I would like to build a charge controller

[Capt Slog]

As my genny is up and turning I would like to have a charge controller before I start to hook up batteries.

I know that the best bet really is to buy one, but the prices I've seen come to more than I paid for my genny so far! Although I'm not very up on electronics, building one of these is within my capabilties

I HAVE googled the board to look for ideas on several occasions, only to find that a lot of the links have now expired.  This is the only one I've found http://www.fieldlines.com/story/2004/9/20/0406/27488   so far, other than a Pikaxe type which looks tricky.

I'm not looking to shunt massive amounts around, just the output from a 4-5 foot diameter in suburban winds.

Thanks

Resectioned.

[wooferhound]

Here is a Dump Load Controller.

http://www.fieldlines.com/story/2006/7/21/93147/7405

 

[wooferhound]

Here are some kits and cheap controllers . . .

http://www.cirkits.com/

http://www.windstuffnow.com/main/shunt_regulator.htm

http://www.mrsolar.com/page/MSOS/CTGY/morningstar

[ghurd]

This isn't quite ready for prime time...

I (will) have a kit good for 150W, expandable no problem.  

Writing the instructions for variations of use are killing me.

Anyway, pictures.

http://www.ghurd.info/dc.html

G-

[Bruce S]

Ghurd;

   Don't be so modest. Put the "kit" up here and let it be used to the hilt.

The instructions you've sent me works perfect. Hardest part is soldering and math for the hystersis that's about it.

Once these are out, I can assist as much as possible.

HINT!! They work with the HF controller ( which I call a power distrubition unit)

Bruce S

[Capt Slog]

Thanks Woof!

The circuit by Amanda, looked beyond what I could do, but the Ed Lenz one is exactly what I was looking for (the 220), I've bought from him before so might do so again. I've had a look at Oatley but they had discontinued it.

Cheers

Slog

[domwild]

Hi,

For what it is worth, here are two suggestions:

Oatley in Aussie is selling a kit, from memory it goes up to 300 W.

http://www.oatleyelectronics.com/

I must say that the Picaxe solution seems to be still the solution with the least amount of components and if you are more of a software person than a hardware person with a black-belt in electrickery, then the Picaxe solution from

http://www.thebackshed.com/Windmill/Links.asp

is ideal. Contributor Jimovonz from NZ has developed a similar schematic without using optoisolation, but at the moment he is measuring V, A and RPM and does not switch a relay on/off for the load like "gizmo" at the backshed. But the logic in pseudocode:

IF voltage > 14.4V THEN switch on the dummy load

IF voltage < 11.0 THEN switch the dummy load off

is easily implemented with jimovonz's minimal schematic.

This solutions give you V, A and RPM and load shedding.

I do not wish to detract from commanda's excellent solution to the problem; it requires more electronic skills than I possess.

Cheers,