[RE-wrenches] Bergey Excel 1 wind generator issues

[Ray Walters]

We've done some research on this, as we're doing an XL.1 project at 12 v 
right now.
I don't have first hand experience with the Clipper yet, but I have over 
a decade of XL.1 experience and many years with Midnite's electronics.  
The Clipper is exactly what is needed.  It also moves the rectifier down 
to the ground, and offers a braking disconnect system to shut the 
turbine down completely if needed.
The Classic by itself isn't really controlling the turbine speed, and 
counting on the XL,1 mechanical governing design by itself is definitely 
full hardy.
Unfortunately, Bergey's new staff is not really up to full speed yet on 
what is needed to make their turbines work long term.  At least they've 
abandoned the old XL.1 controller.  Hopefully the turbine itself hasn't 
changed too much; I've seen them survive some very high speed winds and 
direct lightning strikes.

R.Ray Walters
CTO, Solarray, Inc
Nabcep Certified PV Installer,
Licensed Master Electrician
Solar Design Engineer
303 505-8760

On 2/19/2014 1:39 PM, Chris Daum wrote:
> Hello Wrenches:
> We have a customer who's got one of the Excel One wind gennies, and 
> he's burnt up two Classic controllers (overvoltage....the 2nd time it 
> got over 400V before it burnt up).  Bergey's been dragging their feet 
> as to why this is happening; they're saying it's probably an "upslope 
> site" where the RPM just gets too high, among other things.  Metering 
> tests prove that the stator is OK.
> They also said that Midnite Solar has a 'clipper' to prevent 
> overvoltage; do any of you have any experience with this device?  It's 
> ~$1200, and of course there is no mention of this on Bergey's web site 
> or in their XL.1 manual.
> I have several other XL.1s in the general area, but they are on their 
> old 24V controller.  So I am looking for more information on anyone 
> who's using this 'clipper'.
> Please feel free to contact me off list.
> Thanks!
> Chris Daum
> Oasis Montana Inc.
> 406-777-4309
>
>
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