controller settings for diversion load and generators... [RE-wrenches]

[Hugh]

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Hi

I'd like comments on an old but little discussed problem.  It relates 
to wind or hydro systems (or even PV) where a diversion load is used 
for charge control for example with a c-40 or tristar.  There is also 
an engine driven generator on the system and it feeds into the 
inverter (SW, FX, studer, whatever) and this charges the battery.

At a certain point the charge controller will go to float the battery 
and if the inverter is still trying to bulk it then you will have the 
controller maxed out on heating something at the expense of engine 
fuel.  YOu can tinker around with settings on the inverter and the 
controller but it is hard to get a satisfactory arrangement that 
charges the battery properly.

I have used a blocking diode to solve this by making sure that the 
diversion current all comes from the renewables but this is not ideal 
- leads to vibration in the turbine and stuff like that.

another question.  What bulk setting do you guys use for gel 
batteries (eg Fullriver HL series) and how do you ensure that they do 
not gas and lose electrolyte.  My supplier recently told me to use 
29.6 volts for a bulk charge.  I am pretty sure this could lead to 
problems since the controller will not really 'know' when exactly to 
go to float voltage and I can foresee some loss of electrolyte, no?

Then there is temp compensation.  This can push the charging voltage 
up to 31 and trip the inverter.  I have a client runnning datalogging 
equipment and the supply must never go above 30 volts but in cold 
weather the battery 'needs' to get up to 31.  what to do?

Lots of little puzzles.  Any comments welcome.  It shows how immature 
the small wind industry is that the controllers you buy do not have 
inherent solutions to these problems (except perhaps the outback 
products that talk with each other - but how many people can figure 
out how to program all of that?)
-- 
Hugh

Scoraig Wind Electric
http://www.scoraigwind.co.uk/

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