Flux:
Indeed not need of a microprocessor to attain MPPT heating or even charging power.
Microprocessor may need many hours to attain the algorithm for a wind mill that needs updating for each new wind mill with a minor different characteristic, unless one has a fully equipped lab.
With a simple PLC we have used a 6 meter mill to harvest heating energy in England for the last few months, a house farm about 2 miles away from the lower west coast.
The simple programming produced a very close MPPT harvesting, enough to keep the house warm during winter, around 25+ KWH/day.
We discovered that the generator sold as a 5 KW capable, was REALLY 2.5 KW limited.
For DanB idea, the push to higher voltage is worthy because the heating elements for 230 are low in cost, in USA, a water heater 2500 watt, 230 volts element can be bought for about 7 to 10 dollars -- HOME DEPOT -- well aware since the last 2 days I have been replacing my water heater that blew few days past ITS warranty time -- the damage, new carpets for at least 3 bedrooms, in reality I am getting a new carpet for the whole house.
To attain true MPPT harvesting with easy, a good wide generator range is needed, like around 300+ volts at peak RPM and Power, then the rest is easy, The controller would be a MPPT until it reaches 300+ volts and after that it becomes an ELC for 2 reasons, maximum power harvesting and limiting the generator to maximum RPM until the furling point to be reached.
Simple controller with just 8 low cost Integrated circuits driving either MosFets (all phases loading) or Triacs ( each phase loading)= a bit more complicated because the variable frequency of the generator.
The generator needs to have low value winding resistance to limit the generator power dissipation to a maximum of 10 % of the over all generated power.
The only thing left is to motivate DanB to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
I even offered to build a prototype for the heating controller.
Nando
