2 charge controllers in series

ws9876
ws9876 Solar Expert Posts: 448 ✭✭✭
in Off Grid Solar & Battery Systems #1
Can you use 2 cheap C 40 controllers in series to get 80 amps of input..???? As an alternative to a big expensive controller....
How would you wire that..???
· Share on Twitter

Comments

  • mike95490
    mike95490 Solar Expert Posts: 9,583 ✭✭✭✭✭
    #2
    Re: 2 charge controllers in series

    You wire multiple controllers in PARALLEL, just like you would wire 2 inverters.

    Each controller would have it's own solar array, but feed the same battery bank.
    Powerfab top of pole PV mount | Listeroid 6/1 w/st5 gen head | XW6048 inverter/chgr | Iota 48V/15A charger | Morningstar 60A MPPT | 48V, 800A NiFe Battery (in series)| 15, Evergreen 205w "12V" PV array on pole | Midnight ePanel | Grundfos 10 SO5-9 with 3 wire Franklin Electric motor (1/2hp 240V 1ph ) on a timer for 3 hr noontime run - Runs off PV ||
    || Midnight Classic 200 | 10, Evergreen 200w in a 160VOC array ||
    || VEC1093 12V Charger | Maha C401 aa/aaa Charger | SureSine | Sunsaver MPPT 15A

    solar: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Solar
    gen: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Lister ,

    · Share on Twitter
  • john p
    john p Solar Expert Posts: 814 ✭✭✭
    #3
    Re: 2 charge controllers in series

    You cant get them to work if you wire them in series.You have to wire them as Mike said in parallel.. half the panels on one controller and the other half on the other one and the controller outputs connected together at the batteries.
    · Share on Twitter
  • Thomas
    Thomas Solar Expert Posts: 291 ✭
    #4
    Re: 2 charge controllers in series

    What happens if you put the air-x thru a solar charger, with the reg. all the way off? I wont try, I am afraid Ill break it.
    Always troubleshoot with adequate sunlight.  Hi Ho Hi Ho
    2.3kW [10] Enecsys SMI-240-60 micro inverters

    · Share on Twitter
  • john p
    john p Solar Expert Posts: 814 ✭✭✭
    #5
    Re: 2 charge controllers in series

    You cant successfully use a solar charger on a wind generator. THE END
    · Share on Twitter
  • Thomas
    Thomas Solar Expert Posts: 291 ✭
    #6
    Re: 2 charge controllers in series

    I didn't think so, so I didn't, thanks. Do you know how to arrange the stator wires wye or delta to the rectifier? The air-x, after all has it's own, though simplifiing..
    Always troubleshoot with adequate sunlight.  Hi Ho Hi Ho
    2.3kW [10] Enecsys SMI-240-60 micro inverters

    · Share on Twitter
  • BB.
    BB. Super Moderators, Administrators Posts: 33,613 admin
    #7
    Re: 2 charge controllers in series

    Here is an example of 3 phase Wye connected rectifier:

    http://www.allaboutcircuits.com/vol_3/chpt_3/4.html

    -Bill

    PS: Here is a short thread from Windynation showing how to wire up three diode bridge sets:

    http://www.windynation.com/forum/3-phase-rectifiers-t489.html

    -BB
    Near San Francisco California: 3.5kWatt Grid Tied Solar power system+small backup genset
    · Share on Twitter
  • Thomas
    Thomas Solar Expert Posts: 291 ✭
    #8
    Re: 2 charge controllers in series

    O.K. what is the composition of the three outputs that can be terminated any which way onto the rectifier? I am looking at 6 outputs 3+ and 3- from the stator not 3
    I am gathering that they can be connected ina wye (constant amp variable volt, I do not think ssw chose this) or in a delta serial connection, I know direct serial does not work, only binds. I think I could play with it forever different "steppe" series, I really want to do this tough!
    Always troubleshoot with adequate sunlight.  Hi Ho Hi Ho
    2.3kW [10] Enecsys SMI-240-60 micro inverters

    · Share on Twitter
  • Cariboocoot
    Cariboocoot Banned Posts: 17,615 ✭✭✭
    #9
    Re: 2 charge controllers in series

    The actual stator windings output is AC, and has no constant positive or negative polarity. It would be configured as Bill described.

    If you have three positive and three negative outputs then it has already been rectified to DC and the only way to connect them is in parallel. This is normal for an alternator.
    · Share on Twitter

Categories