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Off-Grid Systems Off-grid ststems are those that are not connected to the power lines of the utility company. In other words, they need to generate sufficient energy for themselves. One disadvantage of being off-grid is that you need to store your generated energy in batteries so when it gets dark you can still run your electrical appliances. Also off-grid homes cannot sell any of their energy to the grid. In order to make the DC (direct Current) generated useful for household appliances, a device called an ''Inverter'' is being used. An inverter is an electrical device that converts direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC); the resulting AC can be at any required voltage and frequency with the use of appropriate transformers, switching, and control circuits. For off-grid systems special deep cycle batteries are recommended so that when there is no wind to turn your wind turbine, you can use the energy stored in your batteries to power your home or plant. There are a number of different batteries suitable for this purpose. A deep-cycle lead-acid battery is designed to deliver a consistent voltage as the battery discharges. In contrast, starter batteries (e.g. most automotive batteries) are designed to deliver sporadic current spikes. Battery-driven vehicles, such as golf carts, forklifts and floor sweepers commonly use deep-cycle batteries. While a deep-cycle battery can be used as a starting battery (and may work better than a traditional starting battery with the myriad of electronic components attached to most modern vehicles), the lower ''cranking amps'' imply that an over-sized battery may need to be used in an older vehicle that lacks fuel injection. Deep cycle batteries can be charged with a lower current than regular batteries. The key structural difference between deep cycle batteries and cranking batteries are the lead plates, which are solid in deep-cycle batteries and composed of porous sponge-like plates in starting batteries. Some batteries that are labelled ''deep-cycle'' do not possess these solid lead plates, however, and are actually ''hybrid'' batteries. While a deep-cycle battery is designed to discharge down to as much as 20% of its charge capacity over several cycles, companies recommend that a hybrid battery not be discharged beyond 50% of its capacity. A charge controller, charge regulator or battery regulator limits the rate at which electric current is added to or drawn from electric batteries. It prevents overcharging and may prevent against overvoltage, which can reduce battery performance or lifespan, and may pose a safety risk. It may also prevent completely draining (''deep discharging'') a battery, or perform controlled discharges, depending on the battery technology, to protect battery life. The terms ''charge controller'' or ''charge regulator'' may refer to either a stand-alone device, or to control circuitry integrated within a battery pack, battery-powered device, or battery recharger. Charge controllers are sold to consumers as separate devices, often in conjunction with solar or wind power generators, for uses such as RV, boat, and off-the-grid home battery storage systems. In solar applications, charge controllers may also be called solar regulators. A series charge controller or series regulator disables further current flow into batteries when they are full. A shunt charge controller or shunt regulator diverts excess electricity to an auxiliary or ''shunt'' load, such as an electric water heater, when batteries are full. Simple charge controllers stop charging a battery when they exceed a set high voltage level, and re-enable charging when battery voltage drops back below that level. Pulse width modulation (PWM) and maximum power point tracker (MPPT) technologies are more electronically sophisticated, adjusting charging rates depending on the battery's level, to allow charging closer to its maximum capacity. Charge controllers may also monitor battery temperature to prevent overheating. Some charge controller systems also display data, transmit data to remote displays, and data logging to track electric flow over time. Additional accessories are either essential or very useful for any wind energy system: A lightning protection system is a system designed to protect a structure from damage due to lightning strikes by intercepting such strikes and safely passing their extremely high voltage currents to ''ground''. Most lightning protection systems include a network of lightning rods, metal conductors, and ground electrodes designed to provide a low resistance path to ground for potential strikes. In electronics and electrical engineering a fuse (short for fusible link) is a type of sacrificial overcurrent protection device. Its typical component is a metal wire or strip (element) that melts when too much current flows, which interrupts (disconnects) the circuit in which it is connected. Circuit or device failure is often a reason for excessive current. A fuse blows (interrupts excessive current) so that further damage, i.e., fire, is prevented. A fuse typically is not intended to protect from the initial cause of overcurrent. Overcurrent protection devices are an essential part of appliances and of power distribution systems to limit threats to human life and property damage. For example, too much current for too long may cause a wire to overheat, be damaged, or even start a fire. Wiring regulations often define a maximum fuse current rating. Fuses are selected to allow passage of normal current and of excessive current for short periods. And to interrupt what is called a short circuit, overload condition, or fault current. Renewable Energy Products and Services in New Mexico |
