Both wind and sun battery absorption charge time limits

[Windyneighbor]

What are the recommended battery charge time limit settings for absorption when charging with both wind and sun.  Now that I have a Classic 250 hooked up to my wind turbine I can charge as precisely as I can with solar.  My battery manufacturer recommends 3 hours.  I have always set my solar charger for 3 hours, should I set the Classic 250 for 3 hours also ?  In the worst case scenario, the batteries would be absorbed 3 hours with the sun and 3 hours with the wind for a total of 6 hours a day.  Is this too much time at a high voltage setting ?  I live in a windy location and the long charging scenario would happen often.  I am leaning toward only 1 hour of absorption charging with the wind so at least I can reach this set point for a while on cloudy windy days.  Maybe it is not that big a deal either way.  Any suggestions ?  Battery bank size 1750 ah.  Thanks.

[Robin]

You need a Whizbang Jr. ($59 retail). This will allow the charge stage to go to float based on ending amps rather than time. This is much more accurate than time. The WB Jr. will take into consideration both charging sources and will send a signal to one of the charge controllers. You need to be in follow me mode so that the controller hooked up to the WB Jr. also tells the other Classic to go to float.
This is the best way to coordinate your charging from both sources. It is a good thing you have Classics. I do not think any other controller can do this.

[Westbranch]

Do you have a clipper or dump load in the system?

[Windyneighbor]

Thanks Robin.  My solar charging has increased in size over the years and now includes several different charge controllers - Blue Sky and Outback MX60.  The only Classic I have is for my wind turbine.  I'm guessing this is going to complicate the problem.  I did not even know about the WBjr.  It sounds like it is similar to a Trimetric meter that actually controls the controller.  Too bad you guys did not make this neat equipment 15 years ago when I started with renewable energy.

[Windyneighbor]

Westbranch. I have an AC Clipper.

[Westbranch]

Westbranch. I have an AC Clipper.

Wheew!.... 

You did not mention the PV array size.  Maybe a KID would work for you ...? A Classic for sure.

[Windyneighbor]

Westbranch.  My apologies, I did not give enough information.  I have a 24 volt system, 12-2 volt Surrette batteries wired in series. (1750 ah).  4.3 kw of PV and 1 Bergey XL 1. I think I would have to replace all of my older charge controllers with the new latest and greatest.  Thanks for your response.