which solar/wind charge controller?

[Conachair]

Researching charge controller and would welcome any input. Power comes from aerogen 4 and 100w solar panels. Boat is liveaboard. Current controller is unknown brand (think it probably came from aerogen) which dumps power into a sump at over 14.2v. Don't like the buzz when the sump kicks in. So,

question 1a : Anyone recommend a good charge controller - looked at hrdx but not sure if that will be OK for aerogen as it is a rutland product.
1B: How does the HDRX work without the sump? Or does it have a sump?

question 2: Just bought 2 new 100Ah batteries, "bateria zolara", Spanish in house brand I suspect, no data sheet but they say maintenance free although there are the usual caps to refill, plan is to keep recharge voltage low (14.2/14.5 ish) to prevent water loss. Daily (nightly when anchored or on passage) use seems to be about 25% capacity, general idea is to treat 'em gently! Am I flawed here, should recharge voltage be higher?

All info welcome, thanks.

 

[VicS]

Read the first paragraph and was instantly going to suggest the HRDX.

I don't see why it wont work with another makers turbine, but you can always confirm it with Marlec. Check that it will handle the output of the Aerogen. A quick read suggests it will: Aero4fen is a bit less powerful than the Rutland 913.
Rutland regulators HERE

It works by switching rather than by dumping the excess into a shunt. There is a description on the website. Its called "Pulse Width Modulation"

So long as you can generate from wind, solar or engine power what you consume with a bit to spare you should be OK but more than 3 sun less windless days on the trot will be a problem unless you are prepared to resort to engine running for recharging.

I don't think you would want to go over 14.5 volts, preferably not quite that high for long periods, but if the batteries can be topped up at least you can make good any water lost by a bit of overcharging. The HRDX cuts out at 14.2V

 

[sarabande]

I've recommended these people before for tech advice. I have a similar set up, and bought a Steca controller. Works fine.

http://www.aireandsun.co.uk/index.php?maincat=Solar%20Charge%20Controllers