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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.
1.
The source of power (wind turbine, solar panels etc.) -- should remain connected to the batteries while the
dump load controller is actively dumping the excess voltage.
2.
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 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 its design
realm -- always a good thing.
Please note: this controller does not include a blocking diode or an A/C to D/C rectifier, as these are specific to your
application. If you are using the controller with a DC turbine or solar panels, you may need to purchase a blocking
diode. A/C turbines require rectification from A/C to D/C.
FAQ: Do I need a diversion load for a wind turbine?
Yes.
Diversion controllers work by diverting excess energy from the wind turbine to a diversion or “dummy load”.
This diversion allows the turbine to remain under a load at all times. A solar panel may be safely disconnected from
the batteries, but an active wind turbine should never be disconnected from its load (battery/diversion load). When a
wind turbine is not loaded, it can easily speed out of control in high wind events, which can lead to catastrophic failure
of the turbine as well as the possibility of damage and injury to other property and people.
It is very important that
your turbine has a very reliable load at all times.
Please see our FAQs located on our website,
www.ColemanAir.us
for more information on this subject and
many others.
Diversion Load Types
A diversion load needs to be larger (by at least 10-20%), than the sum total of all your solar/wind/hydro charge
sources combined that will be routed through the diversion load. When the diversion load is too small, battery voltage
may continue to rise even when the diversion is active. It is also important to use a load that is not likely to fail. Light
Summary of Contents for C440-HVAD
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