Aquair 100
TM
Manual
© Ampair
®
, 2007
www.ampair.com
Page 15 of 23
CHARGE CONTROL REGULATION
In the water mode
it is
not
recommended to use a regulator with the Aquair towed turbine as it can
interfere with normal operation and cause the turbine to alternately surge and slow as the regulator
disconnects and connects the generator to the battery. This can cause the rope to kink and become
tangled. Ordinarily on cruising yachts the running loads approximately balance the Aquair charge.
Should this not be the case, then a simple switch or removable connector can be used to allow the
turbine to spin freely when not required.
In the wind mode
an Aquair used as a semi-permanent wind charger may well need regulation, in
which case the appropriate model should be wired for connection in the wind mode only.
Ampair manufactures three Charge Control Regulators for protecting lead acid batteries from
overcharge. They are not “shunt” type regulators, which dissipate excess charge as heat, but an
electronic power switch, which disconnects the generator from the battery at the regulation voltage.
Regulators S1B & S3B have a single 100-watt input (Ampair, Aquair or UW). Regulator type S1B has
one output battery connection. Regulator S3B has three output connections to serve up to three battery
banks with a common negative. The third regulator D1B has two 100 watt inputs (any two from Ampair,
Aquair, UW or solar panels), supplying a single battery bank at a fixed regulation voltage.
All regulators have 2 level sensing. The lower voltage (Lo) connection regulates at 0.4 Volts below the
high (Hi) connection for 12V systems (0.8V for 24V systems). “Hi’ connection is appropriate for liquid
electrolyte batteries and/or live aboard situations. ‘Lo” connection for gel batteries and/or infrequent
use.
The battery voltage is sensed at the regulator output connection, therefore install the regulator as near
the battery as practicable and keep the connecting cables short.
Regulator type S1B has one output battery connection. Regulator S3B has three output connections to
serve up to three battery banks with a common negative. The third regulator D1B has two 100 watt
inputs (any two from Ampair, Aquair, UW or solar panels), supplying a single battery bank at a fixed
regulation voltage.
All regulators feature the same multi-stage regulation programme which has regulation voltages of Lo =
13.6V. Hi = 14.0V for l2V systems (27.2V & 28.0V for 24V systems).
Charging is continuous until the Lo or Hi voltage is reached, depending on the battery output used. The
generator is now disconnected from the battery. Off-charge, the battery voltage will fall. At a voltage of
0.5V below the regulation voltage a 30-second time delay is activated. This delay prevents the regulator
from oscillation (hunting) when charging batteries under load. After 30 seconds has elapsed, the
generator-to-battery connection is remade and charging continues to the regulation cut-out voltage.
A cycle counter counts the charge/disconnect cycles and at the tenth cycle increases the regulation
voltage for one cycle only by 0.4 volt to Lo 14.OV or Hi 14.4V for 12V systems (0.8V for 24V systems
Lo = 28.OV, Hi = 28.8V). This provides an equalisation charge for the battery. Subsequent cycles return
to the lower settings until a further 9 cycles are completed.
Ammeter:
We recommend fitting an ammeter to monitor charging.
Use 10A for 12v, 5A for 24v. Fit an ammeter with a linear scale (moving coil type) or low outputs will be
indiscernible.
Fuses:
Battery protection fuses should be fitted. Use l0A in 12v system, 5Amp for 24v.
Wiring:
Use suitably insulated cable of 1.5 sq. mm (16 A.W.G.) between regulator and battery in single
source systems; 2.5 sq. mm (14 A.W.G.) for dual source. For input wiring to the regulator see
appropriate generator wiring section. The use of screened cables is recommended if the cables run
close to equipment radiating strong electrical fields e.g. radio transmitters or aerials.
