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

[Jay Peltz, Peltz Power]

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> Hi Hugh,

1. Most Gel bats are toast at 29.6.  Usually above 14.4v nominal 
( 12v) is too high. ( but each manufacture has its own settings.)  I  
don't use temp comp on gels as it will push the voltage above the  
hard limits.
The tristar seems to hold its voltage setpoint better than the C-40  
which wanders with time.

2. The diversion load problem you mention is a problem that I'm  
hoping Outback can fix with their integrated product line.  Maybe  
with the new mates ( more features)
it will allow for smart charging, ie turn off diversion load when  
genny charging.

3.  best I've done is to have the genny charge limit at just below  
the diversion set point.  That way the genny alone will not cause you  
to dump power.  If you use temp comp, both genny and CC must have it.

much peace,

jay

peltz power




> 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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