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anguswbrown avatar image
anguswbrown asked

Can I add a wind turbine to my EasySolar

We have an EasySolar with a PV array and generator to keep the bank of 48V batteries charged. This is all working well, but would like to consider the addition of a vertical wind turbine to help in the winter, Important here in Orkney where the winter nights are long! Have been looking at TRiStar controllers, dump loads, etc but getting confused about how this might all work together without the PV controller and wind turbine "fighting" each other to charge (and not overcharge) the battery bank. Anyone done this type of thing before? We also have a BMV712 monitoring the current/voltage.

EasySolar All-in-OneHydro and Wind Power
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Grant Cleveland avatar image Grant Cleveland commented ·

Hi @anguswbrown

I'm looking to do the same thing, and have been considering using a Midnite Classic. But I'm not sure if it will work alongside my Easy Solar 48v with BYD Batteries. Did you manage to get them working together?

I'd be most appreciative of any advice / learnings you may be willing to share.

Many thanks


Grant


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sean avatar image
sean answered ·

Vertical WTs aren't overly productive, and they'd need to be very robust to withstand Orkney grade wind.

Assuming the WT will be DC coupled, you need to use a controller that allows you to manually enter an I/V curve - such as the MidNite classics, perhaps combined with their load shedding device. MidNite also provide suitable shunts for metering.

Providing the PV and WT charge controllers are correctly set, you'll have no over charging issues.


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anguswbrown avatar image anguswbrown commented ·

OK, thanks for that. I'll have a look at their products.

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Grant Cleveland avatar image Grant Cleveland commented ·

Hi @Sean, thanks for this feedback. I'm doing something similar, and really like the look of the Midnite Classic. My one concern is that I'm not sure if it will be compatible with my existing setup of Easy Solar 48v with BYD Batteries. My assumption so far would be for the Midnite Classic to connect to the batteries (alongside the Easy Solar kit) and charge those, But not sure if this will be compatible with the battery management system. Do you have any experience or advice to offer? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Grant

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talmagefarm answered ·

Hi Angus,

Did you find a solution for combining wind power with your EasySolar setup?

I'm interested in doing the same and would appreciate any knowledge/experience that you can share with me?


Kind Regards,

Andrew

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Grant Cleveland avatar image
Grant Cleveland answered ·

I managed to get this working by connecting the Midnight Classic directly onto the battery bus alongside the Victron unit. See details here:

https://community.victronenergy.com/questions/15648/where-do-i-connect-my-ac-hydro-generator-power-in.html?childToView=94716#answer-94716

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