Diversion Load Information |
In most hydroelectric and wind-powered battery charging
systems, the charging source cannot be disconnected from the batteries while
running without the possibility of damaging them from over-voltage. With No
Load on them, they also spin out of control, damaging parts.
The typical way to regulate battery charging voltage with this type of
generating system is to use a “load diversion” type charge controller.
Example Charge Controllers with Diversion Mode:
· Morningstar TS45 and TS60
· Xantrex C-35, C-40 and C-60
· Outback Power MX60
· Plus Many Others A diversion-type charge controller also
may be used in a PV system. If the array is much larger than necessary to
charge the battery, excess power can be used to heat water by using a water
heating diversion load. In operation, when battery voltage reaches the full
charge setting in the charge controller, it begins to divert power to the
diversion load. The controller uses pulse width modulation to turn the load
on just enough to keep the battery voltage from rising further. To determine
wattage of these diversion loads at other voltages, use Ohm’s Law: voltage =
amps x ohms. The critical requirements are that the diversion load can
dissipate more watts than the charging source can deliver, and that the
maximum amperage that the load can draw is smaller than the maximum
diversion rating of the charge controller. Order one or more loads with a
total current (amps) draw greater than your charging system’s maximum
output, but no more than the maximum power rating of the charge controller
in the diversion mode. We recommend that you do not use a load that draws
more than 75 percent of the maximum rating of the charge controller. For
example, if the charging source can deliver 20 amps at 24 volts, use a
30-amp diversion load with a 40-amp or larger charge controller. |
Click Image to Enlarge |
