The technical aspects of charging 12-volt (V) batteries with a small permanent magnet wind-turbine generator suggested that a special battery-charging station be developed. Scientists at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) conducted research on several possible configurations of wind-electric battery-charging stations. Based on preliminary modeling and test results, the optimal system for this application was the one with individual charge controllers. This paper presents the development efforts and test results of a commercial prototype wind-electric battery-charging station designed and manufactured by Ascension Technology, a Division of Applied Power Corporation (APC). The system, which is powered by a 3-kilowatt (kW) wind turbine, was tested at the National Wind Technology Center (NWTC). The paper discusses control strategies to improve system performance, and includes recommendations for system integrators based on the testing experience accumulated at the NWTC
