User manual MPPT Solar charge controller PowerXtreme XS20
E18-XS20-EN00
www.emergoplus.com
Page 6 of 44
This is to prevent the charger from getting damaged by
overheating.
▪
During the charging of lead batteries, in can of a temperature
increase, the charger will automatically reduce the charging
voltage to lengthen the life span of the battery.
1.3
Introduction to Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT)
technology
Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) is an advanced charging
technology in which the solar panel generates more output capacity, due
the adjustment of the settings of the electrical module. Due to the non-
linear character of solar panels there is a maximum output capacity
(maximum power point) on the power curve. As conventional PWM
chargers do not continuously follow this point, they do not get the
maximum capacity of the solar panel. But a solar charger with MPPT-
technology will continuously monitor the maximum power point to get the
maximum quantity of energy from the panel.
Take a 12V Solar system for example. The maximum peak voltage (Vmpp)
of the solar panel is approximately 17V, whereas the battery voltage is
approximately 12V. When using a conventional charger, the voltage of the
solar panel will remain around 12V, not being able to provide the
maximum capacity. The MPPT-charger solves this problem by
continuously adjusting the input voltage and current of the solar panel
continue and, as such, realise maximum input power.
In comparison with conventional PWM-chargers, the MPPT-charger uses
the maximum capacity of the solar panel and, as a consequence, it be able
to provide a higher charging current. In general, the MPPT charger is able
to increase the energy consumption by 15% to 20%, compared to
conventional chargers.
