Can I ask some questions about your hydro/pv connection? Are you saying that you run both the PV and hydro inputs into the MX60 without any trouble? I've just finished installing a PV system (just to get a grid tie connection) and tomorrow after my local inspector signs off (keeping fingers crossed) the utility will let me throw the switch. After that I'm planning to hook up my hydro system.
The PV system is this:
18 Kaneka GSA60 watt panels wired in parallel for 48V.
MX60 MPPT controller
Outback GVFX3648 inverter
8 Trojan T105
Midnite solar Epanel Plus and battery box located in the basement.
I own an old millpond dam located on the Sudbury river 330 feet from the house. Average flow is 12,000 GPM and my head is 9.4 feet. I'm using an ES&D LH1000 low head turbine. Its the same PMA as on the stream engine. The turbine is mounted in a water box that is elevated on a welded steel frame and an 8 inch x 18 foot long PVC pipe feeds through the dam and into the box. I know the 8 inch PVC pipe is a bit undersized and with two 45 degree and one 90 degree elbows I'm seeing a measured head of 8.5 feet. I expect that will give me about 800 watts with about 800 GPM. The 90 degree elbow could be taken out of the system. Currently it is how I shut off the flow by rotating the 90 degree elbow at the inlet (not glued) upwards so that a short length of pipe is out of the water. Eventually I will make some sort of tapered inlet and take this out.
My plan was to run the hydro directly to the batteries but your way is intriguing. I have a C40 that I was going to use as a diversion load into a hot water tank but was thinking of swapping that for another MX60 just so everything is Outback and communicates properly (all it takes is money and I don't have any left). I had talked to Outback about running the LH1000 through an MX60 but they discouraged it because of the open circuit voltage when the MX60 hunts.
My wire length is about 350 feet of 8 pairs of 4mm sq solar wire that I got a good deal on. I can't bury the wire due to wetlands restrictions and it would be nearly impossible anyways. I know the NEC won't allow running pairs to increase current carrying capacity it but was cheap and supple enough to string it through the trees with a combiner box at each end. I can add more pairs later but for now its all I can afford.
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