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Charge Controllers for dummies
By klideb, Section Wind Posted on Wed Oct 8th, 2008 at 08:06:14 PM MST
Charge Controllers

Is there an alternative to the charge controller? Myself and a few friends are working on a turbine and the charge controller seems to be the sticky part. None of us can make one, or I should say feel like we remember enough to keep from wasting good electrical components. We could buy one, but that goes against the spirit of the project a bit. We are using the " Chispito Wind Generator" model if it helps. Any input would help and would greatly be appreciated.

Charge Controllers for dummies | 7 comments (7 topical, 0 editorial)

Re: Charge Controllers for dummies (3.00 / 0) (#1)
by Flux on Wed Oct 8th, 2008 at 02:17:39 PM MST
(User Info)

You "young uns" are spoiled. When I started playing with wind power charge controllers were unheard of. In our day the biggest problem was getting enough power to be useful and to many today it still is.

Charge controllers only prevent you over charging the battery, with small machines you will never have enough power to do all you want, the only thing is that you will have to manage the load yourself without one.Don't use AGM or gell batteries and you can manage without luxuries. Use lots of power on windy days and try to use nothing or very little on calm ones.

Battery volts gives you some guide as to state of charge if you understand what you are doing but a decent hydrometer is the best guide.

Flux

Re: Charge Controllers for dummies (3.00 / 0) (#2)
by klideb on Wed Oct 8th, 2008 at 02:31:01 PM MST
(User Info)

Thanks Flux for the input. This is our first attempt and our plan is to charge 12 volt, deep cycle marine battery's (trolling motor battery's) for our bass boats. It started as a project to kill time till next fishing season So we should not stress the charge controller for now?

Clyde

[ Parent ]

Re: Charge Controllers for dummies (3.00 / 0) (#3)
by Flux on Wed Oct 8th, 2008 at 02:41:31 PM MST
(User Info)

If you are just charging batteries for use later then without a charge controller it will be a bit awkward. It will be ok if you can be around when it is windy and shut the mill down when the batteries are charged.

If they are unattended then you may need something. Have a look at Ghurd's charge controller, it's pretty simple and he has good instructions. I am sure if you get stuck he would give you a little help.

[ Parent ]

Re: Charge Controllers for dummies (3.00 / 0) (#4)
by klideb on Wed Oct 8th, 2008 at 02:52:49 PM MST
(User Info)

Thanks again. I think my "spirit" will accept a $15.00 safety valve.

Clyde

[ Parent ]

Re: Charge Controllers for dummies (3.00 / 0) (#5)
by chubbytrucker01 (chubbytrucker01@yahoo.com) on Wed Oct 8th, 2008 at 05:27:48 PM MST
(User Info)

Ghurd doesn't give out a little help. He gives out lots of help. He won't even ship it until he is sure of what all you need and then he explains it well. I bought three kits off of him a month ago and made sure I had instructions and parts to do what I wanted for all three. Ghurd is awesome! I understand your I wanna do it all attitude and ghurd's controller makes it possible.

Re: Charge Controllers for dummies (3.00 / 0) (#6)
by Capt Slog (Capt.Slog(at this)gmail.com) on Thu Oct 9th, 2008 at 02:16:16 AM MST
(User Info)

I just want to second that.

Ghurd is excellent in his help and advice. His dump controller kit that he sell makes it not worth trying to cook up your own version or worrying about the consequences of not having one. As Flux says, if you can always be there to tend to the system, then you wouldn't need a charge control, but I know I can't always be there.

.
"Slowly changing the world, one watt at a time!"
[ Parent ]

Re: Charge Controllers for dummies (3.00 / 0) (#7)
by ghurd on Thu Oct 9th, 2008 at 03:40:25 PM MST
(User Info)

Well now I'm simply embarrassed.
My standard advice is hit it twice with a 3X bigger hammer.
Repeat repeatedly.

I would want to use some kind of controller for a couple / few 110AH unattended or unused batteries.
My experience says the battery will be full in a week, and then boil itself to ruins.

Here (NE OH, Erie eastern basin, Mosquito and Pymatuning), there are 4, 5 or 6 days of no wind, then 2, 3 or 4 days of way too much wind.
Even half a day of too much wind with an honest 100W windmill and a full 110AH battery can do some serious battery damage.
Been there, done that.

My next advice is to go to Sam's Club or Costco and get pairs of 180AH 6V golf cart batteries.
Night and day difference with hi or lo drains, ie: trolling motors, sonar, ship to shore, etc, at least that's what they tell me.
My boats have not been in the water in 2+ years. :-(
G-

Charge Controllers for dummies | 7 comments (7 topical, 0 editorial)

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