Missouri Wind And Solar Podcast

Last part of making our way through the wind turbine - the magic charge controller!!

We're going to wrap up this series with Wes and David talking about the charge controllers. The review the key types, the MPPT, PWM, and the bulk controller and what they do.

Continuing Through The Wind Turbine - Tail To Rectifier

David and Wes continue the discussion working their way through a wind turbine. In this episode, they work their way from the tail to the rectifier.

12 vs 24 vs 48 volts - what's the differnce?

The whole Missouri Wind team is in for a very special Podcast / YouTube recording to discuss the different applications of three voltages typically used in an alternative energy application.

Continuing through the wind turbine...

Wes and David continue their journey through the wind turbine. They discuss:

• Stator
• Rotor
• Shaft
• Lamination
• Magnets

and the intricacies of a Missouri Wind and Solar turbine.

Wind Turbine: Hub and Case

Wes and David continue working their way through a wind turbine. Today they discuss the hub and case.

Very Cool Announcement

In this episode, with some very special guests, we announce the arrival of our latest motor.

Back to Basics - Wind Turbine Blades

Wes and David go back to the basics and start with wind turbine blades. The Missouri Wind and Solar podcast team track energy production from the moment the wind blows to the beeping of the microwave.

Wind and Solar System Maintenance

The Missouri Wind and Solar team discuss many of the common maintenance needs of your alternative energy system.

Regular Things to Check:

Wind Turbine Maintenance:

• Check for twisted wires
• Check wire connections
  • make sure there are no cracks in the wire or loose connections
• Shaft nut tightness
  • make sure the shaft nut is securely in place
  • *you can add a little blue Loctite to ensure it stays where it should
  • check your lock washer to make sure it's in good shape
• Blade inspection
  • check to make sure nuts and bolts are snug
• Check for corrosion on the slip ring
• Check the PMG for anything inside the case or corrosion of any kind

Consider Replacing:

• Mechanical relays after 3 years
• Yaw bearings after 2 years

Solar Panels

• Adjust solar panel angle
• Wipe the solar panels to remove dirt
• Clean frost from your panels
  • A water/alcohol mixture does the trick
• Make sure your charge controller is adequate
  • Solar panels can produce about 10% more in winter months

Pond Aeration

• Add a check valve to the hose in your pond aeration kit
• Make sure diffuser rings are not plugged with debris

Originally aired 11/20/2018

Mixing Solar Panels

Mixing Solar Panels

Are you killing the output of your solar array? In this week's podcast, Wes and David discuss the problems you might face when mixing different solar panels into one system. It's not uncommon for homeowners to add solar panels to their current solar panel array as budget allows. Be sure to listen to our podcast to find out how you can still get maximum production with mismatched solar panels.

So, what's the big deal? Isn't it just a simple addition?

Not exactly. Your solar array is only as strong as the weakest panel. That's right, connecting a panel with a lower output to the array drags the power output down.

Here are some tips to make it easy to understand

• Connecting different solar panels in a single array is not recommended: You may reduce the voltage or current which leads to lower wattage output.
• If you can't pass up a bargain, try to buy solar panels with similar voltage and current.

Charge Controllers:

• Connect each "sub-array" to its own charge controller, or find a charge controller with multiple input feeds. Then combine the arrays by connecting them to the same battery bank.
• Connecting mixed panels to an MPPT charge controller may confuse the controller and make it impossible to determine the ideal operating voltage and current. Instead, you'd do better to save by purchasing multiple PWM controllers.

Grid Tie Systems:

• The best practice is to wire each array to its own grid tie inverter, wired into a breaker in your fuse panel.

Wiring in Series:

• If your solar panels are the same current: Wire them in series.
• When wiring in series (increases voltage): all panels will produce the same current of the lowest panel.
  • Two 8.5 Amp panels wired with an 8 amp panel will produce 8 Amps.

Wiring in Parallel:

• If your solar panels are matching voltage: Connect them in parallel.
• When wiring in parallel (increases current): all panels will operate at the lowest voltage rating.
  • Two 40 VOC panels wired with a 30 VOC panel will produce 30 VOC.
• Need help with solar panel wiring? Watch our Solar Panels for the Beginner Video.

Solar Panel Angle & 3 Phase Output

Three Phase Power

In today's podcast, Wes and David discuss the inner workings of three phase power. Wes finally gains an understanding of what happens with each of the three phases. David explains the process and benefits of three phase output that is common in power generators.  David also gives a quick tip on how to check voltage output from the PMG to make sure it's in good working order.

Your wire runs on three phase AC face less power loss and tend to be less expensive than DC cable. Our Missouri Wind and Solar wind turbines have the bridge rectifiers separate from the PMG, allowing you to install it much closer to the battery bank to save money and improve efficiency in your system.  Another positive aspect of an external rectifier is that you can easily test it for proper function and it keeps additional heat out of the PMA or PMG case!

Solar Panel Angle - Changes throughout the seasons

Changing gears quite a bit, the second topic of the podcast moves away from wind turbines and over to solar panels. Did you know that the ideal angle on your solar panel can range over 30 degrees depending on the time of the year? Do you install your solar panel and leave it at the same position year round?  You might not be getting the optimal output of what your solar panel can produce.

To check your ideal solar panel angle for your geographical location, use the solar angle calculator at solarelectricityhandbook.com.  You'll enter the country and the nearest city to you to get started.  Don't forget to make notes of the ideal vertical angle at different seasonal points during the year!

Our solar time tracker features dual actuators to adjust not just the east/west angle of the panels but also the north/south angle to improve the efficiency and output of a 12 panel array by 30-40% over a fixed rack. For a smaller option, our solar panel Top of Pole mounts also allow you to adjust the angle of your panels throughout the year.

Originally aired 8/9/2018