New from Ampair - The VOYAGER™ VS50 Dual Channel Wind/Solar Charge Controller

Two for the price of one!

The New Voyager™ VS50 battery charge controller from Dorset based Ampair, the world renowned wind driven generator manufacturer, now allows for 300W solar and 300W wind input to be controlled by one box, saving both cost and space.

This technically advanced controller uses a state of the art "energy state taper charge method". This results in zero overcharging because the battery state determines the amount of charge accepted and gives exceptionally low gassing, non-destructive micro equalization at each full charge and no Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) or Electro-Magnetic Interference (EMI).

The Voyager™ is available in 12V, 24V & 48V versions, with a maximum current per channel of 25A at 12V. Separate LED charge indicators are used for each channel and Both PV and Wind regulators use battery voltage sense leads to deliver a better charging profile. The unit also features a Battery Ammeter and a Battery Voltmeter.

Also built in to the new VS50 range is a wind turbine parking brake. This enables the user, at the twist of a switch, to stop/ park the generator. Under normal sailing situations this is adequate. However, in strong winds and storms this switch may be used to slow the generator down, before it is physically turned out of the wind and a blade tied down with a rope.

The regulator has been especially produced to be used with an Ampair 300 wind generator and optimizes battery charging. When the batteries have reached their maximum charge voltage the regulator circuitry automatically diverts the wind turbine's surplus power to the dump load resistors. This means that, even with batteries fully charged, the generator continues to operate and provides useable power as soon as an electrical load is applied.

When used in conjunction with a solar array the solar channel will simply switch the array on and off, thus obviating the need for a dump load.

The input from either source (channel) should not exceed 25A under normal working conditions, giving a total combined input of 50A. It can be used with or without one solar array. It cannot be used to regulate two Ampair 300 wind generators or two solar arrays without modification. It is suitable for flooded lead acid or sealed lead acid (gel or AGM) batteries. The electronics of the charge regulator are fully potted to protect from humidity and vibration.

Blocking diodes (a blocking diode is a one-way electronic valve that allows current to flow in one direction but not the other) have been fitted in the

Voyager regulator for four main reasons:

To prevent the discharge of current from the batteries into the PV panels when the cells are generating no electricity.
To prevent a damaged PV panel from draining the battery and drawing power from the remaining good panels.
To prevent the wind generator from charging across the solar PV
To prevent the solar PV from charging across the wind generator

Technical Data
12V 24V 48V
Nominal voltage 12V 24V 48V
Max. charging voltage adjustable range (20°C) 13.8 to 15.9V 27.6 to 31.8V 57.2 to 63.6V
Max. current per channel 25A 25A 25A
Total dump load resistance (approx.) 0.5 Ω 2.0 Ω 8.0 Ω
Number of charging outputs 1 1 1
Number of Inputs 2 2 2
Connectors M4 M4 M4
LED indicating that battery voltage is low yes yes yes

The unit is supplied with a comprehensive 15 page manual.

Saving cost and space, the new Ampair Voyager™ VS50 is a cost effective and neat solution to regulating a wind/solar power combination.

Retail Price £424 + VAT

Further Information from:
www.ampair.com sales@ampair.com
tel: +44 (0)1258 837 266 fax: +44 (0)1258 837 496
Ampair, Unit 2, Milborne Business Centre,
Milborne St Andrew, Dorset DT11 0HZ U.K.