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A Trace inverter controls the flow of power between generator and the
storage and load. Water pressure and flow are both nearly constant through
the generator at all times. Hence, power generated is nearly constant as
well, at about 1200 Watts. The inverter converts the nominal 24V dc to
a nominal 120V ac true sine wave. Commercial models of computers, and appliances
and instruments work on the same plugs as they do on the university campus.
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| When the power generation exceeds the load requirements, the extra
energy is stored in a battery bank in the powerhouse. Batteries are kept
in a closed, acid-proof, properly vented container. Batteries were selected
to store about 10.5 kWh. This is a nice compromise between having an adequate
amount of storage to support the busy summer research season and the physical
necessities of bringing in the batteries by light airplane. The system
can handle expansion of storage to many times this amount if desired, but
the generator has a capacity of only 28.8 kWh per day. |
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When the batteries are full, excess energy is dissipated in a heating
element. This is particularly helpful in the winter, when the load is small,
to prevent freezing in the powerhouse.
Extensive instrumentation keeps track of battery status and a host of
generator and inverter readings. A charge integrator helps keep track of
battery charge, an important piece of information in the busy summer research
season. There is also extensive datalogging to help the College administrators
plan the long-term use of the facility. The caretaker and researchers must
budget their energy consumption. However, the attitude is that this is
a small price to pay for the advantages that the expanded electric system
provides in such a wonderful research and learning opportunities in the
wilderness location.
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| At the end its journey through the powerhouse, the water returns to
Pioneer Creek. The only reduction of net water flow is for domestic use
(cooking and drinking) and research. The generation system returns precisely
the same amount of water that it takes. |
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