Rev 1.3 22.07.09
Dingo Reference Manual
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will control each external switch block. This
is done in the ESET sub menu. A long push on
ESET brings up the first switch setting. Short
pushes move to the next switch until ESET
returns after switch C.
The following table shows the control options.
7.5.3 BSET: Configuring the B+ Sense
Input
The terminal labelled B+(right most terminal of
the green terminal block) is intended as a sense
input for the battery positive voltage. This can
be connected directly to the positive terminal of
the battery so that the true battery voltage can
be read. This is important if there is significant
voltage drop along the wiring (including any fuse)
between the BAT+ terminal on the Dingo and
the real battery positive. (If there is significant
voltage drop on the negative side, then take the
BAT- terminal directly to the battery negative via
a fuse. The fuse need only be rated for the Dingo
supply current, say 100mA. Take the negative
side of the charge current from the array to the
battery separately via it’s own fuse. The intention
is that the array current does not pass through
the same wire as the Dingo negative supply
current). See figure 7.5.3A
Shunt Control
The Dingo supports either series control,
shunt control, or both at the same time. In
a hybrid system, the main solar component
is controlled by the SOL input and the other
charge component (wind, hydro, etc) is directly
connected to the battery and controlled by a
dump load which diverts excess charge. The
dump load is managed by the shunt control
function. This can operate via the LOAD or ‘G’
terminal either directly or through a relay. These
functions are configured in the LSET and GSET
screens. (see above)
Regulating Wind / Hydro:
Shunt control is appropriate for wind generators
or microhydro systems, which require a constant
load on the charging source so the generator
doesn’t overspeed and destroy itself. In this case
the charging source must remain connected to
the battery at all times.
“Shunt control” (also referred to as “diversion
control”) refers to the technique of controlling
the battery voltage by drawing energy from
the system with a ‘dump load’, rather than
disconnecting the charge source as “series
control” does on the solar input.
To regulate a wind or microhydro installation
with shunt control, a dedicated dump load must
be available for the Dingo to switch across the
battery. The dump load current should be larger
(at the range of expected battery voltages) than
the maximum charge current available from your
generator.
The function of the dump load is to ‘soak up’
energy coming in which the battery cannot store
in order to maintain the desired battery voltage.
7.5.2 ESET: External switch setup
The Dingo has a serial bus which allows the
user to add external devices to increase the
control system’s capability. One such device is an
electronic switch. This can be used to increase
the charge current being regulated or increase
the load current being controlled by the load
disconnect function.
The user needs to select which internal function
7
SET/MODE/ESET Selection Summary:
Selection Function
0
Charge control (normal/slow)
On when Dingo wants to charge
1
Charge control (shunt/slow)
Off when Dingo wants to charge
2
Load disconnect (inverse)
On when load should be off
3
Load disconnect (normal)
Off when load should be off
4
Alarm (normal)
On when battery<ALRM voltage
5
Alarm (inverse)
Off when battery<ALRM voltage
6
Event (normal)
On when the event is active
7
Event (inverse)
Off when the event is active