Wind controller voltage settings

[John MI]

I have my wind generator up and running Whoo Hoo! My question is i have my charge controller set at 12.5v charge and 14.4v set to a dump load. The problem is when the wind generator surges the controller relay jumps to the dump load with the voltage spike. should i up the voltage more or be checking the voltage at the battery and not at the controller.

[Spdlmt150]

You need to post a lot more information than you have for an accurate answer. I dream of having your problem. What amperage is your mill putting out? How many AH is the batt(bank) it's charging? How far away? What gauge wire? What controller?

You have some of the best in windpower here, but you need to provide ALL of the information to get a question answered.

My initial thought is that you are pushing too high of amperage into too small of a batt bank for it to kick out that quick. Others will post more valuable info soon.

[John MI]

More info: the wind genny is homemade ametek 30vdc geared at 3:1 so the volts jump quickly on a windy day, the max output should be around 33v @ 8 or 9 amps. the battery bank is two marine batterys 75AH each, the charge controller is homemade with relay voltage checked at the controller. all wire used is 12 gauge with the distance between the controller and batteries less than 6'

[Nando]

What is a Whoo Hoo

Please send the specifications of such animal?

Nando

[Nando]

John:

Since he controller is home made, can you supply the schematic to see the reason for such behavior ?.

Also, good description of the ballast loads and operation.

Nando

[jimjjnn]

What king of batteries are you trying to charge at 12.5 volts? I think your controller is set too low for Flooded Lead Acid batteries.

Check the OTHERPOWER's battery articles on charging,etc.

[John MI]

the controller i am using is the  bioelectrifyer wind charge controller plans i found on this site at- http://www.fieldlines.com/story/2004/9/20/0406/27488. would a larger gauge wire from the battery to the controller help

[zubbly]

hello John MI,

i am using exactly the same dump controler. my battery bank is 60 volt, but tapped off 1 single 12 volt batt to operate (not the best idea but it does work and will have to do until i make mods for 60 volt)

over night we have had a major snow storm ans winds are severe.  my controler is almost staying on constantly as i am often surging past 40 amp into the bank.

mine does operate the same way, shifting to dump when there is a large surge in amps and drives the batt voltage high. currently set at 12.6 and 14.6. i use my bank for a heating coil arrangement.

been on this dump controler for a little over a month now.  batterys do seem to be happy.

personally, i think the unit is doing quite well what it was intended for.  but thats my opinion.

zubbly

[John MI]

It may be working right, I was just concerned about dumping all that power when the battery was not fully charged. I guess i need to fully test it for a couple of weeks before i make any adjustments.

Thanks for all the help and info

John MI

[RUFUS]

Good to hear you laugh again NANDO

                         RUFUS