt in the center. At this
point, you should be able to pull the rotor and shaft out of the bearings. If this is difficult, you may
find it helpful to push down on the stator while holding it in your hands with the end of the shaft on a
piece of wood so as not to damage it.

Once the rotor is out, the bearings are retained with two bolts with 7/16” (11 mm) heads. Once these
bolts are removed, the bearings can be removed. These are a slip fit and are normally easy to
remove. If this is difficult, they can be driven out with a piece of wood or a press may be needed if
there is corrosion.

New bearings can now be installed and the two bolts replaced and tightened. Then the rotor can be
replaced. Then the generator can be replaced and the shaft and hub reassembled.

IMPORTANT: Bearings are the life of the machine. Replacing them often will not hurt anything
and will help keep the area free of corrosion. If you are running the machine with close clearance
between the rotor and stator, check the clearance with the gauge provided fairly often as it is easy to
do. Sometimes bearings can last for many years, but if you have a high power or high head site, their
life will be shorter.

Note: Replace the washer and the spacer above the shaft adapter with the spacer above the washer as
shown in the following drawing.

14
 Copper Wire Resistance Chart

Wire Gauge Diameter Inches Ohms per 1000' Ohms per Mile
0000 0.460 0.05 0.26
000 0.410 0.06 0.33
00 0.364 0.08 0.42
0 0.324 0.10 0.52
2 0.258 0.16 0.84
4 0.204 0.25 1.34
6 0.162 0.40 2.13
8 0.128 0.64 3.38
10 0.102 1.02 5.38
12 0.081 1.62 8.56
14 0.064 2.58 13.6
16 0.051 4.10 21.6
18 0.040 6.52 34.4

15
PIPE FRICTION LOSS - PVC Class 160 PSI Plastic Pipe
Pressure Loss from Friction in Feet of Head per 100 Feet of Pipe
Flow US GPM Pipe Diameter, Inches
1 1.25 1.5 2 2.5 3 4 5 6 8 10
1 0.05 0.02
2 0.14 0.05 0.02
3 0.32 0.09 0.04
4 0.53 0.16 0.09 0.02
5 0.80 0.25 0.12 0.04
6 1.13 0.35 0.18 0.07 0.02
7 1.52 0.46 0.23 0.08 0.02
8 1.93 0.58 0.30 0.10 0.04
9 2.42 0.71 0.37 0.12 0.05
10 2.92 0.87 0.46 0.16 0.07 0.02
11 3.50 1.04 0.53 0.18 0.07 0.02
12 4.09 1.22 0.64 0.20 0.09 0.02
14 5.45 1.63 0.85 0.28 0.12 0.04
16 7.00 2.09 1.08 0.37 0.14 0.04
18 8.69 2.60 1.33 0.46 0.18 0.07
20 10.6 3.15 1.63 0.55 0.21 0.09 0.02
22 12.6 3.77 1.96 0.67 0.25 0.10 0.02
24 14.8 4.42 2.32 0.78 0.30 0.12 0.04
26 17.2 5.13 2.65 0.90 0.35 0.14 0.05
28 19.7 5.89 3.04 1.04 0.41 0.16 0.05
30 22.4 6.70 3.45 1.17 0.43 0.18 0.05
35 8.90 4.64 1.56 0.62 0.23 0.07
40 11.4 5.89 1.98 0.78 0.30 0.09 0.02
45 14.2 7.34 2.48 0.97 0.37 0.12 0.04
50 17.2 8.92 3.01 1.20 0.46 0.14 0.04
55 20.5 10.6 3.59 1.43 0.55 0.16 0.05
60 24.1 12.5 4.21 1.66 0.64 0.18 0.07 0.02
70 16.6 5.61 2.21 0.85 0.25 0.09 0.03
80 21.3 7.18 2.83 1.08 0.32 0.12 0.04
90 8.92 3.52 1.36 0.39 0.14 0.07
100 10.9 4.28 1.66 0.48 0.18 0.07 0.02
150 23.2 9.06 3.50 1.04 0.37 0.16 0.05
200 15.5 5.96 1.75 0.62 0.28 0.07 0.02
250 23.4 9.05 2.65 0.94 0.42 0.12 0.05
300 12.6 3.73 1.34 0.58 0.16 0.05
350 16.8 4.95 1.78 0.76 0.21 0.07
400 21.5 6.33 2.25 0.97 0.28 0.10
450 7.87 2.81 1.20 0.32 0.12
500 9.55 3.41 1.45 0.42 0.14
550 11.4 4.07 1.75 0.48 0.16
600 13.4 4.78 2.05 0.58 0.18
650 15.5 5.54 2.37 0.67 0.23
700 17.8 6.37 2.71 0.76 0.25
750 20.3 7.22 3.10 0.86 0.30
800 8.14 3.50 0.97 0.32
850 9.11 3.89 1.08 0.37
900 10.1 4.32 1.20 0.42
950 10.8 4.79 1.34 0.46
1000 12.3 5.27 1.45 0.51
16
PIPE FRICTION LOSS Polyethylene SDR - Pressure Rated Pipe
Pressure Loss from Friction in Feet of Head per 100 Feet of Pipe

Flow US GPM Pipe Diameter, Inches

0.5 0.75 1 1.25 1.5 2 2.5 3
1 1.13 0.28 0.09 0.02
2 4.05 1.04 0.32 0.09 0.04
3 8.60 2.19 0.67 0.19 0.09 0.02
4 14.6 3.73 1.15 0.30 0.14 0.05
5 22.1 5.61 1.75 0.46 0.21 0.07
6 31.0 7.89 2.44 0.65 0.30 0.09 0.05
7 41.2 10.5 3.24 0.85 0.42 0.12 0.06
8 53.1 13.4 4.14 1.08 0.51 0.16 0.07
9 16.7 5.15 1.36 0.65 0.18 0.08
10 20.3 6.28 1.66 0.78 0.23 0.09 0.02
12 28.5 8.79 2.32 1.11 0.32 0.14 0.05
14 37.9 11.7 3.10 1.45 0.44 0.18 0.07
16 15.0 3.93 1.87 0.55 0.23 0.08
18 18.6 4.90 2.32 0.69 0.30 0.09
20 22.6 5.96 2.81 0.83 0.35 0.12
22 27.0 7.11 3.36 1.00 0.42 0.14
24 31.7 8.35 3.96 1.17 0.49 0.16
26 36.8 9.68 4.58 1.36 0.58 0.21
28 11.1 5.25 1.56 0.67 0.23
30 12.6 5.96 1.77 0.74 0.25
35 16.8 7.94 2.35 1.00 0.35
40 21.5 10.2 3.02 1.27 0.44
45 26.8 12.7 3.75 1.59 0.55
50 32.5 15.4 4.55 1.91 0.67
55 18.3 5.43 1.96 0.81
60 21.5 6.40 2.70 0.94
65 23.8 7.41 3.13 1.08
70 28.7 8.49 3.59 1.24
75 32.6 9.67 4.07 1.40
80 10.9 4.58 1.59
85 12.2 5.13 1.77
90 13.5 5.71 1.98
95 15.0 6.31 2.19
100 16.5 6.92 2.42
150 34.5 14.7 5.11
200 25.0 8.70

17
 Metric Pipe Friction Loss
Pressure Loss from Friction in Meters of Head per 100 meters of pipe
Nominal Pipe Diameter (OD for Metric and ID for Imperial)
Polyethylene Pipe — Type 50 — Class 6 ('B' class) PVC

l/sec 25mm 1" 32mm 1.25”" 40mm 1. 5” 50mm 2" 63mm 2.5” 75mm 3" 90mm 100mm 125mm
0.1 0.57 0.28 0.16 0.11 0.05 0.04 0.02 0.01 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0.2 2.05 1.01 0.6 0.39 0.2 0.14 0.06 0.03 0.02 0.01 0.01 0 0 0 0

0.3 4.34 2.14 1.26 0.83 0.41 0.29 0.14 0.07 0.04 0.02 0.02 0.01 0.01 0 0

0.4 7.39 3.64 2.15 1.41 0.7 0.5 0.23 0.12 0.07 0.04 0.03 0.02 0.01 0.01 0

0.5 11.17 5.5 3.25 2.14 1.07 0.76 0.35 0.18 0.11 0.06 0.05 0.02 0.02 0.01 0

0.6 15.66 7.72 4.56 3 1.49 1.06 0.49 0.26 0.15 0.08 0.06 0.03 0.03 0.02 0.01

0.7 20.83 10.27 6.06 3.99 1.99 1.42 0.65 0.34 0.2 0.11 0.09 0.04 0.03 0.02 0.01
0.8 26.88 13.15 7.76 5.1 2.54 1.81 0.83 0.44 0.26 0.14 0.11 0.06 0.04 0.03 0.01

0.9 33.18 16.35 9.66 6.35 3.16 2.26 1.04 0.55 0.33 0.18 0.14 0.07 0.05 0.03 0.01

1 40.33 19.88 11.74 7.72 3.85 2.74 1.26 0.67 0.4 0.22 0.17 0.08 0.07 0.04 0.01

1 .1 48.12 23.72 14 9.21 4.59 3.27 1.5 0.79 0.47 0.26 0.2 0.1 0.08 0.05 0.02

1 .2 56.54 27.87 16.45 10.82 5.39 3.84 1.77 0.93 0.56 0.31 0.23 0.12 0.09 0.06 0.02

1 .3 65.57 32.32 19.08 12.55 6.25 4.46 2.05 1.08 0.65 0.35 0.27 0.14 0.11 0.06 0.02

1 .4 75.22 37.08 21.89 14.39 7.17 5.11 2.35 1.24 0.74 0.41 0.31 0.16 0.12 0.07 0.02

1 .5 85.48 42.13 24.88 16.36 8.15 5.81 2.57 1.41 0.84 0.46 0.35 0.18 0.14 0.08 0.03
1 .6 96.33 47.48 28.04 18.43 9.19 6.55 3.01 1.59 0.95 0.52 0.4 0.2 0.16 0.09 0.03

1 .7 53.12 31.37 20.62 10.28 7.33 3.37 1.78 1.06 0.58 0.44 0.22 0.18 0.11 0.03

1 .8 59.06 34.87 22.93 11.43 8.15 3.74 1.98 1.18 0.65 0.49 0.25 0.2 0.12 0.04

1 .9 65.28 38.55 25.34 12.63 9.01 4.14 2.15 1.3 0.72 0.55 0.27 0.22 0.13 0.04

2 71.79 42.39 27.87 13.89 9.9 4.55 2.41 1.43 0.79 0.6 0.3 0.24 0.14 0.05
2.1 75.58 46.4 30.5 15.2 10.84 4.98 2.63 1.57 0.86 0.66 0.33 0.26 0.16 0.05

2.2 85.65 50.57 33.25 16.57 11.82 5.43 2.87 1.71 0.94 0.72 0.36 0.29 0.17 0.06
2.3 93 54.92 36.1 17.99 12.83 5.9 3.12 1.86 1.02 0.78 0.39 0.31 0.18 0.06

2.4 59.42 39.07 19.47 13.88 6.38 3.37 2.01 1.11 0.84 0.42 0.34 0.2 0.07

2.5 64.09 42.13 21 14.97 6.88 3.64 2.17 1.19 0.91 0.46 0.36 0.22 0.07
3 89.84 59.06 29.44 20.99 9.65 5.1 3.04 1.67 1.27 0.64 0.51 0.3 0.1

3.5 78.58 39.17 27.93 12.83 6.78 4.04 2.22 1.69 0.85 0.68 0.4 0.13

4 50.16 35.76 16.44 8.69 5.18 2.85 2.16 1.09 0.87 0.51 0.17
4.5 62.39 44.48 20.44 10.81 6.44 3.54 2.69 1.36 1.08 0.64 0.21

5 75.8 54.07 24.85 13.14 7.82 4.3 3.27 1.65 1.32 0.78 0.25

5.5 87.91 64.51 29.65 15.67 9.34 5.14 3.9 1.97 1.57 0.93 0.3

6 75.8 34.84 18.41 10.97 6.03 4.59 2.31 1.84 1.09 0.36

6.5 87.91 40.4 21.36 12.72 7 5.32 2.68 2.14 1.26 0.41
7 46.35 24.5 14.59 8.03 6.1 3.08 2.45 1.45 0.47

7.5 52.67 27.84 16.58 9.12 6.94 3.5 2.79 1.65 0.54

8 59.36 31.37 18.69 16.28 7.82 3.94 3.14 1.85 0.61

8.5 66.41 35.1 20.91 11.5 8.75 4.41 3.51 2.31 0.76
9 73.83 39.02 23.25 12.79 9.72 4.9 3.91 2.31 0.76

9.5 81.61 43.14 25.7 14.13 10.75 5.42 4.32 2.55 0.84

10 89.74 47.44 28.26 15.54 11.82 5.96 4.75 2.8 0.92

1 1 56.6 33.71 18.55 14.1 7.11 5.67 3.35 1.1

12 66.49 39.61 21.79 16.57 8.36 6.66 3.93 1.29

13 77.12 45.94 25.27 19.21 9.69 7.72 4.56 1.49

14 88.47 52.7 28.99 22.04 11.12 8.86 5.23 1.71

18
#1 Parallel Delta

#2 Parallel Y
Wiring Diagrams
These diagrams represent the four possible
combinations of output wiring.

If you find your air gap adjustment to be at a

minimum and wish to try for more power,
then try using the next higher combination.

If you find the air gap is very large, try the

next lower one.
Note that there is only a small change
#3 Series Delta between #2 (Parallel Y), to #3 (Series Delta).

There is a ground lug on the junction box for

grounding the machine.

The negative output is on the terminal block

and is isolated.

#4 Series Y

19
Example of series delta wiring

WIRING SCHEMES

12 VOLTS 24 VOLTS 48 VOLTS

Parallel Delta Series Delta Series Y

All Heads up to 60’/18 m up to 60’/ 18m
Parallel Delta Series Delta
30’/ 9m and up 30’/9m to 250’/75m
Parallel Delta
140’/43m and up
Note: At a given site, more than one scheme may work. But one will work best.

Parallel wye configuration is not mentioned because it is very similar to series delta. It differs by about
15%. If you have a site where series delta is used and you think the output could be greater, try it.
Remember to adjust the rotor for highest output when changing the wiring.

CURRENT MEASUREMENT TECHNIQUE

A built-in shunt is installed in the junction box which allows the current to be measured. This is done
with the supplied DMM (digital multi meter). To measure the current produced by the generator, set
the DMM scale to "DC milli-volts" or "200 m", which is the nine o’clock position. Do not use the
amps scale. Plug the leads into their corresponding color-coded jacks on the side of the junction box
and the reading will be the generated current. Note also that output voltage can be measured by
plugging the red lead into the white jack and using a suitable DC scale on the meter. Compared to
the voltage at the batteries, this will indicate the line loss.

20
INSTALLATION EXAMPLES

A Stream Engine installed using PVC pipe and union valves.

Under construction; a 30’ head site shown before gravel base was added.
Installation with flexible pipe. Note the pipe is attached to the nozzles using hose clamps.

21
Note pressure gauge installed by drilling and tapping the T fitting and using a small valve. This
allows removal of the gauge to prevent freezing damage to the gauge.

Following is an example of what NOT to do for a Stream Engine installation. An installation of this
sort will result in a huge loss of power. To optimize the output of the generator all aspects of
installation should be well done. It is important to pay attention to plumbing, nozzle size, intake
conditions, siting, electrical components, as well as regular maintenance.

Do NOT install a stream engine in this manner

WRONG: 90° bends in undersized line

WRONG: Valve smaller than pipeline

WRONG: Same undersized line for both nozzles

22
 GUARANTEE

This machine is guaranteed to change your life.

The fine print:

This ES&D water powered generator is warranted against defects in workmanship and materials. The period that this
covers is one year, starting at the date of shipment to the customer.

In the event that an ES&D machine is found to have defects in material or workmanship, the remedies of repair or
replacement of parts shall in each case be at the reasonable discretion of ES&D. Machines that the purchaser claims are
defective must be returned at the purchaser’s cost.

ES&D will not be responsible for problems caused by improper maintenance, faulty installation, unauthorized
modifications or additions, abuse, or any other cause not due to defects in the machine.

ES&D will not be held liable for consequential damages or interruption of service to the buyer. The buyer, furthermore,
by acceptance of the equipment assumes all responsibility for the consequences of its use.

After one year from the shipping date, all liability terminates and no action for any breach of any such warranty may be
commenced.

23
Personal Hydropower

Product Information
Model # _____________________ Serial # ____________________
Date Purchased __________________________________________
Purchased From __________________________________________
Name: __________________________________________________
Address: ________________________________________________
City: ___________________________________________________
State/Prov: _________________ Zip/Postal Code: ______________
Telephone: ______________________________________________
Email: __________________________________________________
Comments: ______________________________________________
________________________________________________________
__________________________________________

Made in North America

By

Energy Systems and Design Ltd.

PO Box 4557
Sussex NB
Canada E4E 5L7

Phone +1 (506) 433-3151

Fax +1 (506) 433-6151
Email: support@microhydropower.com
Website: www.microhydropower.com

24