0% found this document useful (0 votes)
8 views

#3 - Charge Controller

1. A charge controller regulates the flow of current from a PV array to a battery bank and from the battery bank to loads. 2. It prevents battery overcharging and over-discharging, which can damage batteries. 3. It disconnects the PV array when the battery is fully charged to prevent overcharging and disconnects loads when the battery is overly discharged to prevent damage from over-discharging.

Uploaded by

lamees kilani
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
0% found this document useful (0 votes)
8 views

#3 - Charge Controller

1. A charge controller regulates the flow of current from a PV array to a battery bank and from the battery bank to loads. 2. It prevents battery overcharging and over-discharging, which can damage batteries. 3. It disconnects the PV array when the battery is fully charged to prevent overcharging and disconnects loads when the battery is overly discharged to prevent damage from over-discharging.

Uploaded by

lamees kilani
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 58

Ww

= Charge Controller
Oo
Lu)
< A charge controller is one of the main components of off-grid solar
lv
uy
W power system. This is used to regulate and control the flow of current
cs from the PV array into the battery bank, and from the battery bank to
Lu)
z
tt the load.
|
ie
S This is required when we have a battery bank in the system. Its
4
a
Oo function is to prevent the battery bank from overcharging when
ita)
a
Ww
power generated from the solar array exceeds demand from the load,
aa
°
which in this case the battery is full, and over-discharging when the
Ww
=
required power by the load exceeds supply whether it is the battery
| or the solar array.
==
Cy)
3 The two main tasks of the charge controller are:
|
Pe 1. Prevention of battery overcharging .
a
°
al 2. Prevention of excess discharging.
Oo
Ww
Ps
EF

©GIEE-All rights reserved www.giee.org


Ww
— Charge Controller
o
oO
<
x
ive)
Ww
c
Oo
z
Ww
Solar Charge Controller
|
i? +23- +e +Q@-
4
[4
=
oO
WwW
os
ty
oe
° PV Module
Ww
=
| Charge Controller
=FE
+- +: +-
“”
< L___, DC Output
a = — (Loads)
a ob =

ie)
° Battery
al
Le)
ive]
x
FE

©GIEE-All rights reserved www.giee.org


Ww
= Charge Controller
Oo
oO
<
x
ive)
Ww
Overcharging the battery consequently will damage it or reduce its
r performance or life span, leading you to replace it. In order to avoid
Oo
z that, you need a charge controller.
WwW
a
i?
4 In general, a charge controller senses the voltage of the battery. In over-
V4
=
oO charging protection, if the battery is full, its voltage will reach an upper |
WwW
ty
| set point (greater than 14 V in 12 V batteries) then the charge controller
oa
°
should disconnect the PV array from the battery (stop charging).
Ww
=
|
== While battery voltage is not high (not fully charged, below a certain |
” point, usually below 13.5 V) the charge controller always connects the
< PV module to the battery which is the normal status for charging.
a
a
co
°
al
Le)
ive]
x
=

O©GIEE-All rights reserved www.giee.org


Ww
- Charge Controller
oO
Oo
< > On the other hand, excess discharge is prevented by disconnecting the load .
[+
ie)
Ww
and/or giving a warning (light, sound, or both) whenever the voltage falls to a ower |
4 set point, normally about 11 V for 12V battery.
Le)
r
pt
|
> Charge controllers must keep the voltage of the battery between two upper and
i? lower set points, where these set points differ depending on the type of battery.
o
x
a
is)
Ww
-
Ww
Lk
o
Ww
=
pe
==
Cy
z
a
a
co
Le]
oad
oO
Ww
x
EF

©GIEE-All rights reserved Va aoe on 24


ue
— Charge Controller
Oo
LY)
cs Charge controllers should have a low voltage disconnect (LVD), a
x
ue
ive)
separate circuit which disconnects the load when the batteries become
r overly discharged (some battery chemistries are such that over-discharge
Lu)
yr can ruin and damage the battery).
WW
4
4
4
x
7
is) PV Module +
Ww

Ww
hw
°
Ww
ro
2
== Load
Cy)
<
a
os
a
Le]
|
Oo
ite)
x
FE

©GIEE-All rights reserved www.giee.org


Ww
— Charge Controller
Oo
Lu) A graph showing the profile of charging and
r discharging a battery using a charge controller.
lt
ite)
ite
| I | L |
cA | l | |
Lu)
z HVD A Cc l 1 | | | 14.4
Ww eee ep apcetenccines pee eon eee eae oF
i | 1 | || o
ae | 1 | . i >
2 | 1 | I | ©
x | i | ; 4 _
ro
1S) 1) Qaeen Coenen’ SOVMNEMeensaE”
Seamer f aaa aaa ace aa os
TE) | liat 3 _
Ww
|
| | 1 | | ~
ce LVR J Licfeincas Sip Meat Ohl iti ER Rta ag MR” Gey
Le) | l | r\ | oa
Ww | l 1 | iQ @
a | | 1 | i \ =
=) | 1 | | =
== |
ee r----- t| | | oe «$5
ty)
| | i |
-
rs | l L |
|
oa No load l | ||
a | | | A
°
ad
Lu)
There
is sunlight
po
Noload connected
ee
14, q, Ne load, is
Ww connected
No sunlight There is
x
FE (Due to shading) sunlight Sunlight

O©GIEE-All rights reserved VA ee eo 1


Ww
— Charge Controller
Lu)
oO A charge controller's elements
r connected to the system
i
WwW
Ww Charge Controller
4 .
EERE EERE EERE E EERE EEE EERE E REE E RETR EERE EERE EEE EEE TERRE EEE EEE EE EERE HEED .
.
Oo .

z [Over-discharge Protection]
Ww PV Module Switch#2 :
| i +
q —O—_ Load
4 Switch#1 g
x ; [Overcharge Protection] : Pp
=
Oo A —
WwW
on| 7.
WwW
rs
Le)
Ww
ro
po
==
a
Battery Bank
=
a
a
fe]
°
|
oO The value of the open circuit voltage of the battery is greater than its
te
x
FE voltage when the load is connected.

O©GIEE-All rights reserved www.giee.org


Ww
_ Charge Controller
Oo
Oo
<
4
Ww
ve
It has three outlets, one for the PV array, one for
é battery bank and one for DC loads.
iY)
4
ive)
a
ft
S
+4
a
oO
ive
a
Solar Charge Controller
+o9- tee- +9-
Ww
rs
ie]
ty
FE
>)
=FE
2)
z
on
os
co
°
|
Lv)
Ww
x
=

O©GIEE-AIl rights reserved www.giee.org


Ww
— Charge Controller
Lu)
©
rs
x
Ww
ive]
rs
U)
The charge controller shown in
4
w the figure has only two main
a

4
at
outlets; one for the PV array
+4
a
oO and the other for the battery
ite)
oo
Ww bank, where the load will be
ae
ie]
Ww
connected to a power inverter
=
=)
=7
which is connected directly to
“” the battery bank. This type of
:
a
a7 charge controllers is used in
a
°
al large PV system applications.
Le)
uy
x
=

©GIEE-All rights reserved www.giee.org


Ww
— Charge Controller
Lu)
O
cs
x
ve

tir
W GFLEXmax
z
Lu)
4
ive
oo
i
2
4
a
oO
ite
aj
tt
re 2
°
Orr © :
ut
j=
=
=-

RAR (RARE CONTEC LR ne
CutPower Back
Systems

< a> AV
oe

a
Le]
wl
Lu)
a
Ps
=

O©GIEE-All rights reserved www.giee.org


Ww
Charge Controller
Le)
Le)
3 There are different types of charge controllers as follows:
x
Ww
Ww
z ¢ Shunt charge controller:
oO
r
ive)
a
ae Charge Controller
c [Over-discharge Protection] :
x
~ PV Module i Switch#2 ;
oO
tT
+6 es fh Load
a
tT i t Switch#1 i
: [Overcharge Protection] e
ve
°
ve) 7 bd
=
2
éa
7]
- +
<
os Battery Bank
oe
fe)
Le)
pe |
Le)
18)
Ps
7

O©GIEE-All rights reserved aA


oe ae ee a4
Ww
- Charge Controller
oO
Oo
< ¢ Series charge controller:
[+
ie)
Ww
4
Le)
r
pt Charge Controller
a eae eee hae een Oates “
|
i? : [Over-discharge Protection] i
o PV Module
+)
: NN ae :
i+
a
a Oo 2 —_o—_ Load
is) Switch#!1 7
Ww : [Overcharge Protection] : ee |
-
Ww =i i i
a
o © >
Ww
=
pe
== - +
Cy
z
a Battery Bank
a
co
Le]
oad
oO
Ww
x
EF

O©GIEE-All rights reserved www.giee.org


Ww
= Charge Controller
Oo
Lu)
cs *Multi-stage charge controllers:
id
Ww
Ww These charge controllers have multiple stages for which they regulate
= different voltage and current levels; in the figure below, you can see
Oo
z
tt three such stages. This figure shows how both the voltage and current
a
< vary over time based on the charge set-points, which are the voltage
S levels that you want to charge the batteries to; each battery
a
ra
iS) manufacturer provides its own charge set-points that you should use if
ia)
a
Ww
you want to maximize the batteries’ life span.
re
o —_ oO
ive)
- >
see Bulk Voltage
>=
=| w oa
=FE oo Float Voltage >
” =° e
cs > t
:
|

£
a
a
ie] > 3
° = Voltage i Charging current =
al —

Oo © : >
ue co Bulk stage : Absorptionstage : Float stage | —
pa
om
Time
©GIEE-All rights reserved www.giee.org
Charge Controller
| GIEE
ENGINEERING

Bulk stage: During the Bulk stage, the voltage gradually rises to the
Bulk level (usually 14.4 to 14.6 volts) while the batteries draw
maximum current. When Bulk level voltage is reached the absorption
stage begins.
OF ELECTRICAL

ries oO

> >
pH Bulk Voltage a
v oa
bo Float Voltage s
:
aoa oa
oO o

> t | ¢
INSTITUTE

>
Ss Voltage Charging current
:=
~ :
© : : -
co Bulk stage : Absorptionstage : Float stage | —
GLOBAL

Time
THE

O©GIEE-All rights reserved www.giee.org


ive
~ Charge Controller
Lv)
Oo
< Absorption stage: During this phase the voltage is
x
Ww
Ww
maintained at Bulk voltage level for a specified time
= (usually an hour) while the current gradually tapers off as
oO
z
iv) the batteries charge up.
a
i"
c
4
a

Zulsieyy
oO
(V)

tT
oo Bulk Voltage
Ww
Float Voltage
Voltage

rs
°
ive}
a

(vw) yUasan>d
P
=a
Battery

Voltage Charging current


2)
-
| Bulk stage Absorption stage : Float stage
ie
co
Le) Time
a
Le)
WW
x
=

©GIEE-All rights reserved www.giee.org


Ww
— Charge Controller
Le)
Oo
< Float stage: After the absorption stage passes, the voltage
i
Ww
ive)
is lowered to float level (usually 13.4 to 13.7 volts) and the
3 batteries draw a small maintenance current until the next
Oo
z
WwW cycle.
|
q
4
x
=

Bulsieys
Oo
(V)

Ww
oe Bulk Voltage
Ww
Float Voltage
Voltage

Lh
Le)
Ww

I
jn

}Uasan>d
po
==
Battery

Voltage Charging current


n”
z

(w)
a Bulk stage Absorption stage Float stage
a
fe]
oO Time
|
oO
Ww
x
FE

O©GIEE-All rights reserved www.giee.org


Ww
- Charge Controller
oO
Oo
= *Pulse charge controllers:
i
ie)
Ww
4 These controllers provide a ‘topping off’ charge by rapidly
Le)
r
pt
switching the full charging current on and off when the
i?
|
battery voltage reaches a fully charged state (the pre-set
o charge termination point). The length of the charging
4
a
Oo
Ww
current pulse gradually decreases as battery voltage rises.
-
Ww Blocking diodes may be used in these controllers.
Lk
Le)
Ww
=
=)
=-
Cy
<
|
a
co
Le]
oad
oO
Ww
x
EF

©GIEE-All rights reserved www.giee.org


Ww
= Charge Controller
Oo
oO
<
x
Charge controllers have different new technologies such as:
ive)
Ww
r
Oo 1. Pulse-Width Modulation (PWM):
z
iv)
a
Charge controllers that use PWM technology are very
<
4 effective in charging battery banks and are used in many
[4
=
oO
applications. This technology allows a frequent switching
WwW
ty
| on/off sequence to allow effective charging, where average
oa
°
current from the PV array is reduced and voltage is kept to
Ww
= the setting value. For example, if the battery bank requires
|
== 14.4 V to charge and the PV array can supply 18 V, the

< PWM charge controller will provide the battery with only
a
a 14.4 V and the amount of current sent to the battery bank
ie)
Le)
al
from the PV array will be limited. Therefore, the overall
Le)
ive] available power from the PV array will be reduced.
x
FE

©GIEE-All rights reserved www.giee.org


Ww
— Charge Controller ner
Oo
Lu)
<
x
Ww
Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT):
W
cs
Lu)
r+
This technology allows a PV array to deliver the maximum
pt
4 amount of energy to a battery bank. MPPT charge
q
4 controllers have more complex electronics and higher
o
=
S) costs. They are designed to quickly and accurately
ita)
a
Ww determine the voltage at the maximum power point (Vmp)
re
° of the PV array. They sweep the output voltage of the PV
Ww
a
|
array to determine the voltage at which the PV array is
== producing the maximum amount of power. The controller
Cy)
3 harvests power from the PV array at this Vmp voltage and
Pe
|
converts it down to battery voltage and also boosts
a
°
al charging current in this process.
oO
Ww
<
=

©GIEE-All rights reserved www.giee.org


vey
— Charge Controller
Lu)
Lu)
z PWM Vs. MPPT
i
ite)
ite
cA
Lu)
z Traditional solar regulators featuring PWM (Pulse Width
pt
a Modulation) charging operate by making a connection
as
o
x
directly from the solar array to the battery bank.
=
iS)
Ww
Ww
|
During bulk charging when there is a_ continuous
re
° connection from the array to the battery bank, the array
Ww
a
=
output voltage is ‘pulled down’ to the battery voltage.
==

r The battery voltage adjusts slightly up depending on the
|
a
ie]
amount of current provided by the array and the size and
°
4d characteristics of the battery.
Oo
Ww
x
ra

O©GIEE-All rights reserved www.giee.org


Ww
— Charge Controller
Oo
Lu)
< PWIM Vs. MPPT
x
Ww
W
cs
Lu) Using a nominal 12V system as an example, the battery
r+
pt
4
voltage will normally be somewhere between 10 — 15
q
4
o
VDC.
=
S)
ita)
a
Ww
However, 12V nominal solar modules commonly have a
re
° Vmp(STC) of about 17V. When the array (having Vmp of
Ww
a
|
17V) is connected to the batteries for charging, the
== batteries pull down the output voltage of the array. Thus,
Cy)
3 the array is not operating at its most efficient voltage of
Pe
|
17V, but rather at somewhere between 10 and 15V.
a
°
al
oO
Ww
<
=

©GIEE-All rights reserved www.giee.org


Charge Controller
| GIEE
ENGINEERING

PWM Vs. MPPT

12 Volt Module 12 Volt Module


Current vs. Voltage Output Power
el ‘— or
OF ELECTRICAL

z 5
£x 0
3 a
INSTITUTE

— 10 15.17 VOLTAGE 0 1517 VOUINGE


GLOBAL

The greater the difference between battery voltage and the Vmp
of the array, the more energy is wasted by a PWM controller
during bulk charging.
THE

O©GIEE-All rights reserved VA a eo 34


Ww
— Charge Controller
Oo
Lu)
r PWM Vs. MPPT
i
ie
te
cA
Lu)
z
ive
MPPT controllers ‘sweep’ the solar input to determine the
a
ae voltage at which the array is producing the maximum
“ amount of power.
[rg
=
iS)
ie)
|
WwW
re
°
The controller harvests power from the array at this Vmp
Ww
a voltage and converts it down to battery voltage, boosting
=
== charging current in the process.

<
|
oa
a
°
4d
Oo
a
x
FE

O©GIEE-All rights reserved www.giee.org


Ww
= Charge Controller
Oo
oO
< PWM Vs. MPPT
x
ive)
Ww
r Because power in is equal to the power out of the
Oo
z
WwW controller (assuming 100% efficiency, neglecting wiring
a
i? and conversion losses), it follows that a down-conversion
4
[4
=
of voltage corresponds to a proportional increase in
oO
WwW
|
current.
ty
oa
°
Ww
=
Power (watts) is equal to the product of voltage and
| current, therefore, if voltage is reduced current must be
==
” increased to keep the input/output power equal.
<
a
a"
ie)
Le)
| Assuming 100% efficiency: Input Power = Output Power
al
Le)
ive] Volts In * Amps In = Lower Volts Out * Higher Amps Out
x
FE

©GIEE-All rights reserved www.giee.org


Ww
— Charge Controller
Oo
Lu)
< PWM Vs. MPPT
x
Ww
W
cs For example: a 100W panel (Vmp of 17V) is used to charge
Lu)
r+
pt a battery at 12V with a MPPT controller. In_ ideal
4
q conditions, 5.88A of solar current flow into the MPPT
4
o
= (100W / 17V = 5.88A). But the output voltage (battery
S)
ita)
a voltage) is 12V, meaning current flow to the battery is
Ww
re 8.33A (100W / 12V = 8.33A).
°
Ww
a
|
== You can see that the greater the voltage difference
Cy)
3 between the Vmp and the battery, the more “boost”
Pe
|
current the battery will receive.
a
°
al
oO
Ww
<
=

©GIEE-All rights reserved www.giee.org


Ww
a Charge Controller

a— 06d PWM Vs. IMIPPT


te
te
ra MPPT VS. NON-MPPT
©

all 1,400 Boost: Additional ‘ Maximum


r MPPT Advantage 1,300 power from MPPT a

a 1,200-P°""""" PowerPointat 7 —ta


load 1,100 eatery votoge 7 ; ‘

TT} ere
Li 800

: fx
° 3 700

ra Typical Battery
i 400 Voltage
oz 300
200 Short
Sal Ol : Open
= 100 Circuit : Circuit

8 0 5 10 1% 2 2 30 35 40 45
at Voltage (V)
o Array Rated Wattage: 1,800 W Battery Nominal Voltage: 24 V
7 Array Nominal Voltage: 24 V
e

©GIEE-All rights reserved www.giee.org


Ww
— Charge Controller
Lu)
Lu)
r PWM Vs. MPPT
i
ie
te
cA
Lu)
z
ive
a
Watts = Volts x Amps
ae
o
x
=
iS)
¢ Solar panels are rated by their actual outputs
ie)
|
WwW
¢ Vmp x Imp = Pmax |
re
° * Canadian Solar CS6X-300P
Ww
a — Nominal 24V panel
=
== 36.1 Vmp

< X 8.3 Imp
|
oa 299.63 Watts
ie]
°
4d
Oo
a
x
FE

O©GIEE-All rights reserved www.giee.org


Charge Controller
| GIEE
ENGINEERING

PWM Vs. MIPPT

Standard Test Conditions (STC) KYOCERA


MODEL KD140SX-UFBS
PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULE

y 1 1ANCE ' 2 71

Maximum Power (Rated Watts) io —Sheela | Ma: sroTEA


OF ELECTRICAL

mn ¥ 01 v 600

Voltage at Max. Power (Vmp) Tcaes


Voc
fs
221 ~¥V .
Tec ~ 129 Kg

Current at Max. Power (Imp) SR WORDT


WARNING
Open Circuit Voltage (Voc) ” modules ge ty when te
eM Heserdous Elactraty con shock bun oF cause Geoth
Oe cat touch terminals when exposed te ght

Short Circuit Current (Isc) eaten ige


or erie ZL
When conrected or Gacennectod
te the outer coble
INSTITUTE

Max Series Fuse — ws eel @


reo ovo 416 wuoece | INSULATED FOR 15A
(POTOWOR TAC MODULE FOR USE IN HAZARDOUS LOCATIONS:
Cues | Onl GoresA 8 O oD
Cue | Teme? Gree EC
GLOBAL
THE

©GIEE-All rights reserved www.giee.org


Ww
- Charge Controller
iu)
Le)
z PWM Vs. IVIPPT
i
v8)
Ww
3
Oo
z
PWM MPPT
ive
a
<
* Pulses direct * Converts voltage input to
S connection from solar battery voltage
x
Ee
iS)
Ww
panel to battery * Increases current when
a
Ww * Voltage pulled down to voltage drops
re
oO
Ww
battery voltage * More expensive than PWM
=
=)
==

c
|
oe
a
°
pon
Oo
ve
x
=

©GIEE-All rights reserved www.giee.org


Ww
~ Charge Controller
Oo
Oo
c PWM Vs. MMPPT
x
ite
ite
-
100W 12V panel
Lu)
yA
Ww
|
a
c 18Vmp 5.56A Imp
ow
=
oO
Ww
PWM MPPT
al
tT
Le
¢ Low battery: * Low battery:
°
WwW
=
© 11V x 5.56A = 61W ¢ 18Vmp + 11V battery=
* High battery: 1.6:1 ratio
=)
=ro
” ° 1.6 x 5.56A Imp = 8.9A
© 14V x 5.56A = 78W
<
oo
a ° 11V x 8.9A = 97.8W
a
Le)
-
Lu)
Ww
Ps
a

O©GIEE-All rights reserved ACA ee ae eed 4


Ww
= Charge Controller
oO
Lu)
c PWM Vs. MPPT
lt
Ww
Ww
=
Oo
4
ee)
100W 12V panel
a
4 18Vmp 5.56A Imp
4
[4
ra
iS)
PWM MPPT
te)
oo
Ww
ce
¢ Low battery : * High battery:
o
Ww
¢ 11Vx5.56A=61W * 18Vmp = 14V battery =
ro
=)
=
FE
Cy) . 14 x S56Ae7RW 28 x5.56A lmp=7.1A
2
a ° 14V x 7.1A = 99.4W
a
ie]
°
ad
Oo
uw
-
a

©GIEE-All rights reserved www.giee.org


Charge Controller
| GIEE
ENGINEERING

PWM Vs. MPPT

100W 12V panel


OF ELECTRICAL

18Vmp 5.56A Imp


PWM MPPT
* Low battery : * Low battery :
¢ 11V x 5.56A = 61W LIV x 8.9A = 97W
INSTITUTE

¢ High battery: * High battery:


© 14V x 5.56A = 78W © 14V x 7.1A = 99W
GLOBAL
THE

OGIEE-AIl rights reserved www.giee.org


Ww
= Charge Controller
oO
©
c PWM Vs. MPPT
x
Ww
Ww
r
Oo Gir ee eae
4
Ww
a Using 12V vs 24V panel
ce
oS
F
4 12V 100W panel 24V 100W panel
iS)
te)
po |
Ww 18Vmp =
ee
Le) X 5.56A Imp ne
m
a
f=
100W
=)
== Voltage pulled to Voltage pulled to
Cy) battery voltage battery voltage
c 13V
|
a
ca
°
|
Oo 13V x 2.78A = 36W
a
Po
-

O©GIEE-All rights reserved www.giee.org


Charge Controller
| GIEE

PWM Vs. PPT


ENGINEERING

MPPT Charge Controller:


Using 12V vs 24V panel
OF ELECTRICAL

12V 100W panel 24V 100W panel


18Vmp 36Vmp
X_5.56A Imp X 2.78A Imp
100W 100W
Voltage and current
INSTITUTE

Voltage and current


adjusted to optimal
adjusted to optimal
battery voltage
battery voltage
13V _
GLOBAL

13V x 7.7A = 100W 13V x 7.7A = 100W


THE

O©GIEE-All rights reserved www.giee.org


WwW
— Charge Controller
Le)
Le)
< PWM Vs. MPPT
Ls
ve
ie
c
Which is best?
Oo
z
Ww
oi
a
2
x
K
.S) PWM MPPT
Ww
-
Ww ¢ Smaller systems ¢ Larger systems, extra % of
a
°o « Nominal voltage of power worth the extra
ve)
=
=) array matches battery money
== bank ¢ Mismatched nominal

é
a
* Cost of increasing solar § Voltages
_
co panel array less than
°
Lu)
| extra cost of MPPT
ve
Pa
=

©GIEE-All rights reserved www.giee.org


Ww
— Charge Controller
Lu)
oO
r Charge controllers could have some features such as:
x
Ww
Ww
4 1. Low voltage warning beeper: When the battery discharges to a preset level,
Oo
z the controller will release a sound as an alarm.
Ww
| 2. Voltmeter: Some controllers use a digital display voltmeter to measure the
i?
4 voltage of the battery and display it on a screen/LED display.
x
= 3. Ammeter: Some controllers use a digital display ammeter to measure the
Oo
WwW
on|
charging current or the load current and display these values on a screen/LED
WwW
rs
display.
Le) 4. Amp-hour meter: This meter will measure the battery capacity used or
Ww
ro remaining and display the value on a screen/LED display.
=)
== 5. Complete charge light: In this feature, a light will be tuned on whenever the
a battery reaches full charge voltage.
z
a 6. Temperature compensation: In this feature, the controller adjusts charging
fe] current in relation to ambient temperature of the battery.
°
|
Oo
te
x
FE

O©GIEE-All rights reserved www.giee.org


ive
— Charge Controller
Le)
Lb)
2 Rated voltage (V) 12
i
Ww
Ww Float voltage (V) 13.8 +0.2
2
U) Over-charging Protection Voltage (V) 14.1-14.5
4
iv)
Load Disconnect Voltage (V) 10.8 - 11.4
a
4 12.2 - 12.6
Load Reconnect Voltage(V)
c
4 Max. Solar Current(A) 15
=
iS)
tT Max. Load Current (A) 15
oo
Ww
rs
Typical Power Consumption (mA) <8
Le)
ive}
Temperature Compensation Factor -3mV/cell*K
a
p> Voltage Drop Between Solar Power and Battery (V) <0.4
=oa
Cy
2 Voltage Drop Between Battery and Load (V) <0.3
|
<
i)
Le)
|
Ambient temp. Range(°C) 20°C - 50°C
oO
WW
Max. Altitude(m) 5000
x
pa

©GIEE-All rights reserved www.giee.org


vy
- Charge Controller
©
LY) MidNite Solar Classic 200-SL Charge Controller
<
x
uy
ue
Features & Attributes
rs > Dimensions (LxWxH): 14.9 x 6 x 4 inches
oO
z
te > Weight: 12 lbs
|
ra >» Solar Only
4
ro
4 >» 200 operating voltage
iS)
ie)
oo
»79 amps max current at 12VDC
WwW
a > ETL listed to UL1741 and CSA
°
Ww
j=
> Type 1 environmental rating
|
== >» HyperVOC extends VOC limits
n” > 12-72V battery bank voltage
<
oe > Built in DC-Ground Fault Protection
os
fe]
° >» Optional Battery Sensor for temperature
|
o correction
Ww
x
= $575.00
©GIEE-All rights reserved www.giee.org
Charge Controller
| GIEE

CLASSIC AND CLASSIC LITE SPECIFICATIONS www.midnitesolar.com 360-403-7207 17722 -67th Ave NE, Arlington, WA 98223
ENGINEERING

Classic and Classic Lite 150, 200 or 250


Nominal Battery Voltage 12 Through 72 volts on Classic's. Lite requires PC or MNGP for advanced feature programming
Maximum Output Current Classic 150 and 150 Lite = 964 on 12V, 944A on 24V and 86A on 48¥ battery
Classic 200 and 200 Lite = 79A on 12V, 78A on 24+48V and 654 on 72V battery
Classic 250 and 250 Lite = 61A on 12V, 62A on 24V, SSA on 48V and 43A on 72V battery
PV Open Circuit Voltage VOC Classic1S0 = 150V + HyperVOC (battery voltage up to 48V) Example 150V + 48V = 198VOC
(NOTE: See HyperVOC at bottom) Classic200 = 200V + HyperVOC (battery voltage up to 48)
Classic250 = 250V + HyperVOC (battery voltage up to48V) = (NOTE: See MyperVOC ot bottom)
Power Conversion Efficiency 98% (Typical systern)
OF ELECTRICAL

Maximum Stand-By Self-Consumption (12V) 2.8W -4W


Reverse Current At Night Zero - Internal relay for reverse current
Low Battery Voltage Low Battery voltage disconnect and re-connect of loads fully programmable with 2 Auxiliary outputs to control external load
disconnect /re-connect switches
Hyper VOC (NOTE: See MyperVOC at bottom) Standard all models - Extended VOC range for cold climates
Arc Fault Protection Standard on Classic, 0.25 second detect and trip speed - Not available on the Lite
Ground Fault Protection Standard all models - resettable, no fuse to blow
Charging Regulation Bulk, Absorb, Float as well as Equalization
Battery Voltage Regulation Set Points 10-100VDC
Equalization Charging Adjustable Voltage and Duration, Manual or Auto
PV Reverse Polarity Protected to Max VOC
Battery Reverse Polarity Fully protected
INSTITUTE

Battery Over Voltage Fully protected


Battery Short Circuit Fully protected
Battery Temp Compensation Autornatic when 8TS is installed, Adjustable mV per degree C per 2V cell
Programmable Auxiliary Control Output 2 Auxiliary outputs, Aux! can be 12V out of dry contact, Aux? is 12 out or Logic IN
Graphic Display Graphical display - MNGP (NOTE: MNGP is an option on the Classic Lites)
Networking Cabling Standard 4 conductor phone cable, no hub needed
Communications RS232, Ethernet and ModBus openly published protocot
Remote Display Display (MNGP) can be relocated and a second display can be added
GLOBAL

The MidNite Solar Classic charge controller conforms to UL 1741, Safety for Inverters,
Converters, Controllers and Interconnection System Equipment for Use With Distributed
Energy Resources,
THE

O©GIEE-All rights reserved www.giee.org


w
~ Charge Controller
U)
Oo
r
i
ry)
Ww
CHARGE CONTROLLER WIRING
r PV Module
oO : Charge
z eecee Controller
wi ee ¢e¢4

om) e-¢e¢4¢4

a eee
+o+oood
e4
a
2 i A A a a

x eee e4

Kb ¢ee¢¢4

1S) Se |

Ww eee ¢4

od MG Pe CORO
wi
we Breaker Breaker
ie)
vy)
a -— -_—
2 oe -_—_—-~—- >

=Ke
)
<
=)
os
a
Lo} To DC Load Panel
rc} and/or Inverter
vy)
<r
ke

O©GIEE-All rights reserved www.giee.org


Ww
= Charge Controller
Lu)
, s CLASSIC WIRING FLOW
}
- DIAGRAM-REVB-10/3/14
© 10 = Solar Modules (PV) ~.
< 11 = DC Combiner (Like our MNPV6 or MNPV12 for example)
x 12 = MNSPD300-DC (Surge protection)
Ww
Ww 13 = MNSPD300-AC (Surge protection)
r 14 = MNSPD300-DC (Surge protection)
15 = DC breaker for the Inverter (Also serves as a disconnect
©
z for the Inverter)
Ww 16 = DC breaker for the PV into the Classic (Also serves as a
d disconnect for the Classic)
aT
17 = DC breaker for the Battery into the Classic (Also serves as
oS a disconnect for the Classic)
x
ke 18 = AC L1 Input Bus Bar. (This is where the generator L1 input
Oo gets wired)
ee)
ps 19 = AC Neutral Bus Bar. (This is where ALL AC Neutrals get
Ww wired)
ee 20 = AC L1 Output Bus Bar. (This is where the L1 Output to the
Le) Load center for the building would connect)
WwW 21 = Battery Positive Bus Bar. (This is where we would wire
=
=) the Battery positive side of the Classic, as well as where we
== would wire up DC loads. Do NOT wire the battery cable to this
bus bar).
a 22 = Earth Ground Bus Bar. (This is the common Earth Ground
c bus bar where all the grounds get wired back to and it needs
ol to be connected to the building’s ground rod system )
a 23 = PV Positive Bus Bar. (This is where the Solar Panels
+)
° positive lead connects.)
| 24 = Battery negative Bus Bar. This is where the solar panel
Le) negative lead would go as well as the Classics negative lead
WwW
and any negatives from the loads. Do NOT connect the battery
Po
kK negative cable to this bus bar

O©GIEE-All rights reserved www.giee.org


WwW
~ Charge Controller
Le)
2 ~ CLASSIC WIRING FLOW
‘ Sete Ow DIAGRAM REWB- 10/3/14
Lb) 25 = DC Shunt. (The Shunt measures the amperage in
< or out of the battery. You connect the battery to one
x
ve side and everything else to the other side.)
Ww
26 = Earth Ground system of the building
c 27 = Classic Charge controller.
Le)
r 28 = AC Generator
WwW
29 = Batteries. (The Voltage must match the voltage
a
cs4 of the inverter. Typically 2-3 strings of batteries
c would be considered the max.)
x 30 = Optional Battery temperature sensor. (This is ‘ ; imme’)
7
is) used to compensate for the temperature of the 417 | “ie

KKAKA
18)
| battery. If a battery is cold it has to be charged to a -
Ww slightly higher voltage and when it is hot it will be

a
oe
° charged to a slightly lower voltage.)

Ls
Ww 31 = DC Cables to Inverter
=
=)
==

<
a
a
co
o
|
o
Ww
x
FE

©GIEE-All rights reserved www.giee.org


Charge Controller
| GIEE

Parallel C.C
Parallel TSMPPT System
ENGINEERING

PV Array PV Array
TSMPPT TSMPPT
OF ELECTRICAL

s + - +

= s —
& | = < —= a
a <> 4v ys ay

Array 1 - Array 2 -
INSTITUTE

Battery -
Battery +
GLOBAL

Note: This diagram does not Battery +


include fusing/disconnects. Battery -
Fusing/disconnects should be
Note: Each TSMPPT controller
installed as local electric code
must be wired to its own isolated
requires
PV array (as above). A single
array Cannot be paralleled into
THE

both controllers

©GIEE-All rights reserved www.giee.org


Ww
— Charge Controller
Oo
Lu)
é
[4 Equalization
Ww
ie)
cs The Equalization function can be manually initiated or can be set up
Lu)
z
to Auto Equalize. The intent of an Equalization charge is to bring all
WW
a
battery cells to an equal voltage by a controller deliberate
4 overcharge. The goal is to return each battery cell to its optimum
4
x
7
condition through a series of voltage controlled chemical reactions
is) inside the batteries.
WwW

Ww
oa
°
Ww
ro
2 MidNite Solar Classic 200-SL Charge Controller
==
Default preset voltages for the different nominal battery voltages.
Cy)
<
| wm 12v 24v 36v 48v 60v Tv
os
a Bulk MPPT 14.3v 28.6v 42. 9v 57.2v 71.5v 85.8v
Le]
| Float 13.6v 27.2v 40 8v 54 4v 68.0v 81.6v
Oo
Ww Equalize 143 28.6v 42 Ov 57.2v 71.5v 85.8v
x
-

©GIEE-All rights reserved www.giee.org


Ww
= Charge Controller
Lu)
Lu)
Outback Power FlexMax FM80 Charge Controller
<
x (a a ae
uy
ite)
z Features & Attributes a
Oo
z
tt
>» Dimensions (LxWxH): 16.3 x 5.6 x 4 inches
I
4
> Weight: 14 Ibs
o >» Easy to use and understand LCD display
4
7
oO
Ww
>» Rated to 80 A DC output current
a
Ww > Fully adjustable control set points
re
°
Ww
> Allows use with virtually any battery type
ro
- >» An optional Mate can be added to allow
==
n”
monitoring and control from up to 300 feet
z away
a
a
ie] > Five year warranty ON.
o}
od
oO
> 12/24/48 V
Ww
x
ro $520
©GIEE-All rights reserved www.giee.org
Ww
— Charge Controller
Oo
Lu)
r Outback Power FlexMax FM80 Charge Controller
i
ie
te
cA OFLEXmeax-
BO -FM80-150VD0C OFLEXmex
6O -FM60-150VDC
Lu) Nominal Battery Voltages 12, 24, 36, 48, or 60 VDC (Single model - selectable via field programming at start-up)
z
ive Maximum Output Current 80A @ 104°F (40°C) with adjustable current limit 60A @ 104°F (40°C) with adjustable current limit
i NEC Recommended Solar 12 VDC systems 1000 Watts / 24 VDC Systems 2000 Watts 12 VDC systems 750 Watts / 24 VDC Systems 1500 Watts
ae Maximum Array STC Nameplate 48 VDC systems 4000 Watts / 60 VDC Systems 5000 Watts 48 VDC systems 3000 Watts / 60 VDC Systems 3750 Watts
2
[rg PV Open Circuit Voltage (VOC) 150 VDC absolute maximum coldest conditions / 145 VDC start-up and operating maximum
ro
iS) Standby Power Consumption Less than 1 Watt typical
Ty Power Conversion Efficiency 97.5% @ 80 Amps DC in a 48 VDC System - Typical 98.1% @ 60 Amps DC in a 48 VDC System - Typical
|
WwW Charging Regulation Five Stages: Bulk, Absorption, Float, Silent and Equalization
Lk
° Voltage Regulation Set points 13 to 80 VDC user adjustable with password protection
Ww Equalization Charging Programmable voltage setpoint and duration - automatic termination when completed
a
= Battery Temperature
Automatic with optional RTS installed / 5.0 mV per °C per 2V battery cell
=~ Compensation

ty) Down convert from any acceptable array voltage to any battery voltage.
Voltage Step-Down Capability
< Example: 72 VDC array to 24 VDC battery; 60 VDC array to 48 VDC battery
| Programmable Auxiliary 12 VDC output signal which can be programmed for different
oa Control Output control applications (maximum of 0.2 Amps DC)
a
°
4d
Lu)
Ww
x
FE

O©GIEE-All rights reserved www.giee.org


Ww
— Charge Controller
Oo
Lu)
é Outback Power FlexMax FM80 Charge Controller
4
Ww
te)
z Models:
oO
z >» FLEXmax 80: 80 amps maximum continuous
Ww output current (up to 40°C without thermal derating)
a
a >» FLEXmax 60: 60 amps maximum continuous
S output current (up to 40°C without thermal derating)
x
kb
iS)
TE) Features:
ps|
Ww > Maximum Power Point Tracking
Le
o > Supports 12, 24, 36, 48, and 60 Vdc
Ww battery voltages
-
a) > Backlit display screen (LCD) with 80 characters
=FE (4 lines, 20 characters per line)
Cy)
2 > Last 128 days of operational data logging
| >» Voltage step-down capability allowing a higher PV
a
Lf) array voltage configuration
Le]
a > Manual and automatic equalize cycles
Oo
it8)
Ps
-

O©GIEE-All rights reserved www.giee.org


Charge Controller
| GIEE

Outback Power FlexMax FM80 Charge Controller


ENGINEERING

Maximum PV Input Wattage


per Charge Controller
OF ELECTRICAL

Battery Maximum PV | Maximum PV


Bank Input Wattage | Input Wattage
for the for the
Voltage | FLEXxmax 80 | FLEXmax 60
12 Vde 1000 W 750 W

24Vde | 2000W 1500 W


INSTITUTE

36Vde | 3000 W 2250 W


48 Vde 4000 W 3000 W

5000 W 3750 W
GLOBAL

60 Vdc
THE

O©GIEE-All rights reserved www.giee.org


Charge Controller
| GIEE

Outback Power FlexMax FM80 Charge Controller


ENGINEERING

FLEXmax Charge
Controlier [AS contguratons
must compy aM cea ac Ur
Sect Codes. Consult your local electric authorty b
OF ELECTRICAL
INSTITUTE
GLOBAL
THE

©GIEE-All rights reserved www.giee.org


Charge Controller
| GIEE

Outback Power FlexMax FM80 Charge Controller


ENGINEERING

f
1'
j
'
;i~ ~ ~ ~

i
OF ELECTRICAL
INSTITUTE
GLOBAL
THE

O©GIEE-All rights reserved www.giee.org


ue
— Charge Controller
Oo
LY) Temperature Compensation
rs
x
ue
ive)
<
Lu)
r
pt > Temperature compensation adjusts charge regulation voltage
4
q based on battery temperature.
- Increases regulation voltage when battery is cold, improving ability to
4
a charge battery.
is)
Ww

Decreases regulation voltage when battery is warm, decreasing electrolyte
Ww loss and battery overcharge.
Le
°
Ww
a >» The standard temperature compensation coefficient for lead-acid
a
== cells is -5 mV/°C.
Cy)
<
oo
os
a
°
|
Oo
Ww
x
=

©GIEE-All rights reserved www.giee.org


Ww
— Charge Controller
o
oO
< Temperature Compensation-Example
x
Ww
Ww
4 » A charge controller for a nominal 24-volt VRLA battery has a
oO
Fo regulation voltage of 28.2 volts at 25°C. What should the charge
Ww
al regulation voltage be if the battery operates at 0°C?
<
4
4
= Vp comp” =- Vu set — (Cv, x(25—T,_.
]x0,)
is)
ive
oo
Ww pe =er 28.2 -(-0.005 x[25-T,,,]x12)
oe
°
Ww V__,comp —= 28.24+1.5=29.7 V
-
|
==
2)
>» Conversely, if the battery temperature is 40°C, the charge
< regulation voltage will be reduced to 27.3 volts.
|
4
fe)
°
|
Le)
uy
=
=

O©GIEE-All rights reserved www.giee.org


ue
— Charge Controller
Oo
LY) Charge Controller Sizing
rs
x
ue
ie)
<
Lu)
r >» Electrical ratings for charge controller are used to properly
pt
4
q
specify equipment and size circuits and include:
-
4
a Nominal and maximum PV array and battery voltages.
is)
Ww Maximum and continuous PV array and load currents.

Ww
hw
°
Ww >» Charge controllers used in PV system must be listed to UL 1741.
a
a
==
Cy)
<
oo
os
a
°
|
Oo
Ww
x
=

©GIEE-All rights reserved www.giee.org


vey
= Charge Controller
Lu)
Lu)
<
x
uy
ive)
Charge Controller Sizing-Example
cs
Lu) >» Conductors, overcurrent protection devices and other equipment
z
uy must normally be sized for at least 125% of the maximum PV
|
as output circuit current, or 156% of the short-circuit current for the
o PV output circuit [690.8].
4
7
oO
Ww
/
Ww
re
For example, a PV array with rated short-circuit current of 16 A
° requires a charge controller with at least a 24 A continuous rating
Ww
ro (16 A x 156%). The conductors in the PV output circuit must be
- sized for at least 24 A after deratings for conditions of use have
=FE
been applied.
2)
z
a
a
ie]
o}
od
oO
Ww
x
FE

©GIEE-All rights reserved www.giee.org


Charge Controller
| GIEE

Morningstar String Calculator: http://string-calculator.morningstarcorp.com/


ENGINEERING

Morningstar String Calculator


OF ELECTRICAL
INSTITUTE

Select PV Module (module search)

Select manufacturer Select model


GLOBAL

Select a Morningstar Product


Select product
THE

OGIEE-AIll rights reserved www.giee.org


Charge Controller
| GIEE

Design Example: PWM C.C.


ENGINEERING

What is the right size of a charge Controller to charge a battery bank form
1320W PV array (330W/Module).
C.B PV Module
PV Array (4 panels in parallel)

330W i PWM C.C Imp = 8.85A


OF ELECTRICAL

Isc = 9.26A
xOg JauIquio) Voc = 45.9V
Vmp = 37.3V

a
330W
INSTITUTE

a0 <[—_
GLOBAL

Ic,rated = Isc*1.56 = (9.26*4)*1.56 = $7.78 A

System Voltage must be 24V. The C.C. must be rated for 24V battery voltage.
THE

O©GIEE-All rights reserved aA


ee ae eee
Charge Controller
| GIEE

Design Example: MPPT C.C.


ENGINEERING

What is the right size of a charge Controller to charge a battery bank form
1320W PV array (330W/Module).
C.B PV Module
PV Array (4 panels in parallel)

330W i PWM C.C Imp = 8.85A


OF ELECTRICAL

Isc = 9.26A
xOg JauIquio) Voc = 45.9V
Vmp = 37.3V

a
330W
INSTITUTE

a0 <[—_
GLOBAL

Ic,rated = Isc*1.56 = (9.26*4)*1.56 = $7.78 A

System Voltage must be 24V. The C.C. must be rated for 24V battery voltage.
THE

O©GIEE-All rights reserved aA


ee ae eee

You might also like