Replacing a Wind Generator Charge Controller With a Simple Rectifier ?

[EvanBee]

Obviously the last post in this thread was awhile ago, but we’ve run into the same issue with our silentwind controller being fried.

Excited about the KISS Extractor as a regular solution, but also want a simple “on/off” back up with switch and rectifier.

My q’s: 1) does it make more sense to put the switch before or after the rectifier? After, seems to put the turbine in freewheel/uncontrolled AC power generation mode, which the rectifier would have to absorb. Before, (where one setting of the DP3T/3P3T switch combines two or all three AC leads) would seem to apply the brake. 2) if one went the latter route, would one simply fry the switch? Because your avg DP3T/3P3T switch seems to not have a super high amp rating? Is there a better option than just shorting the leads at the switch?

[Locquatious]

The Kiss Extractor™ has a Stop/Run manual switch before the rectifier. It is built into the controller circuitry. You can manually stop the Silent Wind unit with this switch. Since the Kiss has greater output potential than the Silent Wind, the manual switch is more than capable of handling the job.
For the Kiss wind generator, the Kiss Extractor™ flawlessly stops the wind generator. automatically. There has never been a runaway wind generator incident reported. The electronic Stop has even greater capacity than the manual switch.
The main reason for the manual switch is for situations where rotation of the blades is undesirable. For example, when the boat is in a lift or in a marina, the blades should be stopped from rotating. Also, if the Kiss is disconnected from a battery, the Kiss Extractor™ manual switch should always be in the Stop position.

[Fluenta]

Our switch - it just connects the three AC feeds together - is before the rectifier or the controller. It effectively and simply slows the rotation to almost a stop. If you are using the simple rectifier you definitely want a way to stop the rotation on windy days or in big squalls.


Even now that we have a controller again we still primarily use the simple switch to stop the rotation. Handy today at the dock with gale forces winds and below freezing.

[EvanBee]

Thanks for both the prompt replies!

Fluenta, what type of switch did you use? I was thinking of a three position rotary switch like the following:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01IZ5ZFYC/ref=ox_sc_act_image_2?smid=A3HMB6GLG0WJ17&psc=1

Which would have the options for running, “off” (freewheel), and brake (where the leads combine). I haven’t wrapped my mind around how to combine the leads with a simpler switch.