A full system consists of Rectifier, Brake, Battery Bank, Inverter, Controllers and a Diversion Load. The ARROW Controller has a rectifier that converts “Wild AC” power from the turbine into DC (direct current) power for the Battery Bank. Batteries are like a gas tank. They store and serve electricity when needed.The inverter is the "engine" for the system and will take DC power from the batteries and convert it to 120 volt AC (alternating current) to run your appliances. The turbine controller (Commander) also has a Load Diversion Regulator (LDR) that handles any excess energy collected that cannot be stored or used safely and diverts it to a resistive load to be dissipated. When Solar PV panels are part of the system a different and usually separate Solar Charge Controller will control the energy coming from the panels to the battery bank. The Outback MX60 MPPT controller is typical solar controller that will collect energy in both bright sun and dull overcast.

Please, click here to describe your project, and to find a renewable energy professional in your area.

According to many renewable energy experts, a small "hybrid" electric system that combines wind and solar, (photovoltaic) technologies offers several advantages over either single system.

In much of the United States, wind speeds are low in the summer when the sun shines brightest and longest. The wind is strong in the winter when less sunlight is available. Because the peak operating times for wind and solar systems occur at different times of the day and year, hybrid systems are more likely to produce power when you need it

Many hybrid systems are stand-alone systems, which operate "off-grid"—not connected to an electricity distribution system. For the times when neither the wind nor the solar system are producing, most hybrid systems provide power through batteries and/or an engine generator powered by conventional fuels, such as diesel. If the batteries run low, the engine generator can provide power and recharge the batteries.

Adding an engine generator makes the system more complex, but modern electronic controllers can operate these systems automatically. An engine generator can also reduce the size of the other components needed for the system. Keep in mind that the storage capacity must be large enough to supply electrical needs during non-charging periods.

Battery banks are typically sized to supply the electric load for one to three days.

courtesy of TRUE NORTH POWER SYSTEMS INC

Please, click here to describe your project, and to find a renewable energy professional in your area.