Wind/Solar system.

[Windshack]

Hi Guys

Just a few questions!!!

1.  I have a 48volt battery bank(four 12v in series), if i connect a 12v solar panel to one battery will it charge all four batteries.
2. I also have a 48 volt wind generator so need a dump load. Can i use a small 12v charge controller(connected to one battery) to operate a 48volt dump load.

Cheers

Philip

[TomW]

Hi Guys

Just a few questions!!!

1.  I have a 48volt battery bank(four 12v in series), if i connect a 12v solar panel to one battery will it charge all four batteries.
2. I also have a 48 volt wind generator so need a dump load. Can i use a small 12v charge controller(connected to one battery) to operate a 48volt dump load.

Cheers

Philip

Philip;

In a word NO

Tom

[Rover]

Simply stated, in order to charge the batteries, the charge source must provide a higher voltage than the battery bank voltage. !2v is not higher than 48V.

[WindriderNM]

some type of switching system using electronic switches or relays could be made to switch the 12v between the batteries charging one at a time.

[Windshack]

I was thinking more about having 2 solar panels connected to each battery, so a total of 8 panels.

[ghurd]

I was thinking more about having 2 solar panels connected to each battery, so a total of 8 panels.

Then just use a standard configuration, instead of 2 to each battery.

The answer to your next question-
Those 12V controllers driving a 12V solenoid to dump from all 48V are not a good idea.  Not at all.
Be better off with one of my controllers monitoring 12 or 24V, and using different power fets.
Or could use my controllers, 2 x 24V or 4 x 12V, and treat them as individual battery subsections.

The best idea would be a controller actually made for 48V by a REAL controller company,
a company that would not tell someone to monitor 1 battery in a 48V bank,
but I get the feeling you don't want to go that route due to cost.
G-