Connecting a Small 12/24V Wind Turbine to an Electric Heater
Can I connect a small 12/24V wind turbine directly to an electric heater or heating panel? The answer is yes, but it requires careful consideration of the electrical systems and appropriate equipment.
Understanding Wind Turbine Output and Electric Heater Requirements
Firstly, if your wind turbine's output is similar to mine, it has a three-phase wild AC ranging from 0 to 70V and a DC output up to about 100 Hz. Configured for 48V, the highest voltage would drop to around 35V if it is set for 24V.
If you are connecting to a purely resistive load, such as an electric heater, several things need to be considered:
Requisition for Rectification and Resistance Calculation
Step 1: Rectification - The wild AC needs to be rectified. Six diodes can accomplish a full wave rectification for three phases. Alternatively, if the heater is directly connected to each phase, no rectification is necessary.
Step 2: Resistance Calculation - The load resistance must be appropriate. It should not act as a "break load" or a "shunt brake." The resistance should be higher than a certain threshold to avoid damage.
For the 48V turbine, at full power (1kW at 55V), the current is 18.2A. Therefore, the resistance required is calculated as R E/I 55/18.2 ≈ 3 ohms. For a 24V turbine, at 1kW, the current would be 36.4A, and the resistance would be R 27.5/36.4 ≈ 0.76 ohms.
Matching Heaters to Wind Turbine Power
If you have a 1200W heater rated for 120V AC, it would require 10A. The resistance would be R 120/10 12 ohms, which would not be a good match for the turbine. Instead, you might consider using 16 smaller heaters in parallel, each dissipating about 60W at the turbine's maximum output.
Another option is to use a 1kW, 0.76 ohm ceramic resistor in a protective cage. This resistor would act like a space heater and could be a better solution.
Conclusion
Connecting a small 12/24V wind turbine to an electric heater or heating panel is possible, but it requires careful planning and appropriate equipment. Proper rectification and resistance matching are crucial to ensure the components operate safely and efficiently. Understanding the specific requirements and variables is key to successful integration.