question

lief ryan avatar image
lief ryan asked

Wind Turbines and victron charge controllers

hi, i would like to know if victron mppt charge controllers support wind turbines? if yes could i run 2 controllers in parallel, one with solar and one with a wind turbine?

Thanks

Lief.

charge controller compatibilityHydro and Wind Power
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myren avatar image myren commented ·

Hi, greetings from Denmark. Following this interesting thread due to my own wind/ solar project.

I am a solar installer from Gsol Energy Global, we make offgrid and on grid Solar systems for the UN.

In my private project, I am allso building a hybrid system containing wind and solar.

Technical information -

Wind turbine 1kw 3phase Greef generator mounted on 9m mast, with home made blades( vertical )

Victron quattro 10000Va,

Ccgx, lynx shunt can bus,

smartsolar 250/70 as wind input with rectifier, and 10000uF capacitor infront.

Smartsolar150/100 for pv.

Wind break will be added through a changeoverswitch later. I can raise and lower wind tower at will, and the vertical design is not prone to overspin due to the design.

My problem is that windmill it is not transferring power, even though i got strong wind and 60vdc at the pv input side. And the voltage on battery bank is more than 5v lower (51,2v - 57,6 is cycle use)

I was thinking that voltage from generator is to close to the battery voltage, I was thinking about putting a voltage stepup module infront despite the loss..

Any thoughts from you guys?


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myren avatar image myren myren commented ·

Still in the build/test phase

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jamesdew avatar image jamesdew myren commented ·
Hi, did you get your wind system to work properly? I'm looking for an adviser or consultant to help me implement wind turbines. can you recommend anyone?
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jbn avatar image jbn myren commented ·
Hej
Har du fÄet strÞm ud at din vindmÞlle ?
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be-wind avatar image be-wind myren commented ·

One important feature you should add is a small capacitor bank before the Victron MPPT.

The reason is that wind output when converting to DC can be very ruff, the capacitor will smooth out the DC and allow the MPPT to be more efficient.

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houser avatar image houser commented ·

Hello @Myren

I'll begin with the caveat that I am not a pro installer here.
But very interesting setup you have there, so wanted to give you a temporary reply as we have been experimenting for some time with something very similar.
I am sure others more qualified will chime in, but you are probably missing a piece of equipment between the turbine and the regulator that allows programming of the power curve of the turbine to your regulator and keeps it loaded with dump loads. The Victron smart solar regulators are certainly great for PV but may require a tweak or two to do wind and hydro well.

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jamesdew avatar image jamesdew houser commented ·

Hi, I'm really interested in your experience with wind generators. I'm trying to integrate our two wind generators into our victron system but my victron consultancy in holland don't want to have anything to do with it ("beyond the scope of our consultancy"). Do you offer advice or consultancy, or do you know of someone who can? My email address is a.dewhirst@designerdock.com (Alexander Dewhirst)housesetup19-11-2021.png

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48v-on-56north avatar image 48v-on-56north jamesdew commented ·
Hi Are you still looking to resolve how to integrate Wind generation into a Victron system? I could give you a few pointers. I run a Victron setup with a non Victron Windturbine MPPT controller (And I can explain why) I can still monitor production and staus from Victron Connect and the Victron Cerbo GX is controlling the turbine via the generator start stop function. Happy to take a chat, Cheers, Mk
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houser avatar image houser 48v-on-56north commented ·
Hello @48V on 56North

Also very, very interested in this. Can this thread be used to discuss it?
Or if you prefer PM that is fine too.
May I ask what MPTT turbine you are using and why, as you suggest?
Many thanks

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48v-on-56north avatar image 48v-on-56north houser commented ·
Its a good question if we should start a new thread ;) Anyway i use a SD Windenergy 3KW turbine. Its a PMAC generator, operating voltage 50-80V @ 0-3000W. The turbine is extremely robust (Used on unmanned off-shore platform on the north sea...) It is self limiting at very high wind through a robust mechanical/aerodynamic mechanism. I use a Morningstar 60A (3KW) MPPT/PWM that allow for a define power curve instead of solar tracking. Defined power curve PWM mode is MUCH better for controlling a windturbine. The rest of the system is Victron and the Cerbo GX controls the Turbine dump load. 4.5 KW Peak solar panels across two Victron Smart MPPT, 5 KVA Multiplus, 37.5 KWh PylonTeck bank all linked and controlled by Cerbo GX. The basic system design around the turbine is completely scalable to smaller turbines.
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houser avatar image houser 48v-on-56north commented ·
Hello again,

Extremely interesting! A few questions pop up:

1. How did you manage to find out the power curve? Empirical trial and error?

2. I assume you can not see the wind power harvest as a separate entity in the VRM? How are you working around that? Calc in Node red?

3. The one thing you may not be able to achieve with that setup is synched charge voltage for optimal usage of both wind and solar simultaneously?
Or can you do that too, or are you simply ignoring it?
I guess you could say it is a kind of luxury problem.
Very curious! I want to ger started with a few circa 1kW VAWT installs in a small village where big installs and noise is not an option. Is that something you have seen or worked with? Many thanks for sharing.

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janben avatar image janben 48v-on-56north commented ·

Hi,

Very interesting.

What do you mean by 'Morningstar 60A (3KW) MPPT/PWM that allow for a define power curve instead of solar tracking. Defined power curve PWM mode is MUCH better for controlling a windturbine.'.. It is MPPT for defining power curve and PWM for diversion control?


Thank you.

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stokie77 avatar image stokie77 48v-on-56north commented ·
Thanks for the info, sounds like a great setup.

I've been struggling with my Victron 250/60 Smart Solar MPPT constantly changing the load on my approx 1kW hydro turbine, making its revs / voltage output go constantly up and down like a siren.

I'm even looking at using a Tristar 45 PWM as a charge controller instead.

What do you think the Morningstar 60A would be like on a hydro turbine? Does your colour control or monitor see the non-ve-connect-notified power coming into the battery without freaking out? Thanks.


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basstscho avatar image basstscho stokie77 commented ·
Hey stokie77,

I'm facing exactly the same issue: Having an hydro turbine and it runs periodically crazy, when the MPPT is playing arround. Did you had any success using the Tristar or Morningstar PWM? Problem at my "system": I have ~190VDC after the rectifier. This makes finding an right sized PWM more problematically.
Thanks and best, Johannes

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philip-in-spain avatar image philip-in-spain 48v-on-56north commented ·

Hi, I am new to the forum, I have the following Victron system

2 x multiplus 2 (5lw each) inverters

2 x MPPT 250/70 charge controllers

16 x 500w solar panels(8 per line)

1 x Gerbo gx with screen

8 x pylontech 3000C lithium batteries

I also want to add a wind turbine as we have late afternoon and at night more wind, sometimes low sometimes medium, enough to give charge.

I saw 48v-on-56north, use a TriStar 60A controller


by the sound of it, was it used in battery charging mode? And then the Gerbo gx output to via a relay to switch on a load, when batteries are full? As the dumping load system?

The generator to use I am not sure of yet, but will be in 500watt range

Can you maybe give more info regarding the setup with the Gerbo gx

and if it still works good.


Will be appreciated


Thanks

Philip

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ian-eastbourne avatar image ian-eastbourne 48v-on-56north commented ·

Hi I am also trying to set-up a wind turbine alonside my 3kW solar array with Multiplus II 5000/48/70 and cerbo GX. I have 6kW of Lifep04 Batteries. All the Solar has been working fine. It looks like you have already set this up using a Smartshunt and a Morning Star 60A controller. Would it be possible for you to publish a schematic of the wiring set up or indicate which wires on the smarshunt go where? And/or great to have a chat or e mail exchange. It would be much appreciated. thanks, Ian


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jamesdew avatar image jamesdew 48v-on-56north commented ·

Hi 48V, sorry, I only just saw your post now. Your setup sounds really interesting. I've extended my setup but still haven't managed to get any decent wind input. I'm not sure if DM works here - I can't find how to write to you directly. I need a victron consultant in general so if you have some time to help I don't mind hiring you if I can afford your rates. My email address is james@kythera-family.net if you want to discuss it.

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elxtech avatar image elxtech jamesdew commented ·

I'm not an "expert" but I've been working with solar/wind for over 20 years, quite successfully. If you have any pictures or drawings of your setup I could probably help out or at least point you into the right direction. Contact me at voippede@gmail.com and I'll see what I can do. I'm creating a wind controller that will show you the conditions of your throughput (volts, amps etc) and has a brake on it that you can set as well.

Hope this helps.

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elxtech avatar image elxtech elxtech commented ·
I just saw your drawings in your earlier post but it doesn't show the details of the actual wiring from the turbine connecting to the MPPT........for example the wiring to a bridge rectifier, capacitor (value etc.) wire size and type and any other details you can provide. I can easily generate 2-3Kw of power through my wind turbine.
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28 Answers
markus avatar image
markus answered ·

Hello Lief,

no, it is only officially supported, to connect solar panels to the MPPT's.


That does not mean that it wouldn't unofficially work, when you know what you are doing. :o)

I do use Victron Solar chargers with hydro turbines for over a year now, without any issues at all.

The main problem is see in connecting a wind turbine, is a missing storm brake that short circuits the generator to brake in stronger winds and the battery is full etc...

You would have to implement something, but be careful, to short circuit PV input under load can destroy your charger.


And yes, it is possible to connect several MPPT chargers in parallel to the battery.


Regards,

Markus


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markus avatar image markus ♩♩ commented ·

Just to clearify, i did never ever kill a Victron MPPT, I just saw what happened with a friends charger, after he drilled through both PV wires... There were bubbles appearing on the surface of the charger. Not nice :o(

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amacris avatar image amacris commented ·

Can you please give more details about the configuration of the hydro turbine - MPPT charger because I am trying to add water generator to an existing solar based system?

question asked

regards

amacris

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markus avatar image
markus answered ·

Hi everyone here,

This thread is quite old now, but to hold my promise "I will deep dive into some wind applications with Victron MPPTs and bring up a solution and keep the community updated. "

@WKirby and I developed a turbine controller device, that can be used with Victron Solar MPPTs to be able to connect wind and hydro turbines.

Here it is:

1629286252191.png

A quick specification preview:

Inputs:

DC main turbine power input; max 250Voc 120A Isc

Outputs:

DC out for the MPPT charger

DC out for a water heater

DC out for a dumpload (failover if the water is hot)

3x 2pin temp sensor analog in (LM335 compatible inputs, can be used as digital inputs);
.) contact type wind speed sensor

.) water temperature

.) dumpload temperature

2x 3pin NC-COM-NO Relay Outputs using small G5V relay. (can be used to lock the wind turbine, or control of a water lock valve, or to control a fan)

Ve.direct port.

BLE port for VC.


A short description:

Turbine power, that is not used by the MPPT can be used to heat water. If the water is hot enough, the dumpload resistor will be utilized instead.

It is also possible, to use only a single dump load.

The controller will take care, to brake the turbine if neccessary and even avoids to stall it.

There is an output available to drive a turbine lock / water valve.


The current development stage is to create (finish) a firmware for the device.


The reason I post it here is to inform the community, that there is a solution in the works.

And I am very interested, in how big the demand for such a device is, to maybe be a motivator (booster) for the work that still has to be done.


Best Regards,

Markus


1629286252191.png (1.1 MiB)
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Ashley Bryce avatar image Ashley Bryce commented ·
Hi @Markus,

Any updates on when this might be released? even if its an unsupported prototype I would be keen on going down this route.

2 Likes 2 ·
mrhappy avatar image mrhappy commented ·

What is your estimate of price that you would sell them for? (thinking a complete unit but no enclosure)

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markus avatar image markus ♩♩ mrhappy commented ·
Hi Mr. Happy,


At this stage it is hard to estimate the exact price for the end product.

The prototypes that exist, have been assembled by hand. When the product is finished, we have to make a plan for mass production, then we have a better view to do a estimation.

But as a rough guess, it will be in the range of a smaller size medium range MPPT.

What do you think, would be a reasonable end user price for a unit?

BR

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mrhappy avatar image mrhappy markus ♩♩ commented ·

Hmm, I don't really have an opinion about a reasonable price for such a unit, but my expectation is that it would be priced as the higher end MPPT's. The reason being the lower amount of produced units compared to the MPPT's. But that's just my expectation. You guys know what you are doing and I think any price you choose will be reasonable. For me, the potential availability for such a unit would absolutely spark an interest to install a wind turbine. In fact, reading this thread has already made me look around for one and study what it's all about...

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paltiel avatar image paltiel commented ·

As is, I'm interested in using at least one of these in a nautical environment. More interested if a VE.Can model is available. Personal opinion, but I feel that VE.Can's RJ45 connection would be more tolerant of the forces ships undergo than VE.Direct would. There's also the potentially longer cable length and no need to source proprietary cables if & when something fails. :)

Are the connections at the far bottom right power inputs for the PCB?
Does the device accept the same input power voltage range that a typical Victron MPPT handles, that is something between 8 to 76.8 volts?

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markus avatar image markus ♩♩ paltiel commented ·
Hi paltiel,

Nautical environment is a very good use case. It would be possible to use it for a wind turbine or a hydrogenerator.

Ve.CAN support is not planned at the moment, but I can see your point. Something to think about.

Yes. The connection at the bottom right is a power supply input. (10V-70V) At first, we had the plan to power the unit from the turbine only, this turned out to be tricky for configuration and other things.

BR

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houser avatar image houser commented ·

Hi Markus.

Many thanks for sharing this!
Well, if that is considered a boost, you have one order here if it does what it says ;)
May I ask if this is will be a Victron branded device or your own/something else?
Can you share anything else preliminary in your design and thinking?
One specific I would be extremely interested to learn is what the minimum practical voltage and current required from a turbine to charge a 48V system. A 24V system?
Could you comment on that?
Also curious what the smallest and biggest Victron controller that will work with this?
I would assume by the rating that it might be well matched to work with the SmartSolar MPPT 250/100?.

Exciting times! Many thanks for your work so far!

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markus avatar image markus ♩♩ houser commented ·

Hi houser,

Sounds good. Thanks!

Yes, it will be a Victron branded device and therefore compatible with the Victron ecosystem.

"interested to learn is what the minimum practical voltage and current required from a turbine to charge a 48V system. A 24V system?
Could you comment on that?"

Battery charging will be done by the MPPT charger connected to the turbine controller and the battery. Therefore the MPPT rules regarding charging voltages apply.

Vbatt+5V to start charging. Vbatt+1V to keep it going.

It's similar to panels: The higher the turbine Voltage, the lower the current is, to transport the same amount of energy. The turbine might not always be close to the turbine controller/MPPT. So this is a matter of losses (cable sizes).

"what the smallest and biggest Victron controller that will work"

The smallest possible controller will be the smallest available. For the biggest, it will be a 250V MPPT but we have to do maximum continuous power tests. It will also be a matter of enclosure/heatsink. We will see.

BR

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houser avatar image houser markus ♩♩ commented ·

Hello Markus,

Fab! I have a question that i would prefer to ask directly in DM or email.
Could you put an email in here for a minute and then delete it so I could contact you please?

Many thanks

Jan A.

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hoeken avatar image hoeken commented ·
This is very cool. Cant wait to see how this develops.


Is this designed to take the rectified output of your turbine as the DC input? Might be nice to make a companion board with rectifier + brake relay?

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markus avatar image markus ♩♩ hoeken commented ·
Hi hoeken,

yes, it is designed to take the rectified turbine output. A lot of thinking went into the rectifier part. The first prototypes had the rectifier onboard and a lock relay, but it turned out to be the rectifier, that produces most of the heat. We experimented with zero voltage drop rectifiers and in the end, we did it without, to be able to handle larger turbines.

.) there are lots of rectifiers around for a cheap price. It is easier to cool the rectifier when it's an external component.

.) The turbine lock mechanism should come/be certified by the turbine manufacturer. We have an output to drive external locking equipment.

In the end, leaving those parts out, allowed us to design a much more stable and reliable controller.

The first prototype though is perfectly working for over 2 years now.

BR

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hoeken avatar image hoeken markus ♩♩ commented ·
That makes sense. Looking forward to it!
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richardm avatar image richardm markus ♩♩ commented ·

Hi @Markus ,

Really interesting product - I have been looking for something very similar recently and have had to improvise a little. Having a solution fully integrated into the Victron Energy world would be great.

You say "The first prototype though is perfectly working for over 2 years now. " which is very encouraging. Has that testing been with both wind and hydro applications, or just your hydro setup?

I'm very interested in how wind turbines connected via this controller to the Victron charge controllers would behave. For example, do the regular MPPT sweeps affect the turbine performance... I'd imagine that depending on the depth of sweep it could cause the turbine to stall? Also, how well does the MPPT algorithm cope with highly turbulent wind conditions?

Are you able to shed any light on this (yet) please?

BR

Richard

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ross-mccallum avatar image ross-mccallum commented ·
Hi Markus,

Can I get a contact email or number to discuss this project?

Thanks

Ross

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craigh-1 avatar image craigh-1 commented ·
Wow, that is very exciting, exactly what I'm looking for to add to my solar setup. The 2x heater options are a great idea as well, 1 for space heating and 1 for water (might as well heat the greenhouse if it's excess power :).

For pricing I'd suggest 2 versions (even if they're almost the same hardware), a lower priced, higher volume unit for the very common 300-400 Watt wind turbines, maybe priced similar to the equivalent MPPTs, $150-$200 and then a more serious 1kW+ version in the $200-$400 range. I just bought a 300W turbine from aliexpress to test, if it works well I'll look for a bigger turbine, so I'd buy one of each eventually.

I bought a bunch of parts to build my own setup but I think I'll just wait for this to come out. Any chance you have a rough ETA? Early/Late 2022? Thanks for solving the renewable power in winter problem for those of us in windy locations!

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rodenberger avatar image rodenberger commented ·
am also interested. Should be a windmill.
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dominik avatar image dominik commented ·
Hi Markus,

I like your your device for wind turbine with Victron chargers.

I have 2000w Ista breeze which I want to connect to 48v system.(lithium titanate battery for cold weather).

Is it possible to buy this device directly from you?

Thank you for answer,

Dominik


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markus avatar image markus ♩♩ commented ·
Hello, sorry that there is no update on this project but there are some unfortunate circumstances to report.

Some components became unavailable due to component crisis, requiring some circuit board redesign and the software developer for this project is located in Ukraine and we have unfortunately no contact at the moment.

I hope, I have better news soon.

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belmont avatar image belmont markus ♩♩ commented ·

this is ridiculous!!! How can such important project be put on hold for years due to the Ukrainian developer is playing war game. There are millions developers out there who could easily take over such an easy software project. Why don't you find someone else? Or as many things at Victron, how about open source the code and let the community finish it. I could test your device and give feedback as i have everything from MPPTs to Wind Turbine.

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rodenberger avatar image rodenberger belmont commented ·

schade. ich glaube das macht hier keinen Sinn mehr auf irgend etwas zu warten. :o(


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markus avatar image markus ♩♩ rodenberger commented ·

I am sorry this project came to stop. The product is more or less finished for years, a Firmware has to be written. Warwick and me did what we could to realize this controller, but we can't write a proper end user firmware. 5 prototypes were made and 3 of them were sent to the developer and Victron on our efforts and cost. We had a lot of time and money involved in this project and it is sad that this was fruitless.

This is a frustrating situation and on the other hand I have a lot of work to do and little spare time left to push or make other efforts to finish the project, so this is what it is.

I kept one prototype for myself, if someone here has the skills and would be able to help finish the project (plus a redesign to change components that are not longer available), contact me via E-mail (markus(at)pauritsch.at), if someone will convince me, that he is able to finish the project, I would send the prototype plus the documentation we have.


Best Regards

Markus


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elxtech avatar image elxtech markus ♩♩ commented ·

Just wondering if you were still wanting to develop the wind turbine controller/circuit board. Please email me at voippede@gmail.com if it's an option.

1 Like 1 ·
Ashley Bryce avatar image Ashley Bryce markus ♩♩ commented ·
Thanks for getting back to us and hopefully the software developer is staying safe.
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houser avatar image houser markus ♩♩ commented ·
Hello Marcus,

Best wishes for your friend in Ukraine.
Hopefully things will pass and we can have fun with wind turbines again soon ;).

Be safe, be well

Jan

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janben avatar image janben markus ♩♩ commented ·

Hello Markus,

Thank you for the update.

I am also keeping tabs on this for a possibility to use it and other Victron products for pilot testing of a wind turbine we are currently developing.

Right now we are using Morningstar but would gladly welcome more options..


Thank you.

Sincerely yours,

Jan


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pdshank avatar image pdshank markus ♩♩ commented ·

Any update on this?

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stroller avatar image
stroller answered ·

Hello all,

Not wanting to take anything away from the guys who are/were developing a wind turbine controller in this thread, however I wanted to let the community know that I have recently invested in an AirForce 1 Wind Turbine System from FuturEnergy , it is working really well with my Victron ESS setup. This is a 3-Phase AC permanent magnet generator with an 'Airforce Control' Turbine monitor and auto-stop system for 24V & 48V battery charge systems. The PMG outputs 167V 3-Phase AC which is converted to 48v DC at the Controller and puts this out onto the Lynx Distributor Busbar before my Quattro 48/8000/110-100/100 230V.

There is a manual turbine break switch on the 3-phase line before the controller and a number of settings in the Controller that will set the turbine break on and off if any of the max/min Voltage & Wind Speed settings are reached.

Additionally, there are Remote No/Nc connectors on the Controller from which I have used one of them to connect to one of my Cerbo GX Relays to stop/start the Turbine when the required SoC is reached or falls below, by whatever means of charging, and is monitored via a Victron Smartshunt set in DC Monitor mode.

My PV is Grid-tied so no more than 4000w, and at this time of year in the UK, not a lot of sun so not a lot of PV.

The Turbine has been up and running for approx 10 days now and has produced 13.5Kw so far.

FuturEnergy sell the Controller seperately and have said that it will work with almost any PMG and that they are happy to discuss any needs if anybody wants to use their Controller seperately on any other make of Turbine and output. The Controler will convert to 24v or 48v output from its system settings.

Hope this is helpful to folks looking for a wind turbine controller solution.

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icavanaugh avatar image icavanaugh commented ·

Hi Stroller, I have a 5Kw Tesup vertical wind turbine and also want to connect this to my 3-phase Muliplus-II 5000 system with ESS installed and is grid connected. Between the Multiplus-II systems and the 48V Lithium batteries I have the Lynx busbar. The downside of the Tesup CC is that there are no connections for external brake control, all is manual. When leaving the house and expecting bad weather, I will always manual brake it and cover the turbine to prevent rotation.

The batteries have a build-in BMS with a maximum charge voltage between 52.2v and 53.5v. All is managed by the Cerbo-GX. But I still do have a few questions for you:

  • Could you share a photo of your connection of your wind turbine CC to the Lynx? Is it directly connected from the DC channel on the CC or do you use some sort of diode protection between it?
  • How is the current controlled when the wind turbine is generating less than the battery voltage?
  • What type of fuse did you use on the Lynx?
  • How do you get insight in the production of the wind-generator on the system, do you use 'Has DC system' option under 'System Setup' to see how much the actual production is?

Hope you can answer my questions, would be much appreciated.

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stroller avatar image stroller icavanaugh commented ·

@icavanaugh Sorry for the delay in responding to you. For some reason I didn't get an email to say you had commented. I have just tried to look up a TESUP 5Kw Verticle wind turbine on the TESUP dot co dot uk site and the dot com site but can only see 7kw HERA and ATLAS turbines, so could look at what you actually have.

The DC+ from the Turbine Controller is connected directly to the Lynx Busbar positive side with a 125 Amp MEGA Fuse as protection. (Not forgetting that my Turbine is only 1Kw [or just over], output when at full speed). The DC- goes onto a Victron SmartShunt connected to the Busbar Neg side. I was of course hopping that this would give me full DC readout and monitor in the Victron VRM but as many people and Victron have pointed out, the SmartShunts when confiured for use as a DC Meter does't yet show up in the VRM sadly.

I found a manual for the TESUP Charge Controller but it appears to be very basic indeed.
I note that it says there is a Mobile App to go with it but I don't know what controls it has within it. The FuturEnergy App and also a webserver site that I can log into to monitor my turbine has a whole host of controls that are being improved and added to all the time, including now a CANbus port. However Doug at FuturEnergy is also looking to add a VE.Can interface to them when he can get the time to do the programming etc.

However, to answer your questions as best I can:

  • Could you share a photo of your connection of your wind turbine CC to the Lynx? Is it directly connected from the DC channel on the CC or do you use some sort of diode protection between it?

See above info and attached pic.

  • How is the current controlled when the wind turbine is generating less than the battery voltage?

My Turbine has a Davis Vantage Pro2 Anemometer and Wind Direction sensor connected to the controller as part of the system. With the controls inside the Controller, I can set at what wind speed the Brake is turned off for the turbine to start turning and likewise Max speed to apply the break. Once the Turbine blades are above a certain speed, approx 375 RMP, the turbine starts generarting and pushing into the batteries. below Gen speed, it doesn't matter as the Turbine Controller just reads what the Battery Voltage is. Both the App and my Web interface gives me Power in Watts and Current in Amps of what it is generating, along with DC Volts, Wind Speed and Direction & Rotor RPM.

  • What type of fuse did you use on the Lynx?

See info above, but as said for my system, a 125 Amp MEGA Fuse.

  • How do you get insight in the production of the wind-generator on the system, do you use 'Has DC system' option under 'System Setup' to see how much the actual production is?

I have done this but as I said, the SmartShunt does't integrate properly yet as a DC Meter in the VRM yet, so I use my App and Web interface.

Hope this and the pics help.

BR's.

Stroller.20230522-120543.jpg

web.jpg

app-screenshot.jpg


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lief ryan avatar image
lief ryan answered ·

hi, thanks for your reply, i'm starting with solar for now and i'll see about adding wind later on.

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lief ryan avatar image
lief ryan answered ·

i was thinking of using the multiplus to turn on an immersion heater when the batteries reach 100% soc and off again at 95%, could that help avoid the need for a turbine brake? ie just keeping the turbine under load all the time?


@Markus

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markus avatar image
markus answered ·

I would not prefer to do so.

This actually prevents the batteries from being fully charged.

In stormy conditions, this might not be enough resistance and your turbine + MPPT could get destroyed.


I would go this way:

Use 2 rectifiers, one connected to the MPPT and one connected to be shorted by a strong relay and a paralleled switch.

You could then use the relay output of the MPPT or better a BMV, to toggle the relay and short circuit the turbine. Additionally you have a switch, to override.

The 2 rectifiers should prevent the MPPT from being short circuited on PV side.


Might work, may be worth a test ;o)

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espen avatar image espen commented ·

To stall the turbine, you can use a DPDT (double pole, double throw) switch or relay.

On the attached image, you connect the turbine on A1 and A2, the battery or charger on C1 and C2. And put a short between B1 and B2.

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lief ryan avatar image
lief ryan answered ·

i was just thinking of not wasting valuable power, i could use a wind specific charge controller with a built in dump load, but the house is too far away from the power shed to use dc but maybe a cheap inverter connected to the dump out from controller?

i don't actually have anything setup yet so this is still hypothetical..


do you know if there would be an issue with have one victron charge controller and one midnite clasic? the other equipment will be victron multiplus, victron ccgx, victron mppt, pylontech batteries.

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lief ryan avatar image
lief ryan answered ·

sorry i should have explained my situation a bit better, i've got 5.4kw of solar which will be way more than i need in the summer but will probably be a bit less than i need in the winter, thats why i want the wind turbine to supplement it in the winter months, i've got 10Kwh of pylontech batteries, they should charge pretty quick from the solar in the summer so i'll have excess power to dump, i want to use it for hot water in the summer cause my hot water and heating are from a wood stove and i won't want to light it in the summer,


another option is (like you said) to have the wind turbine running a grid tied inverter ac coupled to the multiplus, but then i would still be left with the problem of using the excess solar in the summer which is why i was thinking of just having the multiplus turning the water heater on and off at set voltages


Thanks for you help, its much appreciated.

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John Rushworth avatar image
John Rushworth answered ·
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dod42 avatar image
dod42 answered ·

I have a D400 and have played around with a 100/50 mppt instead and together with the standard TB6 thank comes supplied. Sort answer, not real successful. With just the 100/50 yes it transfers power but due to the way the mppt works the D400 acts like it is not connected to a load, so it spins faster than normal making more noise and eventually does a 360 like it does if not connected. It also didn’t produce any more power than the TB6 which is a PWM controller with dump load. The TB6 is very rudimentary and has no real settings nor monitoring. What I really wanted was the blue tooth monitoring the 100/50 offered. I even tried installing the 100/50 after the TB6 but this also fails as the TB6 doesn’t see the battery voltage out the solar input on the 100/50 so yes the 100/50 sees a voltage at the input from the TB6 but all the current is diverted to the dump load, nothing to the batteries. So far I’m yet to find anything that works better than the supplied TB6 as it seems to control the load to the D400 to keep it spinning at the optimal speed which also means less noise. I think what I need now is Hall field sensor that I can put on either of the output lines of the TB6 that also takes a Bluetooth dongle that just allows the monitoring. I guess I could use something like a BMV but that would be an overkill

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myren avatar image
myren answered ·
  • @Houser, @espen, @lief ryan, @markus, @lange1975, @john rushworth,@dod42
  • Seems like we all have a commen interest in solar and wind together. Especially using victron mppt as wind controller. I have created a group in facebook called solar and wind knowledge group for enthusiasts. You are all invited.
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ponzoa avatar image ponzoa commented ·
I don't do facebook but am very interested.


I have a Multiplus II 48/10000 (ESS Setup), MPPT 250/100, Fronius Primo 8.2-1 (AC Coupled), Cerbo GX, and 32,5Kw of Pylontech US3000C. 35xHyundai 395Wp Modules in 3 strings, 2 for the Fronius and one for the MPPT.

My objective is to add an extra boost to charging in Winter but I want the wind integrated (DC Coupled ideally) with the Cerbo GX to control the charging hence the desire to use a Victron MPPT Charger.

Alternatively I've though of setting it up in AC Coupling but woulde again need to find a model that would accept the power copntrol through frecuency shifting like with the Fronius.

I think that if Victron could work a version of an MPPT with a or some brands of wind generators, they would have a hot selling products. Not just for homes and offices/rural projects, but especially also for the nautical market.

If a viable solution is known of, please share it.

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ross-mccallum avatar image
ross-mccallum answered ·

Hi Markus,

Interested to get two of these to test.

How can we contact you?

Many thanks,

Ross


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markus avatar image markus ♩♩ commented ·
Hi Ross,

thank you very much for your interest.

At this stage, we don't have a "end user operable" firmware.

To change settings, you have to program the unit via serial console commandline.

The prototype units are handmade and at the moment a lot of the electric components have very long(!) shipping time. To use substitute parts, we would have to redesign the circuit a bit.

When we have a stable end user friendly firmware we will for sure need testers with different applications. Also we need to build those units for the tests.

When we are ready to do tests with a larger group of people, I will come back here for sure.

BR

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Petr P avatar image Petr P markus ♩♩ commented ·
Looking forward to test it. Great work, I was been waiting for ut for a while.
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ross-mccallum avatar image ross-mccallum markus ♩♩ commented ·
Excellent work, looking forward to hearing from you!!
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ponzoa avatar image ponzoa markus ♩♩ commented ·
I would be very keen to be one of your testers (in Madrid). I have, in summary, the following ESS setup;

- Multiplus II 10KVA

- AC Coupled Fronius Primo 8.2-1

- DC Coupled 250/100 MPPT

- Cerbo GX

- 9 x Pylontech US3000C

Looking for wind to suplement the less sunnier months as I have a 16kW heat pump for hot water, central heationg and air conditioning amongst other loads.
I don't have wind yet but have a good place for it with great clearance and as we are in a high altitude place (some 724m amsl), we get great wind when it blows.

I would be willing to share my VRM data.

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cdav3435 avatar image cdav3435 markus ♩♩ commented ·
Happy to put my support behind this product as well. I've been searching for a way to use wind power in a DVCC system and this looks like the most promising option so far.
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rhyslightnin avatar image rhyslightnin markus ♩♩ commented ·

I am very interested to hear more and possibly purchase two of these devices for a couple of off-grid solar systems that I'm currently designing. I mostly use Victron equipment as to me it presents the most useable modular platform, which is easy to create bespoke systems for my individual customers needs. Up until now I have mostly worked on inland boats and ive not really ventured into wind or hydro as its not presented itself as a cost effective efficient design basis but im now venturing into land based projects which could really benefit from wind power.

I had considered trying to use a b2b system with an Orion but it seems like a round about way to me.

having a Victron turbine regulator would be very useful!!

please tell us more when you are closer to a finished design!

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rolandrrr avatar image rolandrrr markus ♩♩ commented ·
@Markus Hi Markus, great work. Let me know when you need testers. If you do, please include everybody with the @ and their name so they get a notification.

I am an embedded software engineer, so trailing and doing stuff over a serial connection is fine by my.

I am in a windy place in the Netherlands and also wishing to integrate it DC coupled via a Victron Smart Solar, so it is part of the Eco system.

Thanks in advance

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ponzoa avatar image ponzoa markus ♩♩ commented ·
@Markus Is there any advance on these units? With the current energy crisis, interest is growing and nautical integration for sailing vessels interest is there too as more of these migrate to lithium.


I understand the Ukrainian software developers may have difficulties with their current situation, but I trust Victron has found a solution to this, along with material sourcing complications.

Really looking forward to an update and possible dates.


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houser avatar image houser ponzoa commented ·
Not really my thing to answer, but this is a community project supported but not directed by Victron and Marcus has been very helpful and clear about that. FWIW.
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ponzoa avatar image ponzoa houser commented ·
Thanks for the clarification, I misunderstood and thought he was part of the Victron team.


Standing by with my fingers crossed for a succesful product shortly.

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cpt-pat avatar image
cpt-pat answered ·

Speaking as a retired engineer working with aerodynamics: I don't understand why an MPPT charge controller that is intended to work with a power source (photovoltaics) that actually HAS a maximum power point voltage would be used with a wind turbine generator that does NOT have a maximum power point voltage. It seems you all are giving up a lot of power conversion efficiency and introducing unnecessary complexity just to achieve the administration and metering capabilities of the VE MPPTs. And the power losses of an MPPT controller would be far higher than the miniscule loss of Schottky diodes.

As the airfoils ("blades") on a wind turbine spin faster, more parasite drag is created. The wind-to-power conversion efficiency will be maximum at the lowest rotational speed that will keep the entire foil length unstalled. Any rotational speed above that wastes power. That's why you see a gradual rise in the power curve to a maximal point followed by a saturation plateau with a flatter slope in the velocity to power curve with common fixed-pitch-airfoil turbines. The manufactures will often put some twist in the blades to spread out that curve, but at the sacrifice of optimal performance at intermediate rotational speeds.

All an MPPT photovoltaic controller can do is vary the load on the turbine, which would - once the foils are unstalled - have a detrimental affect on power conversion. Simply routing the output directly to the battery through a diode, that will not present a load until the diode is forward-biased to permit spin-up, would be optimal, provided the airfoils are properly designed. Any other improvement in efficiency would have to occur at the air-to-foil interface: some improvement could be achieved by varying the pitch of the airfoils to remain at an optimal angle-of-attack (here is a description of how that is accomplished: https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/50451), but that algorithm is mechanical and is very different than the behavior of an MPPT controller designed for photovoltaics.

If you want Bluetooth interface capability and good metrics on voltage, power and current, I suggest you try using a Smart Shunt instead and let turbine controllers and MPPT controllers do their separate jobs.

I believe you are trying to make applesauce out of oranges.

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markus avatar image markus ♩♩ commented ·

Hi, thank you for your constructive input.


I am far away from being retired, but an engineer.


Could you please try to explain to me, why a PMA generator has no maximum power Voltage.

There are advantages in losses, if there is a higher turbine Voltage than BattV. If you have a higher turbineV, you will need some DC-DC conversion to be done.


Could the MPPT harvest more energy in lower winds?

It is not us, that say: a wind turbine harvests up to 250% more energy when connected to a MPPT. It's Midnite solar, a competitor. We only say it makes sense.

We also want the 3 stage charging. And of course the monitoring.

Best Regards

Markus

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markus avatar image markus ♩♩ markus ♩♩ commented ·

@Cpt Pat

I would prefer a conversation instead of following all the edits to your post.

Please explain, why a wind turbine always has the same power Voltage in variable winds.

“All an MPPT controller can do is vary the load on the turbine”

This is not the only thing a MPPT can do. It can search for the max. power Voltage. This allows the turbine to spin up more easy and has other advantages too.

By the way: it would be possible to use the turbine controller without a MPPT too. For this, turbineV has to match batteryV and we would need to implement a charging curve to the controllers FW.

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markus avatar image markus ♩♩ markus ♩♩ commented ·

PS: I do not question, that a variable turbine geometry would be the best and nicest solution to have. But maybe not that easy to accomplish.

Our turbine controller solution is meant to cover turbines available on the market. The vast majority has fixed blades.

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wkirby avatar image wkirby ♩♩ commented ·
The generator would surely have a maximum power point, it doesn't continue to produce more and more power into infinity.

Why does power increase until a certain RPM and then start to decrease with continuously increasing RPM? Surely the RPM at which the generator is producing its maximum power equates to the maximum power point of the generator?

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cpt-pat avatar image cpt-pat wkirby ♩♩ commented ·

"Why does power increase until a certain RPM and then start to decrease with continuously increasing RPM?"

Drag increases by the cube of the airspeed, while lift (power output) increases by only the square of the airspeed. (A simplified answer without all the calculus.) So as the speed increases, drag overcomes lift and a limit is reached where drag overcomes lift.

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wkirby avatar image wkirby ♩♩ cpt-pat commented ·
Your answer suggests that the power output platau's or levels of as the forces reach equilibrium.

My question was why does the power output of the generator, after a certain RPM, actually decrease with increasing RPM? The power to RPM peak is the maximum power point of the generator, so therefore a generator does have a maximum power point and having this power point tracked would be very useful.

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cpt-pat avatar image
cpt-pat answered ·

Reply to all above: Please read the paper below, where achieving a maximum power point was carefully explored. The solution is to use mechanical MPPT variable-pitch airfoils -- not an electronic approach with fixed-pitch airfoils. Trying to use a photovoltaic MPPT controller is reinventing the wheel. It's already been tried -- years ago -- and found to work as well as square wheels. But I'd love to be proved wrong!

https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/50451

And here's a description of a variable-pitch vertical axis wind turbine: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/315040403_Numerical_Analysis_of_Design_Parameters_With_Strong_Influence_on_the_Aerodynamic_Efficiency_of_a_Small-Scale_Self-Pitch_VAWT/figures?lo=1

Yes, if your turbine controller is too primitive to provide the multi-stage outputs (absorb, float, etc.) you need, then you can use an photovoltaic MPPT controller, albeit with all the losses that will entail. But be prepared for all the unfortunate behaviors described in the thread above. The worst being turbine overspeed while the MPPT unloads the turbine seeking the illusory maximum power point. (BTW, if you really want to go that route, to prevent frying the MPPT controller with overvoltage states, I suggest using zener diodes of appropriate ratings across the turbine output to clamp the output voltage to an upper limit. If the MPPT limit is 100 volts, one of these with a heatsink should work fine: https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/nte-electronics-inc/NTE5284A/11646599)

What you really need is a controllable variable-pitch impeller to provide that staging. The market should demand that capability instead. Variable-pitch designs also eliminate the need for airfoil twist that trades off coupling efficiency for slow wind speed startup ability.

I'd never try using a photovoltaic MPPT controller on a wind turbine, but those of you who have should try this experiment: configure a DPDT toggle switch to send the turbine output to the MPPT controller or directly to the battery. While measuring the output current in a reasonable amount of wind, switch between the two and see which method: MPPT versus output-direct, produces more power. To be fair, give the MPPT controller time enough to "settle", and then take an honest average of each output because the MPPT controller will be very busy hunting and wasting power while continually running its algorithm.

Personally, I don't need multi-stage charging. I'm using LiFePO4 batteries that do not require absorption or floating. (Does anyone still use lead-acid batteries?) I have 400 AH of LiFePO4 batteries on board my sailboat in a 12 volt bank, and I use a simple voltage/tail current detector to dump the turbine output to a diversion load whenever the terminal voltage reaches 14.2 volts and the tail current drops to 7.5 amps (0.03C). (It's vital to also measure tail current in detecting the end-of-charge threshold!) Charging resumes when the terminal voltage drops to 13.35 volts. It's that simple. A voltage/current sensor and a relay. Done! Complexity is the enemy of reliability. Here's an excellent article on charging LiFePO4 batteries: https://nordkyndesign.com/charging-marine-lithium-battery-banks/.

Anyone who has flown an airplane having a variable-pitch/constant speed propeller knows the advantages: adjusting the pitch provides optimum coupling of power to the airflow with changing airspeeds. The same works in reverse for wind turbines. And to shut it down, you can just feather the airfoils, eliminating all of the loading caused by induced drag, stopping the turbine entirely and providing a much more survivable turbine in high wind conditions.

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markus avatar image markus ♩♩ commented ·
I agree, that a variable turbine goemetry would be the best and most efficient way to regulate a wind turbine.

But also the most complicated way.

There vast majority of the turbines available to the market have fixed blades. The goal was to have a solution, to operate those turbines in a Victron system.

Our controller is not “too primitive” to provide a charging curve on the output, but the current firmware can’t do that yet.


Thanks for your input though.

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cpt-pat avatar image cpt-pat markus ♩♩ commented ·

It's too bad variable-pitch constant speed impellers aren't more common. All it takes is a centrifugal governor. The non-gravitational type can be found on some propeller designs. But good luck getting a patent on that. James Watt invented it in 1788.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Centrifugal_governor

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Warwick Bruce Chapman avatar image Warwick Bruce Chapman cpt-pat commented ·
Sounds like you need to come out of retirement and start a turbine manufacturer! We would love to use turbines with our Victron systems.
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Juha Tuomala avatar image Juha Tuomala markus ♩♩ commented ·
You should mention are you talking about Savonius or VAWT type turbines. I read that VAWT starts with lower wind speeds if it has dynamic pitch control, but those blade angles are adjusted in each rotation and require mechanical control arms and axels to blades themselves to pivot in.


VAWT can handle high wind speeds and IMO making them less strong with dynamic balde angle is not worth of it if more or less the same can be achived electronically.

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sweyn avatar image sweyn commented ·
You mention twist on the blade, or washout, but suggest it is to flatten the drag curve.

From a pilots point of view, I believe it is merely there to give a constant angle of attack along the blade as the impinging airflow meets the blade at different angle due to the rotational velocity increasing as you move out from the hub.

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cpt-pat avatar image
cpt-pat answered ·

I looked around, and here is the best yet simplest explanation I found on pitch regulation:

Wind Turbine Aerodynamics: Stall vs Pitch Regulation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5T5ZhJQr2o

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Jan Olav Gabrielsen avatar image
Jan Olav Gabrielsen answered ·

hi!,

I found this turbine with integrated voltage regulator.

AR-40-10-48

I am planning on installing it at an existing project running MPPT 250/60, four solar panels, a SmartShunt and a 48V battery pack.


According to the user manual, it seems I can connect this turbine directly in parallel onto the batteries.

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hjohnson avatar image hjohnson commented ·
Those types of turbines don’t work all that well. They need exceedingly clean airflow, any turbulence basically makes them pointless (we tried one on a hilltop radio repeater). Additionally you need a diversion regulator or similar to dump excess power. If you just connect direct to your batteries, and it does start charging, you’ll overcharge them. If you’re using LiFePO4 batteries and the bms drops the charging circuit, you’ll suddenly unload it and it will overspeed and tear itself apart.
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rhyslightnin avatar image
rhyslightnin answered ·

I am very interested to hear more and possibly purchase two of these devices for a couple of off-grid solar systems that I'm currently designing. I mostly use Victron equipment as to me it presents the most useable modular platform, which is easy to create bespoke systems for my individual customers needs. Up until now I have mostly worked on inland boats and ive not really ventured into wind or hydro as its not presented itself as a cost effective efficient design basis but im now venturing into land based projects which could really benefit from wind power.

I had considered trying to use a b2b system with an Orion but it seems like a round about way to me.

having a Victron turbine regulator would be very useful!!

please tell us more!


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assyntdavid avatar image
assyntdavid answered ·

Hi Marcus,

I am thinking of adding a low power eg 150W wind turbine to my PV system at a remote mountain hut in the north of Scotland. January's weather pattern has been an endless succession of unsettled cloudy (& windy) days meaning that even with 4kW of PV panels installed the batteries are slowly discharging simply running the base load of virca 17W! I am considering a vertical axis turbine. Less efficient I understand but possibly more robust and quieter in a challenging location. Thus I stumbled upon this thread. I am wanting all the advantages of Victron's remote monitoring, etc and so I am thinking it will be worthwhile waiting for this development to come to market. So 2x questions:

1) Any update on progress?

2) Would this connect to existing MPPT somehow or would additional charger be needed with this as an interface?

Thanks for your time and any info.

Regards,

David BInney

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houser avatar image houser commented ·
Also looking for Victron-compatible trickle wind charging. While waiting for Victron to get this done, here is just a tip: setting up a remote controlled relay on a loop that puts your whole site online for 30 minutes or so every 24 hours when you are not there is perhaps an option. So not even 17W but close to zero when needed. That is at least what we do when PV becomes sparse during dark months. You can then use the Victron Venus OS large remote functionality to catch the system when it is online and switch off the looped relay when normal operation can be resumed. Hopefully a somewhat helpful comment.
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silent-power-australia avatar image
silent-power-australia answered ·

a0595f2a-3a0b-4de6-a845-56e925a041e1.png1e375f5b-5315-42e6-a044-25f8ca6ced74.pngI am an installer in Perth Western Australia. In my opinion the best charge controller for a wind generator is the orion Dcdc. How I set these up is to use the wind generator to feed into a lead acid battery I then have the lead acid on the input side of the controller and LiFePo on the output. The trick is to have the orion set up so it loads the wind generator but also preserves the lead acid. Please see below for settings that have worked on a recent install. You need the lock out values to be low otherwise when the wind generator starts up the voltage drops and the charger locks out. It takes a little trial and error.


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houser avatar image houser commented ·

Hello @Silent power australia

Curious about your use of an Orion DC-DC as a wind turbine regulator.
Any chance os some more info? Especially the voltage requirements and limits for the alternator? The biggest 48-48V Orion can charge max 380W if I am not mistaken.
Have you used this in a 48V install? Many thanks for any comments.

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silent-power-australia avatar image silent-power-australia houser commented ·

Houser

This has been my only install using Dcdc to charge lithium from a wind generator. The alternator was 600w but actually in real practice they only put out a very small percentage of the max rating. From this experience I wouldn’t rely on wind to charge battery banks reliably. My preference is motor drive. Alternator and or Solar.

Cheers

Andrew.

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houser avatar image houser silent-power-australia commented ·

Hi Andrew,

Appreciate the candid response. We are so far looking for support to the PV install for dark parts of the year, so even low wattages might be of interest and put to good use. Many thanks!

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houser avatar image
houser answered ·

This thread has so much promise and many actual users ready to spend their money on the project that Markus and Warwick are working on with Victron.

I sincerely hope Victron will nudge this higher on the priority list soon, as it makes so much sense.
All the best and many thanks for all your hard work!

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Juha Tuomala avatar image
Juha Tuomala answered ·

What is the status of this new project?

You stated maximum voltage and current that it can handle, with VAWT-turbine I'm not exactly sure of it, but those are typically listed in total power, can it handle 12kw axial-flux generator power?

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Stuart avatar image
Stuart answered ·

Hello All.

Just a sugestion but would it not be better to use a dedicated wind turbine with its own dump load ect and connect it to your battery bank as normal (providing the controller can charge lithium). I have seen these turbine controllers online and can't say I think short circuiting the PMA windings as a brake is the best idea ! Why not a wormdrive and brake pad on the turbine shaft with a solenoid driven pin to lock the shaft when it has completely stopped ? Still technical but nowhere near as complex as a full blade pitch and feathering system.


As for the meat of the matter .... Monitoring production for displaying localy and on the vrm why not simply use a BMV712 or Smartshunt set to DC energy monitoring mode ? That would give you separate data on hydro or wind turbine production.


As for a complete Victron turbine based charge controller I would definitely buy the Victron unit but I think that is something best developed with an expert like "cpt-pat" or a turbine manufacturer.


Personally I think OEM for charging / dump control and a BMV712 or Smartshunt for the monitoring is currently the best solution. I'm quite surprised Victron haven't designed an out the box solution already.

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rodenberger avatar image
rodenberger answered ·

Hallo Marcus,

nun könnte ich eine funktionierende Platine gebrauchen.
Kann die Windturbine auch 3-phasig sein?
Ich sehe nur 2 EingÀnge

Gruß Mario

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njhelspe avatar image
njhelspe answered ·

Am very interested in a victron charge controller compatible with a wind turbine.

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ecotec avatar image
ecotec answered ·

hello Markus,

VERY interested in how the board is doing at the moment!

is there any news? is it possibly even already available for purchase???

many thanks 4 any info!

Jo.

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jyweet avatar image
jyweet answered ·

Same here, I am actually fairly surprised that Victron does not have something to interface the DC output of a wind turbine controller with their system such that it can be controlled. Even having an MPPT with a fixed programmable curve will solve the problem. (I am not into splitting differences about a 2% or 5% efficiency discussion if the answer offers a safe integration) This should be possible without too much trouble if Victron is willing to come to the table. The wind and solar combination will offer a far superior renewable energy solution.

I am having to integrate 4 x 5kW turbines with a 135kVA, 320kWh system, and there is no way I will allow the wind controller direct access to my 320kWh Freedom Won battery pack. Wind controller reaction time is just too slow.

This system is supplemented with 50kW SolarEdge grid-tie on the AC output, and the frequency shift control works like a charm.

Having a quality Victron solution for wind integration is long overdue, and I do get the idea that Marcus may be close to an answer, for which we will all be grateful!


Jan

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kds avatar image
kds answered ·

Just to let Markus know I am interested by getting his controler when it is ready for sale (even before with prototype as I am quite handy with IT stuff)

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marjan avatar image
marjan answered ·

generator.jpgHi folks, I join the discussion. I made a generator to use with a vertical (therefore slow) turbine. The generator, off the diode bridge, makes me 90V/3A at about 500rpm (about, I think, I couldn't measure exactly) and 12V/0.9A at 120rpm. I wanted to exploit something of power even when the turbine gives me lower voltage (my MPPT 150/45 requires at least 63v at the input to activate). Do you have any solution? Like activating DC step-up when Vin < MPPT min V and deactivating when Vin > ? Thanks for your attention, bye


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