MPPTplus+ 30A - Controller IVT - Free user manual and instructions

USER MANUAL MPPTplus+ 30A IVT

Solar Controller Series

Dear customer, Thank you very much for the trust you have placed in us. You have acquired a reliable high-quality product which will deliver good services for a long time if used appropriately. Please read these instructions for use thoroughly and completely to familiarize yourself with the product prior to putting it into operation. This will give you important information for safe operation and maintenance of the device. Scope of delivery MPPTplus solar controller, temperature sensor and operating instructions. Use in accordance with the intended purpose The solar controller of the MPPTplus+ series was developed to charge batteries in a solar stand-alone system. The product is designed for private use only and is not suitable for commercial use. The user must ensure that the device is protected against humidity and moisture. Any use other than the one described above will damage this product. It can also cause hazards, such as short-circuit, fire, electric shocks etc. The entire product may not be modified or converted, and the housing must not be opened under any circumstances! Safety notes Dear customer, The following safety notes and hazard warnings serve not only for the protection of the device but also for the protection of your health. Please read the following points thoroughly. In case of property damage or personal injuries caused by improper handling or non-observance of these operating instructions or the safety notes stated herein, the warrant/guarantee shall lapse. We assume no liability for any consequential damages! General

• For safety and technical approval reasons (CE), any unauthorized conversion and/or modification of the product is inadmissible.
• This device is not a toy and must not be used by children! Please ensure childproof operation and storage of the device at all times.
• Maintenance, installation or repair works may only be performed by an expert/qualified workshop. Use only original spare parts for repair work. The use of any other spare parts may lead to serious damage to property and personal injury! The interior of the device does not contain any product components which must be set or maintained by you. • Do not leave packing material unattended. It could become a hazardous toy for children!
• Handle the product with care; impacts, shocks or even a fall from a low height may cause damage. In this case, have the solar controller checked by a qualified expert before restarting.
• If you detect damage, stop operating the device. Bring it to a qualified workshop or dispose of it in an environmentally compatible manner. Operation
• The product may only be operated in a dry environment. It may not get damp or wet, otherwise there is a risk of life-threatening electrical shocks.
• The use of the product under unfavourable environmental conditions must be avoided under all circumstances. Unfavourable environmental conditions include: ambient temperatures above 60 °C, flammable gases, solvents, vapours, dust, relative humidity in excess of 80 %, and moisture.
• The device may not be operated in the presence of flammable materials, naked flame or gas. Explosion hazard!
• Ensure proper ventilation during operation, never cover the solar controller and connected devices.

• Protect the solar controller against electromagnetic fields as well as impacts and vibrations.

• Protect the solar controller against heat! Should the solar controller become too hot due to high ambient temperatures, the overheat protection switches the device off to avoid consequential damage. In this case wait until the device has cooled down.
• Avoid sudden differences in temperature! This may cause the formation of condensation in the solar controller! In this case, the solar controller must be adjusted to the new ambient temperature before starting at a well ventilated place for a least one hour.8 Notes on the battery

• If used improperly, batteries are a high risk for humans, animals and the environment. Always observe the safety instructions of the battery manufacturer!

• Batteries contain aggressive corrosive acids. Avoid eye and skin contact with liquids from the battery! Never disassemble batteries! If eyes or skin come in contact with acid, immediately rinse with running, clear and cool water! Then seek medical help immediately! If acid gets on your clothes, remove the contaminated clothes immediately and rinse any affected parts of the skin thoroughly with running, cool water. Features

• MPPT charging control

• Automatic detection of system voltage (12/24 V)

• Input voltage range from 8V-70V

• Suitable for all lead (open, GEL, AGM) and LiFePO

• Standby mode for low own-power consumption

• Temperature-activated protective circuit

Description of functions The MPPTplus

solar controllers are modern, microprocessor-controlled devices which were developed for charging batteries in solar stand-alone systems. The MPPT (maximum power point tracker) enables you to make optimum usage of the solar power of your solar modules. The most efficient operating point of the solar modules changes due to factors such as exposure rate, temperature and the type of solar cells. This optimum operating point (MPP - maximum power point) is monitored constantly by the internal microprocessor of the solar controller and is controlled by the MPPT in such a way that your battery is always charged with maximum power. When the maximum charge voltage of your battery has been reached, the MPPTplus

solar controller switches the charging current off. The microprocessor is also responsible for controlling all important protective functions, such as the deep discharge protection. Its function is to switch off the load output automatically if the battery voltage falls to 10.5 V. As soon as the battery is recharged by the solar module, the load switches back on automatically. The load output can be activated manually using a push-button, and offers the option to switch on and off all consumers connected to the MPPTplus

solar controller by the push of a button. With the aid of peripheral devices (webbox and touchscreen remote control), you can also control, parameterize and monitor the device and other connected components. Connection and display elements

3. Fuse 7. Button for manual battery selection

4. Connector for load output (+/-) 8. Button for consumer on/off

9. Connector for external temperature sensor

solar controller is equipped with an LCD display for ease of operation and control of the device. The meaning of each display element is described in the following:

1. No solar voltage is applied / device is in standby mode

2. Sufficient solar voltage is applied

3. Battery status indicator (see also battery status indicator)

Battery being discharged Battery being charged Battery full Battery voltage low

DIP switch assignment 1/2: Addressing of the device 3: MPPT function (switch OFF = function active) 4: Standby function (switch OFF = function active) 5/6: Selection of the type of rechargeable battery 7: Equalizing charge (switch ON = function active) 8: not assigned Note: Only switch when the device is switched off!

Adapting the module power to the solar controller Strictly ensure that the module power matches the solar controller used! If you have a module voltage which is significantly higher than the battery voltage, the charging current of the battery will be higher than the given maximum current of the module due to the MPPT function. Example: A module with 36V and 5A charges a 12V battery with max. 15A. This means that an MPPTplus

20 A must be used for this module. Attention: If you use a solar controller whose charging power is too low, the solar controller may be damaged in the long run! Maximum module power:

30 A 12 V battery system voltage 120 W 240 W 360 W 24 V battery system voltage 240 W 480 W 720 W

Device addressing The MPPTplus

series offers the option to control a total of 4 devices simultaneously via a touchscreen remote control (FB- 04/FB-05) or a webbox LCD. For this purpose, all the devices used must be connected with each other via the USB interfaces and a unique address must be assigned to the respective device. The addresses are assigned via the DIP switches 1 and 2 on the back of the device. The following addresses will be assigned: DIP switch 1 DIP switch 2 Device address OFF OFF 1 ON OFF 2 OFF ON 3 ON ON 4 Note: A simultaneous use of webbox LCD and FB-04/FB-05 is not possible! Standby function If the standby function is activated, the MPPTplus

switches to standby mode after approx. 20s when no or insufficient voltage is applied on the solar input. In this case, the own power consumption is <10 mA. The power supply of the USB interface is also switched off, so that externally connected devices being supplied with power via the USB connection are no longer functional. If sufficient solar power is applied, the device switches automatically and immediately from standby mode to operating mode. In this case, the solar voltage must be higher than the battery voltage. The button "Consumer on/off" can be used to reactivate the device manually.10 Selecting the type of rechargeable battery and system voltage The MPPTplus

is suitable for charging lead (open, Gel, AGM) and LiFeP04 batteries. The respective type of rechargeable battery is selected before the start-up via the DIP switch (5/6) on the back of the device. DIP switch 5 DIP switch 6 Type of rechargeable battery OFF OFF Lead 12 V ON OFF Lead 24 V OFF ON AGM battery ON ON LiFePO4 The respective system voltage (12/24 V) is always detected automatically. There is, however, the option of determining the system voltage manually for lead batteries. For this purpose, the required system voltage must be specified via the DIP switches (lead 12 V and lead 24 V). If the "Manual battery selection" button is pressed and held when applying the battery voltage, the reset system voltage is applied, regardless of the actual battery voltage. This can be useful, for example, if 24 V batteries are deeply discharged. Charging behaviour The batteries are charged in several stages depending on the set type of rechargeable battery. It can be set via the DIP switch on the back of the device (see point: "Selection of the type of rechargeable battery"). The following table gives information on each charging stage.

Lead battery 12 V Lead battery 24 V AGM battery ( 12 V / 24 V) LiFePO4 battery

( 12 V / 24 V) Charging stage 1:

- Charging end voltage - Duration

45 minutes Charging stage 2:

- Charging end voltage - Duration

90 minutes Charging stage 3:

unlimited The charging end voltage for lead batteries can be individually defined for the charging stage 1 via remote control or webbox. The temperature is compensated (with connected temperature sensor) both in charging stage 1 and 2. In addition to this, an equalizing charge can be set for this type of rechargeable battery by setting the DIP switch 7 to "ON" before start-up. The duration of charging stage 1 will then be increased to 60 minutes. If the charge profile for LiFePO4 is selected, the setting options for the charging end voltage, equalizing charge and temperature compensation are not available. However, four-cell and also eight-cell LiFePO4 batteries can be used. The detection of the single or double system voltage and the resulting charging behaviour is adjusted automatically. Equalizing charge This function sets the duration of charging stage 1 from 5 minutes to 60 minutes. So it is possible to remove sulphate layers in the battery. This function should be used occasionally to extend the life time of the battery. Assembly In order to guarantee appropriate operation, please read these operating instructions including safety information completely and carefully before use.

• During assembly, ensure that the solar controller and any other system components are mounted in such a way that they are not accessible to children. Danger to life!

• Do not mount the MPPTplus

solar controller directly above a heat source! Ensure that the battery is located in a well ventilated room! Strictly ensure correct polarity!

• Always ensure proper ventilation of your solar controller. Never cover the ventilation slots of the solar controller. Never use the device in the vicinity of highly flammable materials.

• Remember that large amounts of energy are stored in batteries. In case of short-circuit, these energy quantities can be released in a short time. This means that extreme heat may build up or a fire may break out at the site of short- circuit. Connecting the solar controller All components (solar module, battery, consumers and MPPTplus

solar controller) must match each other in terms of voltage and intensity of current. Check this information on the respective type plate. In case of doubt, please contact your dealer. Strictly ensure correct polarity! Note: In case of reverse polarity on the load output, devices without own protection may be destroyed. This is why each consumer must be protected individually. To ensure safe operation, please strictly pay attention that you observe the correct order when connecting the individual system components.

1. Connecting the battery:

Having set the correct type of battery via the DIP switch, connect the battery with the MPPTplus

solar controller by using the screw-type terminals intended for this purpose. Make sure you use a suitable cable cross section to keep the voltage drop and heating of the cables as low as possible. The screw-type terminals are intended for cable cross sections of up to 16mm².11

Required minimum cross sections:

• 4.0mm² up to 30 A Make sure that the line between battery and MPPTplus

solar controller is fused according to instructions. If the supplied temperature sensor is used, it must be mounted directly on the battery housing to ensure proper function.

2. Connecting the solar module

Connect the solar module with the solar controller using the corresponding screw type terminals.

3. Connecting the load

Please observe correct polarity when connecting the consumers! Caution: Make sure that the load output of the solar controller is switched off! The activated load output is indicated on the display by means of the bulb icon. The load can be switched on and off by pressing the corresponding button. Attention: It’s not allowed to connect the MPPTplus to a PC with the USB interface

Changing the fuse The solar controllers of the MPPTplus+ series are equipped with a fuse which is accessible from outside and can be replaced easily. Caution: Replace the fuse only by a fuse of the same type and rated current! Operation with optional additional equipment Optionally, all models of the MPPTplus+ solar controller series can be controlled, parameterized and monitored with a touchscreen remote control (FB-04, FB-05) or a webbox. Note: Please consult the manufacturer for more information on the functionality of the respective devices. Technical specifications

For features and intensity of current, please observe the respective type plate of your device!

Environmental protection note At the end of its useful life, this product may not be disposed of together with normal household waste, but has to be dropped off at a collection centre for the recycling of electrical and electronic devices. This is indicated by the symbol on the product, on the instruction manual or on the packaging. The materials of which this product is made are recyclable pursuant to their labelling. With the reuse, the recycling of the materials or other forms of scrap usage, you are making an important contribution to the protection of the environment. Please ask your local authorities for the appropriate disposal centre.