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Below is a description of the complete charge controller - this kit does not contain the enclosure and it has one 40 amp relay only - not 4 relays.
Please see our other listings if you would like to purchase the completed controller.
This diversion controller is the result of our many attempts to use the controllers currently on the market (offered by some of the largest names in the business), to work in conjunction with our wind turbines. None of the other diversion controllers on the market did what we needed a diversion controller to do. So we designed our own -- and added all of the features that are truly needed in a diversion controller.
Some of the key features of this controller are:
Microprocessor controlled -- This is very important for both stability and functionality.
User changeable settings -- Several controllers on the market set the dump level, and that's that!
High amp rating - 160 amps with the 4 relays installed -- You may add more if you actually need more amps.
Battery status LED - Several controllers do not tell you what's going on - This one does!
Push to test. Ever wonder if your controller & load are working OK?
Steel enclosure, with two conduit openings.
Large enough terminal blocks that you can actually terminate large wire (See notes below.)
Super large heat sink -- Pulling in multiple relays takes energy - which generates heat. This one handles it!
RJ-11 Serial interface. --This allows connection to a computer for both programming and remote status (See notes below.)
Can divert the source from the batteries to the load, or dump both the batteries along with the source.
Some specifics about the points made above.
The microprocessor is the heart of the controller. It is given the battery voltage and the user changeable trip points. This information is analyzed and acted upon.
The Battery level is checked, and based on that info, the Green LED flashes or is illuminated as follows
(One) Flash indicates the battery is less than 12 volts (12 volt system - Double for 24 etc)
(Two) Flashes indicates the battery is 12 to 12.5V
(Three) Flashes indicates the battery is 12.6 to 13v
(Four) Flashes indicate the battery is 13.1 to 13.5V
( Five) Flashes indicates the battery is above 13.5V but less than 13.9V (Settings are adjustable)
Steady green means the battery is full.
The red LED is illuminated when the battery is being dumped at 14.5v (or the charge source diverted.)
The dump remains active for a min. of 5 seconds, at which time it is checked by the microprocessor. If battery voltage drops below the "Dump Cancel " level, the dump is disabled, otherwise the dump is continued and rechecked every 5 seconds.
When you click the "TEST" push-button - the 5 second cycle is started (one time, unless the batteries are within the "Dump start" and "Dump Cancel" zone.)
For those who like to get into the heart of the circuits -- We will include both the circuit schematic and the actual program that runs the microprocessor. The microprocessor is a Picaxe-08M, this is a great little chip that allows almost anyone with a little basic programming ability to learn and use quickly. If you wish to work with the circuit at this level, you need to have the PICAXE software. This software is available from PICAXE (possibly free). You will also need a RJ-11 to Serial cable. Please Note: For the average user, you will not need (or want) this additional information nor these optional items.
Settings are user changeable!! By simply turning a simple potentiometer with a small screwdriver, you can quickly adjust the trip point.
If you are a DIY type of person, you can modify the program directly -- it will do whatever you program into it!
High amp rating -- 160 Amps as configured! -- This is a big controller.
There is nothing stopping you from adding more relays for nearly an unlimited amount of load capability.
The following precautions must be taken into account if you wish to add more relays.
The internal regulator can handle 12 relays (40 amp automotive type) in a 12 volt system and 4 relays in a 24 volt system. The reason for the smaller number of relays in a 24v system is the regulator must convert the high battery voltage down to 15 volts for the relay coils, this generates heat. So if you want to add more relays than 4 (or 12), then simply use one of the relays to switch on the coils of the other relays. This will allow you to pull in as as many relays as your wire can handle.
About wire size -- 160 amps is a lot of current! -- The terminal blocks inside the case will handle #8 wire and are better used for switching loads of 60 amps or less. If your system will likely run at the high end, then a better connection is to simply remove the two relay contact wires from the internal terminal blocks and terminate them to your larger wire directly via a wire nut, or compression lug etc.
The enclosure is heavy gauge, solid steel - Ready to mount. -- No plastic, no junk, simple and rugged.
About load diversion.
The basic operating philosophy of a diversion controller is quite simple. Monitor the battery voltage, and if it should rise to a predetermined level, connect a diversion load (or "Dummy Load"), of sufficient size, to the battery or energy source to prevent the battery voltage from increasing any further. This is a very simple, yet very effective way of preventing battery overcharging. All alternate energy systems should have some form of battery overcharge protection.
Several schools of thought on the subject.
The source of power (wind turbine, solar panels etc.) -- should remain connected to the batteries while the dump is active.
The source should be diverted to the load directly and disconnected from the batteries.
We happen to believe that is far better to leave the wind turbine connected to the batteries at all times. Why? When you remove the battery level voltage from a wind turbine and send it's power directly to a load, then it sees for all practical purposes a short circuit (depending on the resistance of the load and lead wires.) This may cause the turbine blades to slow dramatically and in some cases bring it to a halt. This braking action can cause heat build up in the stator if it is repeated every few seconds or so (if the battery is just a little over the top). When you allow the turbine to see the batteries, along with the load, the turbine remains more within it's design realm -- always a good thing.
The internal relays are configured to dump the batteries along with the source, but if you desire to disconnect the source from the batteries and send it to the load directly, simply utilize the N/C contacts of the relays as well. See the wiring diagrams below for further information.
How to compare this controller to others on ebay (or anywhere!)
Do they have battery status indication?
Do they have a dump active indication?
Are the dump levels user changeable?
Are they microprocessor controlled?
Do they come with a enclosure that's actually ready to use?
Can they truly pull in multiple relays without burning up or do they need fans?
Do they handle the amperage you need?
Do they have a dump test capability?
Can they be hooked up to your PC?
Do they include the program and circuit schematics?
When you compare this controller to the others, you will see why we built it and why we know you'll love it.
THIS AUCTION IS FOR THE KIT ONLY
Please note: The above text talks about the fully completed charge controller. THIS AUCTION IS FOR THE CIRCUIT BOARD ONLY AND INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING ITEMS --- ONLY.
Circuit Board with all components that belong on the circuit board including heat sink -- loose (in bags), not soldered into place.
1 green LED
1 red LED
1 pushbutton
1 12v - 40 amp relay
5 connectors for the relay
3 wire harnesses for the LEDs and pushbutton
Schematic
Instructions suitable for a knowledgeable person.
**** NO ENCLOSURE IS PROVIDED ****
Please note -- this kit is for those wanting to build the circuit themselves and save a few dollars. You should only attempt to do this if you have some electronics experience and are comfortable soldering tiny components. If you would like the completed circuit board or fully completed controller, please see our other listings.
Here are some of the most common ways to wire the controller. -- Click the image to enlarge
Since many of us often don't want to take a chance on something from a smaller business, and tend to think that big named products are always better. I thought it might help to pass on some of the feedback from those who have purchased this controller in the last couple of weeks.
Full Controllers:
A very good packaged product.The instructions are an easy read.
As advertised good e-bayer
Item as discribed ,fast shipping
Great Seller! FAST Shipping! A+++
Great product. Got everything working great! Thanks!
ITEM ARRIVED VERY QUICKLY, VERY WELL PACKAGED, RECOMMENDED SELLER
We burnt out two (x-brands) 40 amp models with a 20 amp wind generator, so we knew it was time to solve the problem and create something that could actually do the job. That's what this controller is all about; simple compared to the big brand names, but perfectly in tune with it's mission, save the batteries and keep the turbine spinning.
More to come: Put us on your watch list, we are currently working on a series of new products specifically for the solar/wind market, including a microprocessor controlled Delta/Wye (Star/Delta) auto switch with electronic over-speed protection wind turbine controller.
Big things are happening from a lot of little companies, and if you notice the truly innovate products are being released from the new kids on the block.
Perfect for experimenter, DIYer. All of the components and PCB board, just solder it all together and you have a controller that is very expandable, and very economical. No enclosure is included
Thanks For Looking!
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask, we are happy to help.
On May-04-09 at 14:00:29 PDT, seller added the following information:
Price increase notice: There will be a price increase of 10% on all of our controllers May 11, 2009.
On May-13-09 at 06:14:35 PDT, seller added the following information:
Please note: This kit will work when properly assembled via the instructions in the manual. This is a great controller, at a great price, but; if you put components in backwards, put them in the wrong place, or are not able to follow the directions, your kit may not work when you finish. We can not offer trouble shooting services for this kit, so please do not purchase this kit unless you feel you would be able to trouble shoot the circuit should you run into problems. We recommend you download the manual before purchasing. Please visit our store for this same board fully assembled, tested and calibrated.
*The estimated delivery time is based on the seller's handling time, the shipping service selected, and when the seller receives cleared payment. Sellers are not responsible for shipping service transit times. Transit times may vary, particularly during peak periods.
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