STREAM POWERED GENERATOR

The stream powered generator consists of a propeller driven housing which contains a directly driven permanent magnet alternator, voltage regulator, bearings and shaft seals, and oil supply for lubrication and heat transfer. The rotating assembly is attached to the mounting stake via the stationary shaft through which the electric cable is routed. The mounting stake is equipped with a swivel joint allowing the unit to be self aligning with the direction of the stream flow. The unit will deliver 50 watts at 24 volts plus or minus 1 when driven by a 4.0 knot stream of water. The unit weighs 14.5 pounds and has a maximum propeller diameter of 22.5 inches which is suitable for operation in the maximum 2-foot stream depth specified. The high speed propeller blades are swept back in the plane of rotation and also slightly in the direction of the free stream to minimize the effect of drifting vegetation. The material used in the construction of the generator housing, propeller blades and mounting stake is 6061-T6 aluminum. The aluminum parts have been hard black anodized to provide mechanical abrasion resistance, increase atmospheric corrosion resistance and also minimize the effect of galvanic action due to the incorporation of dissimilar materials.