I am a physics teacher and my students are building a turbine and connecting to the grid. The power company has questions about the Rover 300 generator we purchased. Can anyone help us with these questions? 1. Does the generator have a case ground? 2. Is the generator a "Y" or "Delta" configuration? 3. Is the generator 60Hz? 4. Are all 3 wires that exit the generator phase wires? 5. What is the max amp output of the generator so I can buy the appropriate romex? Thanks Gail
I am not sure about an Effsun as WindyNation Generators are designed and manufactured to our own specifications. The Rover: 1. No 2. Y 3. Hz depends on the rpm of the generator 4. Yes 5. I doubt you will ever see more than 20 amps. The Rover can handle 30 amps but the likelyhood of making 30 amps is pretty slim.
Hi Gail, Hopefully one of our experienced members will chime in here soon to help you with your questions. I'll attempt to answer a few of your questions but you should also wait to hear from others who are qualified. I don't have a Rover 300 but I believe it's a three phase AC, Permanent Magnet Alternator (PMA). 1) Most 3 Phase PMA systems do not ground the alternator case but a tower (or pole) does need lightning protection to a ground rod (earth ground). Once rectified to Direct Current the (DC) portion of the system should be grounded to a separate ground rod per NEC (National Electric Code). And ... of course, any Alternating Current (AC) wiring after an inverter (on-grid or off-grid) needs to be grounded per NEC. 2) I think the Rover 300 PMA is set up in Wye ("Y") configuration. 3) The alternator produces alternating current at a frequency that correlates to your RPM (it will vary depending on wind speed, blade type and diameter etc). 4) Yes, the 3 wires that exit the "alternator" will produce 3 phases. 5) If the PMA produces 300 Watts maximum then at 12 Volts it would output 25A max, at 24 Volts it would output 12.5A max (Watts = Volts x Amps). (Max Amps would be minimum requirements for sizing your wire where length of run would be another very important factor). (By going with a wire size larger than minimum requirements you will have less resistance and some safety margin). As noted above: Take the information that I have provided here with a grain of salt, others should be along to give you some solid recommendations and information.
Ah, I see Windyguru beat me to the punch ... he's the one you need to listen to as well as a few other, very qualified persons on the forum.