WVO generator running 2 x 80A 24VDC alternators.

aus_fudster

Hi everyone,
Ive built a WVO diesel generator that i have running 2 80A 24VDC truck alternators, I want to use this to charge my 1550AH battery bank during low sun days. I have 3500kw solar panel setup which does well and uses 60A MPPT's.

My question is what kind of charge controller can i use for this to successfully charge the battery bank?

Any input would be much appreciated.

WaterWheel

considering the fact that you're running an automotive type alternator a typical 24v voltage regulator should work.

WaterWheel

If your were running  permanent magnet alternator like a wind or hydro turbine usually uses you'd then need a charge controller that sends excess energy to a load such as a heating coil.      Automatic alternators only produce electricity when the field in energized which is controlled by the voltage regulator.        Go to a car part shop, they should be able to set you up with a $25 controller.

aus_fudster

foolami said:

If your were running  permanent magnet alternator like a wind or hydro turbine usually uses you'd then need a charge controller that sends excess energy to a load such as a heating coil.      Automatic alternators only produce electricity when the field in energized which is controlled by the voltage regulator.        Go to a car part shop, they should be able to set you up with a $25 controller.

Sorry should have said, I have a 12V battery bank. I currently have 24V panels that my MPPTs drop down to 12V.

Would a 24->12v wind charge controller work for this?
Could i use a solar MPPT CC as the voltage and current would be steady, as opposed to a wind/water generator which fluctuates. Would this work if i kept a couple of water heater elements running to pre heat the water going into my solar evaporator?

Thom

aus_fudster said:

Hi everyone,
Ive built a WVO diesel generator that i have running 2 80A 24VDC truck alternators, I want to use this to charge my 1550AH battery bank during low sun days. I have 3500kw solar panel setup which does well and uses 60A MPPT's.

My question is what kind of charge controller can i use for this to successfully charge the battery bank?

Any input would be much appreciated.

3500 kW of solar panels !! Wow 
Thom 

inetdog

The MPPT front end of charge controllers may or may not play well with the 24V stiff (constant voltage) output of the alternators. If you can ask the CC manufacturer for their recommendation you could avoid costly damage.

aus_fudster

Thom said:

aus_fudster said:

Hi everyone,
Ive built a WVO diesel generator that i have running 2 80A 24VDC truck alternators, I want to use this to charge my 1550AH battery bank during low sun days. I have 3500kw solar panel setup which does well and uses 60A MPPT's.

My question is what kind of charge controller can i use for this to successfully charge the battery bank?

Any input would be much appreciated.

3500 kW of solar panels !! Wow 
Thom 

opps thanks for pointing that out..... 3500W (3.5kW)....