Air Breeze
Owner’s Manual
25
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 Breeze 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
Follow the recommendations of the battery manufacturer. For most battery
systems the Air Breeze internal voltage regulator is completely adequate.
• Multiple turbines with a bus system
Multiple turbine installations will typically function best using a single volt-
age regulator close to the battery bank. This is particularly true if the wire
lengths connecting each turbine to the bus vary by distance or wire gauge.
7-3 Voltage Regulation
Air Breeze continually monitors the battery voltage and compares it to the
voltage 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
applications.
When the voltage regulation set point is achieved, Air Breeze enters regu-
lation 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. Refer to specifications
for specific voltage cut-in values.
7-3-1 Adjusting Regulation Voltage
The voltage regulation set point is adjustable using the potentiometer on
the side of Air Breeze 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 counter-clockwise and then slowly turn the potentiometer clock-wise
until the LED just illuminates. 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 Breeze. This adjustment
changes the point at which the turbine stops charging the batteries. By setting
the voltage too high you may increase the probability of overcharging and dam-
aging the batteries.
