Rutland 913 Windcharger Installation & Operation
Doc No:SM-130 Iss. J 15.02.13 18 Marlec Eng Co Ltd
Troubleshooting
In the unlikely event that your Rutland 913 should develop a defect, the turbine
should first be tied to prevent the blades from turning to perform the static tests
below. (Follow the procedure described in the Inspection and Maintenance
section) It will be necessary to let it run for the tests to check for power
production.
Read the Electrical Connection
and
Up and Running
sections and b satisfied
that your system complies.
Is there sufficient wind?
The Rutland 913 needs 5 knots wind speed to start
charging. The wind speed across the turbine blades may be greatly reduced in a
marina or built-up area compared with the reading on a masthead anemometer
or weather reports.
Static Tests:
Is the battery in good condition?
Check the voltage and electrolyte level of
each battery.
Check electrical continuity
throughout the system, especially corrosion and
poor connections in cable joins and connector blocks.
Running Tests:
Check for power output from the windcharger, following this procedure:
1. Set a digital multimeter to DC Amps, scale of between 5 and 10 if possible.
Connect the meter positive (+) probe to the wind generator output positive
cable and the meter negative (-) to the regulator input positive. Provided
there is sufficient wind there should be a current reading. This establishes
that power is being delivered.
2. Using the same multimeter setting as above measure between the regulator to
b and the b. Provided there is sufficient wind there should be a
current reading. This establishes if power is passing through the regulator.
3. If both above are unsuccessful set the multimeter to DC Volts. Disconnect the
wind generator from the regulator and connect the meter + to the wind
gen and the meter – to the wind generator -. Provided there is
sufficient wind there should be a variable voltage reading according to the
speed of the wind seen at the wind turbine. This will establish if the wind
generator is able to deliver power or not.
4. If tests 1 and 3 are successful but test 2 fails to produce results connect the
wind generator directly to the battery. Set the digital multimeter to DC Amps
and measure power between the wind gen and the b. If a
reading is measured, providing there is sufficient wind, then the regulator is
faulty.
5. If the wind turbine fails to deliver any current or open circuit V reading
undertake the further tests below.
