regulator for solar/wind can i use the same 1

[simonfraser]

i have a 5A solar regulator can i put a rutland 503 on this too ?

connect it all on the same input, or does the regulator need different inputs for each system ?

i am not bothered about slowing the wind gen down

thanks, S

 

[alan]

Have a look at the "Adverc" website, in the technical section they show how to connect up solar, wind e.t.c.; however they do not show a regulator. I can see no reason why you can't connect both wind and solar to the regulator, if they both have isolating diodes (else you will have to install diodes).Make sure that the regulator can handle the current loads from both devices.

Alan.

 

[alienzdive]

I have two seperate regulators, this could be specific to my boat and not the answer you are looking for though.

The solar regulator will not handle the wind amperage which is more and was tol it would require continual replacement.

The wind regulator was much more expensive and can handle far more current but not sure if teh solar panel could connect into this one as well??

 

[simonfraser]

does the regulator switch the power source off ? if so, as long as it can take the power it should work ?

one old wind regulator i had had a BIG resistor on which became quite hot

 

[fluffc]

Solar regulators and wind regulators have an important difference.

A solar regulator turns 'off' the supply by going open-circuit.

A wind regulator turns 'off' the supply by going open-ciruit (to the load) and also shorting out the feed from the turbine, so that it stops spinning.

So using the wrong type with the wrong source could result in damage. There are available combined solar & wind regulators, but these are seperate solar and wind regulators in the one box.

 

[simonfraser]

thanks, that was what i was looking for

 

[philip_stevens]

The regulator installation instructions I have for my Rutland 503 states and shows a connection in parallel with a solar panel. So yes, if you have the right regulator, you can connect both together.

I have both on the same Rutland regulator and works OK. No problems with keeping the batteries topped up - 3 in parallel.

Last summer - three days with no shore supply - lights, coolbox fridge (running all the time), TV, stereo - no problems.

 

[simonfraser]

phil, is that the sr60 regulator, i.e. the basic oval shaped one you have ?

S

 

[philip_stevens]

That's the one.

I also fitted a "brake" switch into the circuit to slow the blades down in very high winds - so it doesn't howl, but also doesn't charge.

You only need a double pole double throw switch, to be able to short out the generator - that info from the makers.

 

[simonfraser]

thanks phil