Rutland 913 Output

[alisdair4]

Have just installed Rutland 913 with HRDX regulator. We're having windy weather here at the moment, so I have been keen to check that the wind generator is performing to spec.

Casual observation shows the generator outputting between 0.20 and 0.40 (amps, I presume?). In an ideal world, with a constant wind, presumably I would multiply this by 24 to give the AH input to the batteries in a 24 hour period?

Or is it more complex than that - please tell me it's not!

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[pvb]

Yes, that's right. The output sounds low though - are your batteries fully charged?

 

[Georgio]

It would be very interesting to know what output you are getting from the 913 at set wind speeds. Can you give an indication of the charge rate at 10, 15 and 20knots of wind speed.

I'm sure this info is available from the manufacturer but I always prefer independently provided info.


Cheers, G

 

[alisdair4]

Here is where I enter Narnia! My batteries have been fully charged from the mains over the last week (the boat is in the yard) and the HRDX controller shows their voltage as about 14.6 V. Why should the battery state affect how much the generator is producing?

 

[alisdair4]

Unfortunately, the mast is down, and so giving a wind speed to output relationship is not yet possible.

 

[pvb]

[ QUOTE ]
Here is where I enter Narnia! My batteries have been fully charged from the mains over the last week (the boat is in the yard) and the HRDX controller shows their voltage as about 14.6 V. Why should the battery state affect how much the generator is producing?

[/ QUOTE ]The HRDX reduces the charge current as the batteries reach the fully-charged state, to prevent overcharging. If your batteries are fully charged, you shouldn't see much current from the 913.

 

[CSFenwick]

I think the HRDX will show both Amps produced AND Amp's going to the battery. Although at 14.6 Volts the regulator should be stalling the genny so no Amps anywhere at all! Turn off the shore power (if it's still on) and turn on some lights or plotter etc to allow the voltage at the battery to fall. You'll then see what the 913 can do. From recollection in 20 knots of wind (at the masthead) the output would be very variable with the gusts and the HRDX would show mostly 0.2-1.0 Amp with the odd jump to 1.5-2.0 Amps in strong gusts.

 

[VicS]

Firstly the state of charge of the batteries and the regulator will determine the maximum current flowing into the batteries. The HRDX is a "pulse width modulated regulator" not a shunt regulator so the current flow from the generator will be limited to that figure. (A shunt type regulator allows the generator to generate its maximum output for the wind strength but dumps the surplus as heat).

The manufacturers maximum figures for the generator are 24 watts at 10 knots, (2 amps at 12volts but rather less at 14.6volts) and 90 watts at 19 knots, (7.5 amps at 12 volts but just over 6 amps at 14.6 volts) The absolute maximum is given as 250 watts which is over 20 amps at 12 volts.

The regulator display can show the wind generator output, the output from a solar panel if fitted, the net current going to the batteries or the battery voltages (up to 2 banks) If there is no solar panel then the current flowing to the batteries will be the same as the generator output and will be limited to a figure determined by their state of charge and any load on them.

A fraction of an amp charging current will be normal if the batteries are fully charged. The 14.6 volts observed indicates that the regulator is operating correctly (or maybe controlling a touch on the high side).

The way to test it out is to partly discharge the batteries or connect a sizable load (in excess of the expected generator output for the windspeed ) and see if the generator output does in fact match the manufacturers claims for the windspeed.

 

[Solent sailer]

That charge current dose seem low i agree with previas comments your batteries must be well charged.
Our batteries last season were prity shot and needed a lot of topping up! with a 18-20knot ish wind i would expect to be charging at between 3 and 4 amps (as far as i can recall) the generator is still running in the yard so next time i am at the boat i will not the wind speed and charge current.