Transcript Solar Power Controllers

Solar Power Controllers
Why you need to know about
controllers
A charge controller is an essential
component of any battery-based
system because it protects the
batteries from excessive overcharge,
which can shorten their life and create
hazardous conditions.
There are different kinds of
controllers
Some charge controllers work by opening
the charge circuit (or 'turning off' the PV
array) when the batteries near full charge.
Other controllers work by reducing the
charge current into rapid 'pulses' of current
known as PWM (Pulse Width Modulation)
keeping the batteries at a constant voltage..
Continue
A third type of controller, diversion
controllers, work by diverting portions
of the charge to external loads (like
water heating elements or other types
of resistive loads) when the batteries
near full charge. Diversion controllers
are the choice with wind and hydro
systems and they can work in
conjunction with solar controlling the
charge to the same battery.
What is the best controller?
For optimum efficiency charge
controllers should be sized
proportionally to the maximum charge
current in the system. If you plan on
increasing your charge capacity in the
near future, over sizing the controller
initially is a good idea.
XANTREX C-35, C-40 & C-60
These multi-function
charge controllers can
regulate not only PV
charging but can function
as a diversion controller
for wind and hydroelectric
generators.
Pricing: C-60 (60 amp
charge controller)...$185
C-40 (40 amp charge
controller)...$145
C-35 (35 amp charge
controller) ...$105.
Solar Boost by RV Power
Products
Solar Boost controllers by
RV Power Products
employ Maximum Power
Point Tracking (MPPT)
which increases charge
current up to 30%. These
controllers offer series
pass Pulse Width
Modulation (PWM)
charge voltage control
using reliable power
MOSFET transistors. A
fully automatic electronic
current limit prevents
overload.
Solar Boost 3048 (30
amp, 24/48 volt) with
UL listing is $479.
Solar Boost 50L (50
amp, 12/24 volt, UL
listed)is $419. For
display add $80.
SunSaver
Morningstar's
SunSaver ia a small
solar controller for
both professional and
consumer
applications.
LVD (low voltage
disconnect) option
avail.
SunSaver-6 (12
Volt)48
SunSaver-20 with
LVD (24 Volt)101
What is "LVD" and why is it
useful?
LVD is an acronym for Low Voltage
Disconnect. SunSavers equipped with this
feature will disconnect the DC load if the
battery is discharged too low. This will
protect the battery from over-discharge,
which can cause damage. When the
battery recharges to a reasonable level,
the DC load is reconnected.
What is the purpose of the Temp
Sensor?
The temperature sensor measures
ambient temperature. Battery chemistry is
sensitive to temperature and the SunSaver
charges batteries as a function of
temperature. If it is warm, the batteries will
be charged to a slightly lower voltage and
if cold, to a slightly higher voltage. This is
referred to as temperature compensation.
Works Sited
www.morningstarcorp.com
www.burnhambeck.com
www.windandsun.com