26
Air X Owner’s Manual
System Voltage
Voltage Regulation
Set-Point
Adjustment Range*
Voltage Change due to
1/8 Turn of
Potentiometer**
12 Volt
13.6 – 17.0 Volts
0.56 Volts
24 Volt
27.2 – 34.0 Volts
1.12 Volts
48 Volt
54.4 – 68.0 Volts
2.24 Volts
* Adjustment ranges are approximate; actual ranges may be greater.
** Turn clockwise to increase voltage, counter-clockwise to decrease voltage.
7-3-2 Using an Alternate Charge Controller
There are some conditions under which the Air X internal regulator is not
appropriate as the primary regulator. These conditions include:
•
Systems where battery temperature varies widely
Battery charge efficiency varies in extreme temperatures. If these condi-
tions exist, an external regulator with a temperature compensation sensor
should be used to optimize the charge rate. There are several regulators
available that adjust the charge rate based on ambient battery temperature.
•
Batteries that are extremely sensitive to charge voltage
is completely adequate.
•
Multiple turbines utilizing a common bus
7-3 Voltage Regulation
Air X continually monitors the battery voltage and compares it to the volt-
age regulation set point. Refer to specifications for voltage regulation set
points. The voltage regulation set points are factory set to the values listed
in the specifications. These values may be adjusted to suit individual appli-
cations.
When the voltage regulation set point is achieved, Air X enters regula-
tion mode – effectively switching off and waiting for the battery voltage
to drop to the cut-in voltage. The cut-in voltage is slightly lower than the
voltage regulation set point. The difference between the two values is
referred to as “hysteresis” and is purposely done so the turbine does not
bounce in and out of a single regulation set point.
7-3-1 Adjusting Regulation Voltage
The voltage regulation set point is adjustable using the potentiometer on
the side of Air X body.
Please read the accompanying caution before
attempting to adjust the voltage regulation set point.
The most accurate method of setting the regulation voltage is to discon-
nect the turbine from the batteries and use an adjustable voltage source
and multi-meter to apply the desired voltage across the positive and nega-
tive turbine leads. With the target voltage applied, turn the potentiometer
fully clockwise, and then slowly turn the potentiometer counter-clockwise
until the LED starts blinking. The regulation set point will then be set to
the voltage applied across the turbine leads.
Alternatively, the regulation set point voltage may be adjusted using a trial
and error method. Use the accompanying chart as a guide to increase or
decrease the voltage regulation set point. Monitor the battery voltage over
a period of time and make small adjustments until the regulation set point
voltage is at the desired level.
CAUTION:
Increasing the voltage regulation set point above the initial factory
setting will NOT increase the power output of Air X. This adjustment changes
the point at which the turbine stops charging the batteries. By setting the volt-
age too high you may increase the probability of overcharging and damaging
the batteries.
manufacturer. For most battery systems, the Air X internal voltage regulator
(i.e. sealed battery types) Follow the recommendations of the battery
(i.e. Multiple turbine installations where each turbine is connected to a
common bus prior to the battery, and each varies in distance and wire gauge.)
Once the turbine is in regulation mode, adjusting the potentiometer
TIP
:
clockwise will not bring the turbine out of regulation mode. The applied
voltage must drop before the turbine comes out of regulation mode and
resumes charge mode.
