Altenergy

Alternative Energy Schematic Diagram

posted Wednesday, 11 October 2006

People have asked how all the pieces in an alternative energy system fit. Where does everything go? How does the solar array fit with the battery bank? What about the inverter, charge controller, and fuses? How would a grid powered charger fit into the system? This schematic diagram might help you sort it all out.

The grid powered charger section is supplemental. It works like the reverse of a common grid-tie system. Instead of feeding solar electricity back out onto the utility grid, this system uses utility power to run a supplemental battery charger when poor weather results in poor charging conditions and a dangerously under charged battery bank. The end result is interesting when compared to a grid-tie system. Both systems retain the benefits of being connected to grid power. The grid charger system will not run your meter backwards, but it will reduce your consumption of grid power. It does not require the use of an expensive inverter and safety equipment. It will not shut down when the grid goes down.

Alternative Energy Schematic Diagram

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1. rob left...
Monday, 10 December 2007 6:21 pm

in the diagram it does not show a dump load. Does the system need one?


2. Tom Woods left...
Tuesday, 11 December 2007 1:30 am :: http://altenergy.blog-city.com/

A dump load, or diversion load, is not needed in solar applications. Instead, the charge controller just disconnects the panels from the batteries when the batteries are fully charged. It is a very different situation in a wind application because in a high wind, disconnecting the turbine from the batteries would allow the turbine to spin out of control. The alternator current acts as a brake on the system.

A diversion load is just a big load that can discharge the battery quickly. The lower battery voltage in turn allows the alternator to produce more charging current, thereby making it much harder to spin the turbine. Hope this helps you understand the role of a dump load. --Tom


3. rob left...
Tuesday, 6 May 2008 3:55 pm

Hi Tom, would this wiring diagram apply to a wind generator


4. Adam left...
Monday, 7 July 2008 4:03 am

Hi Rob, If you need a hand with your turbine plans let me know, I have spent the last 18month experimenting and feel I'm pretty good at this type of thing now !!! I have a few diagrams of how mine is set up which might help. AB


5. rob left...
Wednesday, 9 July 2008 8:10 am

Hi Adam, Could you contact mt on rograss@talktalk.net please


6. tonny left...
Wednesday, 10 September 2008 6:52 am

could i get a schamtic diagram showing how i connect the solar poer to a distribution board to use as back up power.


7. Rick left...
Monday, 23 March 2009 8:49 am

When the Charge Controller disconnects from the PV Solar Panels because the batteries are fully charged what happens to the power which is still being created by the panels? Does it just generate heat and escape from the panels? Is there any chance it will damage the panels or wiring? Thank you!


8. Tony left...
Monday, 19 October 2009 8:42 am :: http://bestsolarpanel.org

Hi Great Post

Adam could you send me an email about getting some of the plans your working on ?