Christian:

You are asking generalities and want precision since estimated cost is desired.


You need to supply a lot of more information on your plant and in detail -- like what the Jahns speed governor is a how precise controls the turbine and  how it is done -- being a banki, probably you are saying that Jahns is a hydraulic or a mechanical  governor - I am not familiar with the brand.

Automation takes several steps from you to determine what is the best path to follow and how to do it within the financial considerations.

And the process to have isolated power and GRID dumping power .

The governor needs to be analyzed to see if it can me coupled to an electronic controller that reads:

The Power Factor,

The frequency ( this may questionable) depending on the banki

Voltmeter - normally the generator should have capabilities to vary the output voltage to be able to supply the peak power -- because -- often the GRID loads near the hydro may vary the voltage within certain range.

Synchronizing circuit -- that depends on the generator --the one we have done we momentarily disconnect the generator biasing circuit to kill the generated voltage, make the connection to the GRID and reconnect the biasing circuit to produce power -- this way there is NOT any inrush currents when the GRID connection is made.

Often - an over current detector is needed to disconnect from the GRID -- it depends - on the hydro itself.

Often -- they may require a circuit to limit the frequency either up / down.

Of course the connect/disconnect relay arrangement  

There are alternatives :

1) one  would be a marriage of the Jahns and an EFC- ELC to allow proper handling of the above parameters

2) EFC -- ELC  with ballast loads -- but in this case the mechanical or hydraulic governor may be not used if the water source is full flow 24/7/365  - otherwise the need to do a manual re-adjust of the governor.

We have used  #1 alternative with 50 kw and 100 KW bankis and Turgos.-- also Peltons with Spear Valves electronically controlled .

Cost depends where you are and the financial structure of your country - from 5000 to around 20,000 U$D - dollars.

Nando


  ----- Original Message -----
  From: christian_bruderer
  To: microhydro@yaho...
  Sent: Saturday, September 03, 2011 18:45
  Subject: [microhydro] Cost to grid tie a 50kW Crossflow hydro with Jahns speed regulator


    
  Hi Everyone,

  I am looking for advice from anyone with experience in connecting a Crossflow turbine to the grid. Currently the turbine is being speed regulated in isolated mode by a Jahns speed governor (pls. see uploaded photo images, my apologies for blurry quality)

  Obviously lowest cost is important but also interested in a more expensive solution if it will help automation, safety or efficiency.

  The purpose is to sell excess power to the grid. Also interested in being able to operate in isolated mode (internal consumption) during grid outages.

  Please recommend an economical way to synch and grid tie safely. Estimated Cost?



  

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