I am planning on getting a e300i Kestrel wind turbine along with the classic controller. I noticed that the classic even has a pre-configured profile for the e300 turbine and Midnite mentions on the home page that Kestrel uses the Classic controller now? I do not see any references to this anywhere but here. Is there any more information on this? If I get the "controller" from the Kestrel dealer is it a Midnite Classic controller?
In any case I need to figure out which voltage model and which Classic controller to get. My tower base is 300+ ft. away using #4 gauge copper cables. My battery bank is 48V nominal. According to the Kestrel website I should get the 200V version of the turbine? If that is the case I assume I would need the Classic 250?
Both Midnite Solar and Kestrel have "clippers". Is there any comparison between the two?
Finally, does anyone have recommendations on who to purchase the Kestrel from in the USA? I'd prefer to purchase from someone who actually uses one.
Thanks.
Hello David
I have a kastrel e300i 110V and a Classic 200. They seem to get along just fine.
I bought mine just before the switch to the Classic as the prefered controler and got an X brand, we didn't get along. My supplier traded me out for a Classic, straight trade, nice guy. My Classic, while a bit quirky, works fine and sure is cute. I think she just need a few more firmware updates and somebody who knows what the he__ he is doing pushing the buttons and we'll be good.
I have seen over 13 kwh in a 24 hr period and then my 48v bank was floating and the Kestrel voltage controler was doing it's best to keep the generator shed warm. The voltage controler has limited the max volts to something like 140 as a spike, if my memory is correct.
Make SURE you get the Kestrel with the new improved blades that are indexed to the hub. I had to change mine out at 86 feet in a harness at a bit above freezing, not fun. The guys in South Africa were great to work with and covered my problem 100%, accept the freezing part but where I live is my fault.
Later
Wade
The Kestrel that I know of is the E300I 110 volt version. this is what is in the Classic by default. There is also a 48 volt version but I would say the higher voltage version would be preferred. From looking at the specs on the 48 volt version I would not try to charge a 48 Volt battery with it personally it is a little to low on voltage IMHO. You will need a DC Clipper for the Kestrel as it is a DC turbine (Rectified in the turbine) Kestrel makes a DC voltage Clamp. MidNite does not at this time make DC Clippers. Kestrel has also recommended the Classic 200 across the board for there turbines.
Ryan
Thanks for the info Wade and Ryan. I am a bit confused why Kestrel in their manual says for the 110V version (12A maximum current) they recommend 4/0 copper cables to keep it under 3% loss for 330ft. (see page 14 of the manual (http://www.dcpower-systems.com/documents/Kestrel-e300i-UserManual.pdf)) My calculations show #4 gauge would be more then enough even for 500ft one way. What am I missing?
I thought I should follow up with information about the Kestrel turbine since there seems to be a lack of information available about it in the USA and the Classic is the preferred charge controller for it. DC Power systems is no longer a distributor of the Kestrel wind turbines. They are currently building a network of dealers in the USA. They have the e400 turbine in stock at a location in Georgia for shipping within the USA. The smaller turbines are being shipped directly from South Africa. All support is being handled directly from Kestrel. If you have any questions you should contact Kestrel directly in South Africa. I have been conversing with Leon at Kestrel via email who has been very good at answering my questions.
david,
as to the v drop % for that example i think you are quite correct as the way i figure it you could make that 24v instead of 110v and it would work fine with the stated gauge. somebody goofed. for the higher voltages the gauge requirements go down for the same current and wire resistance, aka voltage drop, because that voltage is now smaller in comparison to the operating voltage.
examples:
1v drop at 24v is 4.167%
1v drop at 48v is 2.083%
1v drop at 110v is .909%
Kestrel is purchasing a lot of Classics to ship with their turbines. They are only sending these Classics out within Africa though. The folks at Kestrel are great to work with and are helping their dealers around the world get set up to buy Classics from MidNite.
The Kestrel and Classic are a very good match, but don't take my word for it. Ask James Carpy at Kestrel, the design engineer.