New Energy Distribution Control

The indoor components of the wind turbine will provide a view and means of control in the maintenance and control of the outdoor systems. What are they going to tell us?

Equipment for a wind turbine may be different from a Hybrid system or PV system. They all require monitoring and safety measures to be in place for manual and/or automatic reset or shut off dependant on the situations that may arise.

A inverter can be of two designs such as off-line aka stand alone systems or be grid-tied meaning it can be synchronized to match and deliver to the power lines. Invertors are designed to convert DC (direct current) to AC (alternating current). AC is the standard form of electricity that is used in homes.

Types of Inverter

– Grid-tied, GTI, require use of a ‘synchronous’ inverter to be in phase with power grid. Routes power from the wind generator on windy days or from the grid on windless ones. Goes off during power outage if there is no battery storage. Requires higher voltage battery assembly.
– Stand alone, delivered and stored to a battery bank, delivers year round power.
– Multi-function, used in Hybrid systems, connected to a battery bank or back up generator and/or grid.

Power quality produced by the inverter can affect the delivery of electricity. Power grids deliver electricity in pure and smooth ‘sine wave’ form. The wave forms can be found with the use of a osscillator. Invertors can be designed to deliver ;

– Square wave, create 40 % more harmonics, limited surge capabilities, 50-60 % efficiency.
– Modified sine wave, 10-20 % reduction in efficiency, buzzing, cause electronics to fail.
– Sine wave, some can be above 90 % efficiency, excellent for off-grid systems.

Invertors can provide different DC voltages therefore the higher the voltage the less current is required for power consumption. This can also provide for purchasing of smaller wire guage, fuses, circuit breakers and low resistive losses.

A inverter fuse, switch or breaker must be also accompany the inverter to protect it in the event that the inverter draws a current above it’s set limit. Class T fuses are recommended as they have the properties to withstand high surge ratings.

A main DC disconnect must be available between the battery bank and inverter. It is usually a large breaker which allows the inverter to be protected for service and also protects the wiring against risk of electrical fires.

A AC disconnect must be installed when using a grid - tied inverter. Disconnection must be available between the inverter and the grid for their use in the event of a power outage to protect their power line workers.

A Charge controller will limit the rate at which power is drawn or added from and to the battery bank. It prevents overcharging, over voltage and temperature thus minimizing risk of fire from overheating or drainage of batteries. It can also function as a ‘Diversion’ controller where it will dump excess power and must be sized to handle the full generating capacity of the wind generator used. It will dump these loads to air or water heaters, and are activated by the charge controller whenever the batteries or the grid cannot accept the energy being produced.

A Transfer switch is a component that is designed to take electrical loads from multiple voltage sources. It could be designed to switch to a generator if the power grid is out and automatic shut off when the power grid is back to normal. A transfer switch isolates voltage from the grid to protect the utility line workers assigned to fix the power grid.

A system meter will measure and display the various aspects your wind electrical system’s performance and status. It will track the battery banks, electrical output of your wind generator, and amount of consumption of energy being used. This will be most likely be set up next to or as near as possible to the regular electrical home fuse panel.

A wind turbine or Hybrid system is very sophisticated and will require maintenance and care. Learning to read the displays and knowing the functions of all parts of the system will greatly increase the life of the products. Also, we can always hire somebody qualified to come out and maintain the system for us but will include a cost. Read related –> here and there.

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