FLEXCHARGE CONTROLLER

[cdog]

Just looking to upgrade from my c-35, as it seems it is not adequate for my windmill.

I have read many posts about the tristar 60 and it seems to get good reviews.

However, looking at the flexcharge from a layman's point of view, it would seem that there is little to go wrong, kind of the KISS rule if you will.

I am just fishing for any experiences or opinions as to the use of this controller for running a windmill.

As always, thanks in advance,

Cdog.

[electronbaby]

I would think its a little excessive for a dump load controller. The best feature of the MX is the buck converter and the MPPT. Both serve you no purpose in a wind dump load set up. I would stick with the TS-60. Its relatively inexpensive and works well and has a bunch of cool features. Outback will not warranty an MX as a wind controller.

This is not to say it wont work in charge control mode. I know people that are doing this. The controller works so far, but you have to be careful of over voltaging the input.

[cdog]

Hello, and thanks for the reply.

Unfortunately, I don't think were talikng about the same rig?

I think you are commenting on the outback?

I am talking about the flexcharge nchc style controller.http://www.flexcharge.com/flexcharge_usa/products/nchc/nchc.htm

Cdog.

[ghurd]

Opinions are like bad hair cuts.  Everybody has one.

This is mine.  :-)

The thing looks and sounds a little, well, "primitive" to be polite.

The charge algorithm is sloppy. Probably a necessary evil in a simple relay driver.

I googled the 12V model number and got only 2 hits, the place that makes it, and ONE place that sells it (for $352!).

If you like that kind of thing, you should really look at my controller, set it for a sloppy hysteresis, buy a couple giant surplus relays, and save yourself $300.

There is a reason relays are not often used.

I think you would be a lot better off with a TriStar.  The fact that a TriStar is about half the cost is gravy.

Or a TriStar, AND my kit with some giant relays.  And that would STILL be cheaper!

In laymens terms, they polished a turd with laymen confusing text.  2 cents.

G-

[satmanuk]

hi, i own one of these controllers, so an make a fair comment.

yes it is a fairly simple controller, and would seem overpriced, but it does have its advantages as well as disadvantages.

firstly, its relays are mercury switched, with relay models that can handle hundreds of amps with an almost unlimited lifespan/switching. the liquid relays are chemically and gas sealed, meaning no sparks or arking.

secondly its a direct diversion controller, i.e. it disconnects your charging load(batts) from your source and then connects the source directly to your divert load. this means your diversion load does not have to be sized exactly to your batteries, if its a heating element, it can be sized for direct connection to the mill without the batt's holding the voltage down, leading to more efficient running at higher voltages & less stator heat. and all without the worry of relays failing or burning out in a homebrew controller.

its proven extremely useful when expanding my RE, epescially when i'm continually building new mill's bigger each time, the 100A relays on mine have massive scope for growth.

its obvious disadvantage is the price for such a primitive looking device, but i can say it is worth the money.

my 2 cents.

satman

[ghurd]

I'm glad you find it useful.

Still. It is primitive looking and primitive working.  It is a simple, poorly regulated, Bang-Bang controller, relay driver.

It is not close to being in the same catagory as C-series or TriStar controllers.

The diversion load should be sized for amps. Battery size is of no concern.

If the wind is enough to make 600W, then it is overspeeding.

If the windmill is feeding a 500W heater, and the wind speed makes it able to put out 100W then it is stalled, and the 100W that should be available are not.

Nobody uses relays.  Fet banks, SSRs and IGBTs are the new power relays, and have been for years.

G-

[cdog]

The whole point of my question was to become LESS confused, not more,lol, thanks guys!!!

Ghurd, are you saying you have some sort of simple controller that one could use with a solid state relay, and have the best of both worlds for much less money?

I couldn't care how it looks, I just want the most durable, idiot proof controller that I can sleep in my camp at nite without fear of it burning down around me!!

Some of the reason the flexcharge has caught my eye was that I understand(likely incorrectly) that with my c-35 or a tristar, the dump load should be matched very closely to the controllers abilities? It seems with the flexcharge that just make your dump larger than your source, and all will be well?

Thanks again guys, I appreciate it,

Cdog.

[ghurd]

Heck No!  That's not what I said!

I intended to say 2 things...

I said my controller and solid state relays (or IGBTs, or banks of fets) would be better, more accurate, and cheaper than a Flexcharge.  Meaning as a charge controller.  

The Flexcharge is a fine LVD I am sure, even if it is $250 overpriced.

I said "Get a TS-60".  

I Would have said "What a complete Piece of Crap!"  except for that "rude / offending comments" thing.

I might have pointed out the comments on the web page go against most Sandia Labs results I read.

I might have compared it to the sea 50 relay driver piece of crap Hydro-BS,com controller, but only if I was feeling a bit Grouchy.

I was happier this morning.

My controller is dandy for a small wind system.  A wonderful LVD.  Perfect battery vent fan controller.  Great for many other uses too.  Cheapest around for what it can do.  And I won't screw anyone on S&H.

It is not in the same league as a TS-60.  What do you want for $12.50?

For $50, I'll throw in a 150A 1600V dual IGBT if amps are important.  Not that it's a good idea as a controller.  Amp capacity is a minor issue.

I do not know what you line of work involves, but I bet you could convience me to do something completely stupid (to your standards) by confusing me with facts I do not understand.

It wouldn't be the first time!

G-

[cdog]

Ok, I'm WAY confused now,lol.

When you say lvd, you mean low voltage disconnect?

Are you saying a simple voltage controlled switch running a couple of large realays(flexcharge type or other) would do the same job?

If this is all I really need to keep my mill from running away, and to keep my batteries from being overcharged then I am sold, hook me up!!!!!!

I am open to any suggestions, the easier the better as long as it wont damage anything, again I am open to ideas.

Cdog.

[ghurd]

An LVD is an LVD.

Just because they call it a charge controller doen't mean it is a charge controller.

You really should go with the TS-60.

G-

[cdog]

Ok, I think you have finally got through to me,hehe!

I was never good at picking up on the subtle hints from the ladies either!

Know of anyone that wants to but a c-35?

Thank again,

Cdog.

[Live6766]

cdog

What is it that the c35 can not do for you on you system.

   Just asking.

[behoof]

HI,

My $.02...

I've been running a Flexcharge NC25A-24 for two years and have had virtually NO problems with it.

I thought I was and got in touch with the mfg and they got right back to me almost immediately with a ton of great info regarding their products.

Yes, it is a bit primitive but then so am I, LOL, so I guess it's a good match <smile>

Here's a link for the place I bought mine and this guy ( I've talked to him many times) will go out of his way to help you if he can. I've bought a lot of stuff from him.

Anyway, I use this Flexcharge with either 16 SLA's or my two forklift 24v (were 48v> batteries depending on which needs feeding. And dump to my resistor bank to keep the load on.

If I remember correctly and I'm sure I do I paid $100.00 for the NC25A-24 and I see the price is still the same.

Oh yeah, and as mentioned above the tech support directly from the factory is great.

Best to ya and just my $.02 worth,

behoof

[behoof]

Whoops forgot to put the link in my previous post so here it is:

http://www.solarseller.com/flexcharge_wind_hydro_solar_charge_controllers.htm#flexcharge_nc25a_24_v
olt_controller

Best to ya,

behoof

[ghurd]

Not that I think it's the greatest product, but it isn't quite so bad for $100.

That $352 was unnerving!

G-

[cdog]

Sorry Ghurd, but the model we were referring to was 350-450 bux depending on current rating,lol,

Cdog.