Owner`s manual

Using the PowerCenter Functions (Modes)

Stopping the Turbine

The rotor can be stopped under most wind conditions using the electrical braking function in the Power-

Center. You might use this function, for example, before lowering or climbing the tower. We do not rec-

ommend frequent use of the braking function because of the heat stress it puts on the alternator, particu-

larly when the winds are strong. In fact, the PowerCenter software contains “roadblocks” to repeated use

of the braking function over a short time.

To initiate stopping simply press the mode selector button and release while the Slow Mode LED (yellow)

is rapidly blinking. The turbine should stop quickly. If it does not then the winds may be too high to stop

the turbine. As soon as there is a lull in the winds the turbine should stop.

If the PowerCenter cannot stop or slow the turbine after 3 minutes, it will return to normal operation. Dur-

ing the following 5 minutes, the PowerCenter will not allow another attempt to stop the turbine or enter

manual Slow Mode.

To release the wind turbine from stop mode click the Mode Selector Button.

Battery Equalization:

Equalization is a maintenance function that brings the batteries up to a higher state of charge and causes

them to out-gas (bubble) actively. It should be performed approximately once a month on a windy day.

The PowerCenter has an automatic five-hour battery equalization function that is initiated using the push

button on the backside of the PowerCenter enclosure. Press and hold the mode selector button until the

battery voltage LED’s begin blinking and release the button. When the equalization function is activated

the regulation voltage is raised by 2 VDC (30.1 VDC is the factory setting for equalization). During equal-

ization the voltage indicating LED’s will blink.

To manually exit equalize mode click the Mode Selector Button.

Note

Equalization will allow the battery bank

to reach 30 VDC, which may cause

some inverters to shutdown due to “in-

put over voltage”.

Caution

Do not equalize sealed batteries. The

out-gassing at high battery voltages will

damage them.

Always check the electrolyte levels in each battery cell after equalization and add distilled water as nec-

essary. Do not add battery acid. The loss of fluid is due to water being dissociated into hydrogen and

oxygen. The sulfuric acid remains. The production of potentially explosive hydrogen gas during hard

charging is the reason that battery enclosures should always be ventilated.