eeked out another 8 volts on the hydro - Page 3

 Thanks for the continued updates and inspiration!

Speaking of inspiration it was windy a few days agoo (finally) so I took my
eu2000 wind generator up to the top of the hill.  I got readings of 43 volts
DC and and it even got up to 10 amps momentarily!  Actually, it could have
been higher as I was using a multimeter and it only goes up to 10 amps.  I
have it attempting to charge two old 6 volt batteries right now but of
course the wind stopped blowing as soon as I got them up there.

 

Now THATS more like it man!  Sounds like you've hit the sweet spot on
that thing.  Yeah I should try the amp meter on my new multimeter.. my
old one blew the fuse when I tried to measure amps.

But it sounds like you're in a good range for using that thing .. you
going to mount it up more permenant ??

Also you gotta think of a cool name for it..



 I have it attempting to charge two old 6

 

Remember - amp meters measure the current between a source and a load. Never try
to measure the current between the two leads of a source, which will essentially
short the sources output through the meter. Similarly, don't try to measure the
current in a circuit unless you know the current is within the operating range
of the meter. If you try to measure a current which is too large, if you are
lucky you will blow the meters fuse. If you aren't, you will blow the meter.

 

OK how does this sound?

I unhooked the solar panels and ran the hydro through the solar charge
controller which has an ammeter.  It read 6 amps.

Then I measured the voltage at the generator and it read 15 (there is a
blocking diod in that part of the system so that should be what its
producing and not the battery voltage).

so 15 x 6 = 90 watts

or would it be 12 x 6 ?

either way thats what it looks like i'm making..

need more.. NEED MORE!!

-zachary

 

   It sounds like you are on the right track...

   Let's say 13 x 6 = 78 watts


   MPPT charger?  Given that large open circuit voltage, you are always going to
lose big if you are using a plain analog charger.  You have a huge impedance
mismatch.

   This is probably the configuration you should be in when you are tuning your
system.  The ideal setup for spinning under load may not be the same as that for
free-spinning.  (But I am just guessing, listen to the experts and ignore me if
they disagree.)

   Now if you install separate blocking diodes, you can (for sure) run solar
during the day and hydro after dark.  You probably will find that there is no
reason they can't be run together if your controller is up to the job.  I have
been running two very mismatched PV panels that way for years now.  The output
with both of them pulling together is greater that the output of either of them
by itself, so I know it is working.

Vaughn