VAWT 035 - LM2596 Based Controller (My best controller to date 9/16/18)

My previous controller was based on an MC34063 which is rated at 1.5 Amps which is too low and the controller failed. This controller uses an LM2596 buck converter controller which is rated at 3 Amps which should be adequate for my small wind turbine. The previous controller also operated in a burst mode; that is the controller was turned on and off at a relatively low frequency and a duty cycle that was adjusted based on the average input current. The problem with this type of control is that the MC34063 was always running up to its peak current capabilities while it was on. I believe that sort of harsh treatment led to its failure. This controller limits the current to a low level on a cycle-by-cycle basis so the switch is not so heavily stressed. Other benefits to this circuit are input over-voltage/turbine over-speed protection that does not depend on the micro-controller, battery over-voltage protection, and a MOSFET switch on the output to the battery to prevent drainage when there is no wind.