Also, SETUR is generally less expensive per kilowatt-hour than either wind or solar electricity. It’s
working all day, every day. If you had a site where all three systems had equal potential near to the point of
use, SETUR would probably be the least expensive choice per delivered watt-hour.
Hydropower is there when you need it. When the sun goes down and the wind stops blowing, your hydro
turbine will continue generating electricity.
What are common challenges encountered in installation?
Each site has its own challenges, but most are overcome by the use of common sense and some basic
engineering skills.
Steep, wooded terrain and rocky stream courses can make installation more difficult.
Specific challenges include:
➢
Site selection and installation
➢
Proper pipe, if any needed, installation, including dealing with poor access and long distances
➢
Routing pipeline or power line over rough or steep terrain
➢
Avoiding private land, public land, or road crossings
➢
Air blockage in pipes laid with an uphill slant
➢
Proper transmission cable selection, installation, and protection
➢
Inaccurate measurements of head, flow, and distances
➢
Protection of the turbine from slides, debris, excessive water pressure and other physical damage
➢
Permitting and regulatory issues
➢
Freezing conditions (i.e., ice plugging screens at low water levels)
Another significant challenge in SETUR installation is finding local, experienced installers. Many more
people install solar-electric systems and some also install wind electric systems with some level of
expertise, but microhydro is the most obscure of the renewable technologies.
What kinds of maintenance do SETUR systems require?
As with all machines, hydropower systems require maintenance. Bearings must be checked occasionally,
although the bearings used in the SETUR turbine are ceramic or composite corrosion-resistant and
lubricant free.
Intake systems must be cleared of debris that might hinder water flow. In some cases, ice at intakes can
be a problem.
For battery-based systems, you need to care for your batteries, ensuring that they are sized correctly to
start with, and that they are fully charged most of the time to get the best life from them. Strictly follow the
instructions of the battery manufacturer.
Properly maintained SETUR system will run reliably for many years.
Vortex Hydrokinetics LLC © 2019
SETUR-M User's Manual - Rev. 2M-A
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