P30L Controller Manual - R1
P30L Controller Manual - R1
P30L Controller Manual - R1
Revision 1.0
Users Manual
Page 1 of 16
windynation
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4
5
Introduction ................................................................................................................................................... 3
1.1
Features .............................................................................................................................................. 3
1.2
Safety Information ............................................................................................................................... 3
1.3
Specifications ...................................................................................................................................... 4
1.3.1 Electrical Specifications .................................................................................................................. 4
1.3.2 Physical Specifications ................................................................................................................... 4
Installation .................................................................................................................................................... 4
2.1
Electrostatic (ESD) Precautions ......................................................................................................... 4
2.2
Mounting ............................................................................................................................................. 4
2.3
Connections ........................................................................................................................................ 5
2.4
Parallel Connections ........................................................................................................................... 7
Operation ...................................................................................................................................................... 7
3.1
Button Definitions ................................................................................................................................ 8
3.2
LCD Graphic Indicators ...................................................................................................................... 8
3.3
LCD Interface Cycle ............................................................................................................................ 9
3.4
Interface Definitions ............................................................................................................................ 9
3.4.1 Battery Voltage MAIN Interface ................................................................................................... 9
3.4.2 Battery Temperature .....................................................................................................................10
3.4.3 PV Solar Panel Output Current..................................................................................................10
3.4.4 Load Current .................................................................................................................................10
3.4.5 PV Solar Panel Generated Charge............................................................................................10
3.4.6 Load Consumed Charge ...............................................................................................................11
3.4.7 Low Voltage Disconnect ...............................................................................................................11
3.4.8 Low Voltage Reconnect ................................................................................................................11
3.4.9 Over Voltage Disconnect ..............................................................................................................12
3.4.10
Load Mode Timed Control .....................................................................................................12
3.5
Error Conditions ................................................................................................................................13
3.5.1 Low Voltage Protection .................................................................................................................13
3.5.2 Overload Protection ......................................................................................................................13
3.5.3 Short-Circuit Protection .................................................................................................................13
3.5.4 Solar Panel Connection ................................................................................................................14
3.5.5 Load In-Rush ................................................................................................................................14
Application ..................................................................................................................................................14
4.1
Wire Gauge Reference .....................................................................................................................14
4.1.1 Wire Thickness .............................................................................................................................14
Troubleshooting And Support.....................................................................................................................14
5.1
Maintenance & Care .........................................................................................................................14
5.2
Troubleshooting ................................................................................................................................14
5.3
Support .............................................................................................................................................15
5.4
Warranty ...........................................................................................................................................15
5.4.1 Restrictions ...................................................................................................................................15
5.4.2 Warranty Claims & Return Procedures.........................................................................................15
5.4.3 Disclaimer .....................................................................................................................................16
5.4.4 Limitation of Liability......................................................................................................................16
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1 INTRODUCTION
The WindyNation P30L Solar Charge Controller provides an intelligent multifunctional charging and power
management solution for the solar charging of 12 and 24 volt battery systems. Operation is conveniently
presented and parameters are controlled via a customized LCD display screen interface.
The controller features an automatic 12V or 24V DC detect function that will identify the battery voltage upon
initial battery connection and uses Pulse-Width Modulation (PWM) allowing for a highly efficient and batteryfriendly charge control. An external temperature sensor provides software controlled charge compensation
that accurately adjusts the over-discharge and over-charge voltages to maximize your batteries life.
Built in protection includes overload, short circuit, reverse polarity, lightning/surge, PV panel reverse current,
over charging, and discharging protection. In the event of a short circuit or overload event, the system will be
protected and remain undamaged.
The enclosure is made of durable plastic with visual LCD graphic symbols to provide status indications of
charge, battery status, and system faults.
Read this manual carefully before installing or using the controller and keep it for future reference.
1.1 FEATURES
Compact size is easy to mount on wall or panel.
Visual LCD display
User adjustable operation
Intelligent PWM Charging Mode
Automatic battery charging temperature compensation
User settable charging & discharging voltage parameters
User settable working modes of loads
Accumulative function of charging & discharging AH
Protection for battery bank discharging
Protection for battery low voltage
Battery reverse polarity protection
Delayed auto restart after overloading protection
Charge controller maintains batteries and extends battery life
Convenient screw terminals for wiring
Separate connections for PV panel, battery, and load
Built-in overload and short circuit protection
User selectable on, off, and time modes
Wide operating temperature range 14
+140
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1.3 SPECIFICATIONS
1.3.1
Electrical Specifications
Parameter
Rated Charge Current
Rated Load Current
Typical Idle Consumption
Maximum Solar Input Voltage
Rated Working Voltage
Float Charging Voltage
(adjustable)
Low Voltage Protection
(adjustable)
Low Voltage Recovery
(adjustable)
No Load Loss
Loop Voltage Drop
Temperature Compensation
1.3.2
Physical Specifications
Parameter
Dimension (H x W x D)
Unit Weight
Operating Temperature
Operating Humidity
Wire Size
CHC-LCD-30
30 Amps
30 Amps
At idle < 5mA
48V DC
12V DC or 24V DC Battery Systems
13.8V DC 27.6V DC
10.7V DC
21.4V DC
12.5V DC
25.0V DC
<30mA
<170mV
o
-4.0 mV/Cell/ C
Value
3.54 (90mm) x 7.40 (188mm) x 1.89 (48mm)
12.7 oz. (360g)
o
o
o
o
14 F to 140 F (-10 C to 60 C)
<90% relative humidity (non-condensing)
2
Up to 16mm (7AWG)
2 INSTALLATION
Insure all terminating connections are clean and tight to prevent arcing and overheating.
The controller must be installed in an area that satisfies all of the following conditions:
1. Dry: Avoid any location where water can contact the controller
2. Cool: Ambient air temperature between 30F and 105F (0C and 40C)
3. Ventilated: Allow at least 4 in (10 cm) of clearance above and below and at least 1 in (25 mm) on
each side for proper air flow.
2.2 MOUNTING
Mounting is optional; however, the environment must be dry and protected from water.
1. The controller can be mounted on a vertical or horizontal surface. If mounted vertically, the unit
should be oriented such that neither end is at the top so foreign material cannot settle into the
unit.
2. Install four user-supplied fasteners through the four mounting slots and into the mounting
surface.
3. Tighten all the fasteners to ensure the controller cannot slide in any direction.
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IMPORTANT: For best results, mount the charge controller and batteries as close to the panels as practical.
2.3 CONNECTIONS
WARNING: Loose connectors result in excessive voltage drop and may over heat wires, which can cause
the wire insulation to melt. This can cause electrical fires. Verify all connections are secure and have no
voltage drop.
IMPORTANT: The NEC requires that the wires carrying the system current never exceed 80% of the
conductors current rating (sizing recommendations are located in Section 4).
IMPORTANT: The screw-down terminals on the charge controller accept 7~26AWG wire.
IMPORTANT: Strip the wire ends approximately 0.3 (7.6mm) before connecting to the charge controller.
Use caution when handling the stripped wires to avoid electric shock.
1) Connect the Battery
Connect the charge controller to the battery BEFORE connecting the solar panels to the charge controller.
Insert the battery wiring to the BATTERY terminals on the front of the charge controller and tighten the
terminals from the top of the controller using a screwdriver to ensure a good connection is made. Be sure to
note the polarity of each terminal; the charge controller self-protection feature will prevent damage from
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2) Connect the ring terminal on the BTS directly to the negative battery stud, or use an adhesive to
attach the sensor to any side of the battery to be monitored, below the electrolyte level as shown
below. Mounting the sensor directly on the battery stud is more reliable against vibration and will
provide a good thermal connection to the battery as well. It is best to place the sensor between
batteries and place the batteries in an insulated box to reduce the influence of the ambient
temperature outside the battery enclosure.
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CAUTION: High power electrical systems pose dangers and it is the user's responsibility to be familiar with
these dangers and take any necessary action to ensure safe use. Shorting a battery or connecting your
controller to a battery can supply huge currents and have serious consequences including explosions,
causing fire, damage to equipment, and personal injury including death.
3 OPERATION
Once the controller is properly connected, the main display interface will appear in the LCD and the current
battery voltage will be displayed. Press the UP or DOWN buttons to cycle through the ten different
interfaces available on the P30L controller. The cycle pattern of the interfaces is presented in Section 3.3
and the definition of each interface is presented in Section 3.4. Some of the parameters presented can be
reset. In order to reset an eligible interface, press the MODE button for at least 5 seconds and the
parameter should reset. Similarly, some parameters are user configurable. In order to set an eligible
interface, press the MODE button for at least 5 seconds. The number on the interface will start to blink or
flicker and the parameter value can be adjusted using the UP or DOWN buttons. Once the desired value
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Name
Description
MODE
UP
DOWN / LOAD
Description
Stop power supply to LOADs
Supply power to LOADs, No current drawn from Load
Supply power to LOADs, Load is drawing current
Load Icon
Solar Panel Icon
Battery Icon
Load Light Control Icon
Load Timing Control Icon
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LOAD ON
Battery Capacity
System Working Condition
Discharge State
Charging State
3.4.1
Battery Voltage MAIN Interface
This is the MAIN Interface and the displayed number is the present battery voltage (displayed in Volts).
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LOAD ON
Battery Voltage
By pressing the DOWN / LOAD button from this interface, you can turn the load ON or OFF.
NOTE: The Load on/off function is not available in any other interface.
3.4.2
Battery Temperature Interface
The value displayed in this interface is the temperature at the Battery Temperature Sensor (BTS) as
described in Section 2.3 (displayed in degrees Celsius). The temperature is used for the temperature
compensation of battery charging.
BTS Temperature
3.4.3
PV Solar Panel Output Current Interface
The value displayed in this interface is the input current to the controller from the solar panels; i.e.: the
current being generated by the solar panels (displayed in Amps).
PV Current
3.4.4
Load Current Interface
The value displayed in this interface is the output current from the controller to the load; i.e.: the current
being consumed by the load (displayed in Amps).
Load Current
3.4.5
PV Solar Panel Generated Charge Interface
The value displayed in this interface is the cumulative, generated charge of the solar panels displayed in
Amp-hours (Ah). For example, if 5 amps is supplied to the battery from the solar panel(s) for 1 hour, then 5
Ah will be displayed on the LCD.
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NOTE: Press the MODE button for over 5 seconds to clear/reset the cumulative, generating charge (Ah).
3.4.6
Load Consumed Charge Interface
The value displayed in this interface is the cumulative, consumed charge of the Load displayed in Amp-hours
(Ah).
Load Consumed Charge
NOTE: Press the MODE button for over 5 seconds to clear/reset the cumulative, consumed charge (Ah).
3.4.7
Low Voltage Disconnect Interface
The value displayed in this interface is the Low Voltage Disconnect protection voltage set for the controller. If
the battery voltage is lower than the set protection voltage, the controller will automatically disconnect the
load to prevent the battery from over-discharging. The Low Voltage Disconnect is user settable.
LVD Set Value
NOTE: To change the LVD voltage, press the MODE button for over 5 seconds until the number starts to
blink / flicker. The controller will enter the adjustable mode, where you can use the UP and DOWN buttons
to adjust the parameter. After the value has been set, press the MODE button for over 5 seconds to exit the
adjustable mode and store the setting.
3.4.8
Low Voltage Reconnect Interface
The value displayed in this interface is the Low Voltage Reconnect voltage set for the controller. After the
controller enters into a low voltage protection state (Section 3.4.7), and the battery voltage recovers to the
value set for the Low Voltage Reconnect , the controller will reconnect the load automatically.
LVR Set Value
NOTE: To change the LVR voltage, press the MODE button for over 5 seconds until the number starts to
blink / flicker. The controller will enter the adjustable mode, where you can use the UP and DOWN buttons
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NOTE: To change the OVD value, press the MODE button for over 5 seconds until the number starts to
blink / flicker. The controller will enter the adjustable mode, where you can use the UP and DOWN buttons
to adjust the parameter. After the value has been set, press the MODE button for over 5 seconds to exit the
adjustable mode and store the setting.
3.4.10
Load Mode Timed Control Interface
The P30L charge controller has a mode setting function to set specific operation parameters. It is preset to
the factory default of normal control (24 hours). In Normal mode, the load will draw from the battery at all
times, and the PV panel will charge the battery when sunlight is available. It is also possible to have the load
remain on for a set duration, and when that set time period has elapsed, the load will switch off. The duration
setting is available in increments of 1 hour and 1-23 hour delays can be selected.
Load Mode Set Value
NOTE: To change the Load Control value, press the MODE button for over 5 seconds until the number
starts to blink / flicker. The controller will enter the adjustable mode, where you can use the UP and DOWN
buttons to adjust the parameter. After the value has been set, press the MODE button for over 5 seconds to
exit the adjustable mode and store the setting.
Value
24h
Mode
Function
1h 23h
Timed Control
0h
Light Control
IMPORTANT: There is a 10 minute delay before turning on the load in order to make sure it is really dark
and not a passing cloud etc.
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3.5.2
Overload Protection
If the Load is drawing a current 1.2 times the rated current of the controller for three (3) seconds or more, the
controller will enter into an Overload Protection State. When in this state, any loads applied will need to be
removed one by one until power is again supplied to the loads. The controller will supply power to the loads
automatically within seconds of being within an acceptable level or you may repeatedly press the DOWN
button to recover the power supply. However, if the load is not at an acceptable level, the controller will go
back into the protection state.
When in Overload Protection State, the LCD will look similar to the image below and the Load Icon will blink
or flicker.
3.5.3
Short-Circuit Protection
If a shorted circuit is detected in the Load, the controller will enter into a short-circuit protection state. When
in this state, check the loads and/or connecting cables for any damage or short-circuiting. Once the problem
has been identified and corrected, repeatedly press the DOWN button to recover the power supply.
When in Short-Circuit Protection State, the LCD will look similar to the image below and the Load Icon will
blink or flicker.
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4 APPLICATION
4.1 WIRE GAUGE REFERENCE
4.1.1
Wire Thickness
AWG
16
Diameter
inches (mm)
0.051 (1.29)
Ohms per
1000ft
4.016
Break
Force
75 lbs
Square
mm2
1.30
14
0.064 (1.63)
2.525
119 lbs
2.08
12
0.081 (2.05)
1.588
197 lbs
3.30
10
0.102 (2.59)
0.999
314 lbs
5.26
0.129 (3.26)
0.628
480 lbs
8.30
0.162 (4.11)
0.395
760 lbs
13.30
0.204 (5.19)
0.249
1210 lbs
21.15
0.258 (6.54)
0.156
1930 lbs
33.62
0.289 (7.35)
0.124
2430 lbs
42.41
0 (1/0)
0.325 (8.25)
0.098
3060 lbs
53.49
00 (2/0)
0.365 (9.27)
0.078
3860 lbs
67.43
000 (3/0)
0.410 (10.4)
0.062
4860 lbs
85.01
0000 (4/0)
0.460 (11.68)
0.049
6120 lbs
107.22
5.2 TROUBLESHOOTING
Problem
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Possible Remedies
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5.3 SUPPORT
If you are experiencing technical problems, and cannot find a solution in this manual, you can contact Windy
Nation Inc. for further assistance.
Call: (805) 323-6445
Email: support@windynation.com
Write: 398 South Kalorama Street, Unit C, Ventura, CA 93001
For challenging issues or to just ask a question, consider using our FREE Community Forums! Consult our
community of DIY'ers for fast answers to all your questions.
Post on our Forums: http://www.windynation.com/community/
5.4 WARRANTY
Windy Nation warrants that the Power Controller (the Product), will be free from manufacturing defects in
materials and workmanship under normal authorized use consistent with product instructions for a period of
one (1) year from the date the original purchaser (Customer) receives the Product (the Warranty Period).
This warranty extends only to the original purchaser. The Customers sole and exclusive remedy and the
entire liability of Windy Nation, its suppliers and affiliates for breach of the warranty is, at Windy Nations
option, either (i) to replace the Product (or defective component part(s)) with a new or reconditioned Product
(or component part(s)); (ii) to repair the reported problem; or (iii) to refund the purchase price of the Product.
Repaired or replaced products are warranted for the remainder of the original warranty period only. No
employee, agent, dealer or other person is authorized to give any warranties on behalf of Windy Nation not
expressly set forth in this limited warranty.
5.4.1
Restrictions
No warranty will apply if the Product (i) has been altered or modified except by Windy Nation; (ii) has not
been installed, operated, repaired, or maintained in accordance with instructions supplied by Windy Nation;
(iii) has been subjected to abnormal physical, thermal or electrical stress, misuse, negligence, or accident. If
Windy Nation determines that the problem with the Product is not due to a manufacturing defect in Windy
Nations workmanship or materials, or otherwise does not qualify for warranty repair, then the Customer will
be responsible for the costs of all necessary repairs and expenses incurred by Windy Nation.
5.4.2
Warranty Claims & Return Procedures
To be eligible for service under this warranty, the Customer must submit a service request within the
Warranty Period by contacting Windy Nation in writing or via telephone and obtaining a Returned Materials
Authorization (RMA) number. This RMA must be obtained before returning any product under this warranty.
Notification must include a description of the alleged defect, the manner in which the Product was used, the
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