What is a charge controller?
Charge controllers or voltage regulators protect the batteries from overcharging, subsequent gassing, loss of electrolyte and
possible plate damage. By monitoring battery voltage they regulate the charging
current from the PV array enabling batteries to be charged but not over-charged.
They also contain suitable protection to prevent any current drain from battery
to PV array eg. at night.
This is usually best done by gradually reducing (or
tapering) the flow of energy into the battery as a full charge is reached so
achieving a more complete charge. Very fast solid state switching
technology is used for this known as pulse width modulated (PWM) control.
Some controllers also include a low voltage warning
or disconnect function to switch off loads if the batteries become
very low preventing excessive discharge. Optional displays indicate
charging currents, load currents and battery voltage, or separate meters and
system monitoring can be used.
In choosing the the proper charge controller the
main consideration is the peak charging current
you need to regulate. It
is worthwhile selecting one that will handle extra power if needs change in the
future.
Controllers should not be used with more modules than they are rated for. However, a PV array can be split into sub-arrays
each with it's own charge controller, in order to accommodate increasing numbers
of modules. For the smaller output panels, or where a relatively large
battery store is used, regulators may not be necessary.
All controllers listed include blocking diodes or
other protection to prevent any current drain from battery to PV panel at night,
so no additional blocking diodes are required.
Steca Charge Controllers
Solsum
Ideal for use with one or two module systems. Uses pulse width modulation
(PWM) for optimum battery charging and includes automatic battery gassing
function. Multi-colour LED indicator shows battery voltage. 12 or
24V. Solsum 6.6F & 8.8F include automatic low voltage disconnect facility.
Reverse polarity protected. c/w blocking diode.
Power consumption:<3mA
| Product Code |
Description |
Datasheet |
| SSM-6.6F |
6A charge; 6A load |
12/24V |
Data Sheet |
| SSM-8.8F |
8A charge; 8A load |
12/24V |
PR Night
For automatic lighting control. Detects day and night using the PV array and includes an integrated clock and programmable
timer to switch lights on either after sunset or before sunrise.
| Product Code |
Description |
Datasheet |
| PR-0606N
|
6A charge; 6A load
|
12/24V
|
Data Sheet
|
| PR-1010N
|
10A charge; 10A load
|
12/24V
|
PRO-303/505
These are well suited for single module, small solar home 12VDC systems.
Includes a switch so lights etc can be switched on/off without additional wall
mounted switches. Ample protection features ensure maintenance free
operation. LED indicators show battery condition and charging status.
Includes automatic low voltage disconnection. Rated from -25 to plus 50˚C.
12V only.
| Product Code |
Description |
Datasheet |
| PRO-303
|
3A charge; 3A load
|
12 V |
Data Sheet
|
| PRO-505
|
5A charge; 5A load
|
12 V |
PRO-Series
A range of solar charge regulators rated from 10-30A load, ideal for any small to
medium size system which adapts automatically for use in either 12 or 24 V
systems. Includes automatic low voltage disconnection and a manual load
switch. Protection features include an automatically re-settable
electronic fuse for maintenance free operation.. Includes large self explanatory
LCD display showing voltage, charge & discharge current.
Built in Ah
counter. System settings are configurable by means of buttons on the front
of the unit. Operation from - 10 to + 50˚C.
Terminals take up to 16sq mm cables.
| Product Code |
Description |
Datasheet |
|
PRO-1010
|
10A charge; 10A load; display
|
12/24V
|
Data Sheet
|
|
PRO-1515
|
15A charge; 15A load; display
|
12/24V
|
|
PRO-2020
|
20A charge; 20A load; display
|
12/24V
|
|
PRO-3030
|
30A charge; 30A load; display
|
12/24V
|
up to the top
Morningstar Charge Controllers
These sophisticated solar charge controllers all include pulse width modulation
(PVM) series charging; temperature compensation 25% design margin for overloads;
high efficiency and low self-consumption. Overvoltage; reverse polarity,
short circuit and lightning protected. Operating temperature range of -40
to 85˚C. Five year warranty
SunGuard-4
This is the ideal controller for one-module systems.. Fully encapsulated in
epoxy potting, they can be mounted in battery enclosures and are weatherproof.
Connection via 200mm leads.
| Product Code |
Description |
Datasheet |
|
SG-4
|
4.5A charge
|
12V
|
Data Sheet
|
SunKeeper
These are simple controllers which mount directly to the solar module junction box and eliminate the need for
additional controller housing. Fully encapsulated and IP65 outdoor rated,
they are approved for hazardous locations and high temperatures (up to 70˚C).
Connection is via flying leads. Use with sealed or vented batteries is field
selectable. 12V. Bi-colour LED indicates charging, operation & faults.
| Product Code |
Description |
Datasheet |
|
SK-6
|
6A charge
|
12V
|
Data Sheet |
| SK-12
|
12A charge
|
12V
|
SHS
These low-cost controllers are ideal for small lighting systems. High reliability with built in
electronic fuses. Circuit boards are coated for protection against
humidity & insects. LED's indicate battery level and system status. 12V.
| Product Code |
Description |
Datasheet |
|
SHS-6L
|
6A charge; 6A load
|
12V
|
Data Sheet
|
| SHS-10L
|
10A charge; 10A load
|
12V
|
up to the top
SunSaver Duo Charge Controller
For use with systems using two separate batteries eg boats and motorhomes.
Includes remote meter to show system status and errors.
| Product Code |
Description |
Datasheet |
|
SSD-25RM
|
25 A charge
|
12V
|
Data Sheet
|
SunSaver
These are the ideal controller for small professional and consumer systems.
Fully encapsulated , they are approved for hazardous locations. Connection
is via marine rated terminals. Use with sealed or vented batteries is field
selectable. Versions for use in either 12V or 24V systems, optional
automatic low battery voltage disconnect (L). LED's indicate charging and load
disconnect condition.
| Product Code |
Description |
Datasheet |
| SS-10L-12V
|
10A charge; 10A load;
|
12V
|
Data Sheet
|
| SS-10L-24V
|
10A charge; 10A load;
|
24V
|
|
SS-20L-12V
|
20A charge; 20A load;
|
12V
|
| SS-20L-24V
|
20A charge; 20A load;
|
24V
|
SunSaver MPPT
This controller has an advanced maximum power point
tracking (MPPT) battery charger for off-grid PV systems. The controller features
a smart tracking algorithm that maximizes the energy harvest from the PV and
also provides load control to prevent over discharge of the battery.
It is ideal for both professional and consumer PV
applications. It is epoxy encapsulated and can be adjusted via four settings
switches or connection to a personal computer and has optional remote meter and
battery temperature sensor.
| Product Code |
Description |
Datasheet |
| SS-MPPT-15L
|
15A charge; 15A load;
|
12/24V
|
Data Sheet
|
Remote Meter (optional extra for Sunsaver MPPT)
| Product Code |
Description |
Datasheet |
| MS-RM-1
|
Morningstar Remoter Meter
|
Data Sheet
|
SunLight
These are ideal controllers for solar powered lighting controls. Fully
encapsulated. Connection is via marine rated terminals. Use with sealed or
vented batteries is field selectable. Switches lights for 2 to 10 hours
on, for on all night or after dusk and before dawn. Versions for use in either
12V or 24V systems, includes automatic low battery voltage disconnect (L).
LED's indicate charging and load disconnect condition.
| Product Code |
Description |
Datasheet |
| SL-10L-12V
|
10A charge; 10A load
|
12V
|
Data Sheet
|
| SL-20L-12V
|
20A charge; 20A load
|
12V
|
| SL-10L-24V
|
10A charge; 10A load
|
24V
|
| SL-20L-24V
|
20A charge; 20A load
|
24V
|
ProStar
These tropicalized 15 & 30A controllers provide longer battery life and improved
system performance. LED's indicate battery status and faults.
Digital metering shows voltage & current plus 9 different controller status
parameters. Automatic battery equalisation or can be used with sealed and gel
batteries. Includes a manual PV and load disconnect button. Versions for
12/24Vor 48V systems.
| Product Code |
Description |
Datasheet |
| PS-15M
|
15A charge; 15A load
|
12/24 V
|
Data Sheet
|
|
PS-15M-48V
|
15A charge; 15A load
|
48 V
|
|
PS-30M
|
30A charge; 30A load
|
12/24 V
|
up to the top
TriStar
These powerful tropicalized three-function PWM controllers provide reliable
solar battery charging, load control or diversion regulation to divert excess
power to a dump load for use in solar, wind or hydroelectric systems. (Two or
more controllers may be used to provide multiple functions). Large heat
sink enables operation at up to 45˚C without de-rating.
3 LED's indicate battery status, alarms and faults. Optional LCD digital
backlit display provides system & controller information: battery voltage;
current; temperature; amp-hours and error mode. Versions mount either on face of
the controller or remotely. For use in either 12, 24 or 48V systems. Fully
adjustable with DIP switches. RS232 communication for custom settings,
data logging, remote monitoring/control. Reverse polarity, short circuit,
over-current, high temperature and over-voltage protection. Operation from
- 40 to+ 45˚C.Terminals take up to 35sqmm cables.
Tristar showing optional LCD display
(TS-Meter)
| Product Code |
Description |
Datasheet |
| TS-45
|
45A charge or load
|
12/24/48V
|
Data Sheet
|
| TS-60
|
60A charge or load
|
12/24/48V
|
| Optional Extras
|
|
TS-Meter
|
LCD Digital Display
|
|
TS-Remote
|
Remote display & 30m cable
|
| TS-BTS
|
Battery temp sensor &
10m cable
|
Relay Driver
This is a logic module which provides system control features such as high/low
voltage alarms, load control and generator start. It can drive four independent
relays by reading digital date inputs from the Morningstar TriStar
controller or by reading battery voltage when used in systems with other
controllers. It can be DIN rail mounted and is fully programmable via
RS232 port connection. Supplied pre-programmed with four commonly used
settings. For use in 12 to 48V systems.
| Product Code |
Description |
Datasheet |
|
RD-1
|
Relay Driver
|
Data Sheet |
OutBack
MX60 MPPT 60A Controller
This Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) charge controller enables a PV array to
achieve it's highest possible performance. It can be used with battery
systems from 12 to 60 VDC at up to 60A with a PV open circuit voltage as high as
140 VDC. This allows use of a higher voltage PV array with a lower voltage
battery, enabling the use of reduced wire size and reducing power losses.
The array can operate at it's peak power point so more current is
delivered to the battery. Setpoints are fully adjustable to allow use with
virtually any battery type, chemistry and charging profile.
Built in Data Logging measuring kWh etc.
Includes four line LCD digital backlit display for programming and monitoring of
system operation.
Can be connected to Outback Mate controller for remote monitoring at distances
of up to ten MX60 controllers.
Operation from - 40 to + 60˚C. Terminals
take 35 sq mm cables.
| Product Code |
Description |
Datasheet |
| MX60
|
60A charge MPPT; display
|
Data Sheet
|
FLEXmax 80 MPPT Charge Controller
FLEXmax 80 is the latest innovation in Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) charge
controllers from OutBack Power Systems. The FLEXmax 80’s innovative MPPT
algorithm is both continuous and active, increasing your renewable energy yield
up to 30%With enhanced cooling, the FLEXmax 80 can operate at its full 80 amp
maximum current rating in ambient temperatures as high as 104°F (40°C).
Included in the FLEXmax 80 are all of the features first
developed by OutBack Power in the revolutionary MX60, such as support for a wide
range of nominal battery voltages and the ability to step-down a high voltage
solar array to recharge a low voltage battery. A built-in backlit display shows
status information at the touch of a button.
Enhanced network communications
allow the FLEXmax 80 to be remotely programmed via the optional MATE system
display and controller.
| Product Code |
Description |
Datasheet |
| FM80
|
OutBack 12/24/48V, 80A MPPT charge
controller with display
|
Data Sheet
|
to the top
Copyright of Wind & Sun Ltd - no reproduction without express written permission unless for personal use. Registered in England & Wales, Company No.3403803 VAT Number GB 448 5458 14 Registered Office: Humber Marsh,
Stoke Prior, Leominster, Herefordshire, HR6 0NR
