Schedule/Future Plans

June - July 2005

We have completed all tasks scheduled for our last trip described below except:

9. Testing the Electronic Load Controller (ELC).

10. Get electrician to correctly utilize power from the system. Lighting and new security lights.

Alvin Chan and Philip Pulitzer will be returning to install a low-head hydro system as well as continue work on this one. We have tested the generator and have discovered that either we need different size pulleys or the generator may have a problem. We will test the ELC when we know the generator is functioning properly. If not already done, upon return, we will get the generator looked at, fix it if needed and continue testing it until we know it is functioning properly, then move on to test the ELC.

We have spoken with the electrician and planning for how to utilize the system has begun. We will speak with the electrician some more and continue working on this. Priority now is to get the system running properly first.

3/18 - 3/28/2005 Tasks

We have spent alot of time gathering tools/materials for these tasks. Doing work in a third world, underdevoloped country like Dominica is probably not as easy as you think. We need to be there with everything we need to work. Things are not as available as they are in the US and other areas. What may be easily accessed or purchased here may not be there or would take alot of time and hunting. So, we're prepared for everything.

1. Partition intake tank in two to allow first section for settling of rocks, sediment, dirt, crabs, crawfish, shrimp, etc.

2. Install 3 layers of hardware cloth to act as filter made of galvonized steel to be rust proof. Lay along bottom of tank.

3. Install custom air relief vent at top, downstream of valve. Install additional industrial size air relief vents as needed along pipeline before sharp downward bends.

4. Reinforce supports and thrust blocks for the pipe.

This one needs work:

5. Install clean-out at top.

6. Paint pipe exposed to sunlight after all work is finished with the pipe.

7. Fix angled reducer pipe connection. Cause of bad leaks as can be seen in the video on the Outcome page.

8. Ground the turbine.

9. Create 2 lamp loads and test generator with one, then generator and ELC with 1 load to each.

10. Get electrician to correctly utilize power from the system. Lighting and new security lights.