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windmill / solar combination question. | 6 comments (6 topical, editorial)
Re: windmill / solar combination question. (3.00 / 0) (#5)
by Usman (usman@aljeathen.com) on Thu Feb 21st, 2008 at 01:54:38 PM MST
(User Info)


I have somewhat similar quest.

Likewise, I have two PMA Wind turbines as well as a solar array. A Diesel Gen as a backup to charge batteries directly, using a AC step-down converter & rectifier diode.

I am also curious to know how two such charging sources may efficiently work on side by side. There must be something out there as a 'separator', or there should be some consideration given to their connection into the battery pack that isolates them somehow.

Are there any instructions to be observed for that, or any kind of HW or 'seperator' available in the market?

Thanks, Usman.



Re: windmill / solar combination question. (3.00 / 0) (#6)
by Flux on Thu Feb 21st, 2008 at 02:07:08 PM MST
(User Info)

The batteries will not be concerned about where the charge comes from, they will see the total charging current.

The only issue is with charge controllers. If you have solar controllers they will not be able to do anything about the wind turbines or any other charging source. Best way is one large dump controller capable of handling the total charge current.

A problem arises if the solar uses a mppt converter to maximise efficiency as these generally include charge control facilities. If you can set this above the dump controller you can let the dump controller look after the charging programme.

I would only regard the engine as back up. If there is no other charge available then you have to use it to fully charge but if there is wind or solar then use the engine to get you through the bulk charge and let the wind and/or solar do the final stage via the dump control.

I see no logic in running an engine generator and taking the final and slow part of the charging stage via a dump regulator, it is just wasting fuel.

Flux

[ Parent ]



windmill / solar combination question. | 6 comments (6 topical, 0 editorial)

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