Dual Solar/Wind Functionality

[gregkirchgessner]

I am interested in this new controller, but I am unclear on an important point. Can solar, wind or hydro sources be controlled from one unit, or is a separate controller required for each type of source? I only see one connection point for sources. Can both a solar panel and a wind turbine be fastened to this one connector and provide MPPT control of both sources. Is this possible?

[boB]

I am interested in this new controller, but I am unclear on an important point. Can solar, wind or hydro sources be controlled from one unit, or is a separate controller required for each type of source? I only see one connection point for sources. Can both a solar panel and a wind turbine be fastened to this one connector and provide MTTP control of both sources. Is this possible?

Hi...

One source per Classic is the way it is supposed to work.  Especially solar and wind... Those two sources have completely different tracking schemes.

I probably should not be saying this, but, there are some people in the past who have connected solar and hydro together when the approximate max power point voltages are similar.

When that is done, then the solar array that is in parallel with the hydro must be capable of (read that as "large enough") holding the voltage of the hydro down when the batteries get full without being over-driven.  i.e., the hydro capability must be lower than the fuse rating of the solar.

boB

[gregkirchgessner]

Thanks Bob for clarifying this.

I understand that this controller is the first on the market that gives MPPT control of a wind turbine; providing substantial charging gains. What would be your most economical recommendation for realizing this benefit, while still achieving MPPT control of the solar panels?

[gregkirchgessner]

"What would be your most economical recommendation for realizing this benefit, while still achieving MPPT control of the solar panels?"

I have had some time to think about this. This is a vague question that could be better phrased. So let me try again.


I would like the Classic to control the wind turbine at night when the solar panels are inactive. During the day, I would like it to switch over and control the solar panels.

The wind turbine that I want to buy comes with a low functionality controller. But enough to do the minimum. It could do all the safety functions during the day when the Classic is attending the solar panels.

What I need to know is:

Can the Classic, using it´s internal timer (or better coupled with its sunrise/sundown data) logically control one of it´s axillary ports to switch a relay? This could control the input to the Classic from either the solar panels or the wind turbine.

Is this a possible functionality to get most of the benefits from the Classic for a dual solar-wind setup?

[windyboy]

I know this is an old topic... but seems like best place.

As wind turbines are normally (not saying its best) connected direct to batteries... couldn't you just do that and use the midnight clasic for the solar, possible getting another unit for wind later. Using the load diversion (AUX1/2) of the solar midnight clasic to load control the energy from both solar and wind ?

thanks, I'm just trying to understand this in my own head.