Cygnus User Manual
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v3.0 2011
Page 14
3.7
Charging Methods
Cygnus can be charged using a number of methods including Firefly’s portable folding solar arrays (Fold
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Array), Firefly’s range
of Kinectrics equipment and an external AC grid supply or secondary power system. In addi on to these charging methods it is
also possible to charge Cygnus using wind turbines or alterna ve solar arrays. Contact the manufacturer for a list of approved
products and further details on connec on.
3.7.1 Charging with Firefly’s Portable Folding Solar Array (Fold
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Array)
3.7.1.1 Connec ng
1.
Once the arrays have been posi oned suitably, any junc on boxes connected and the extension cables safely run
back to Cygnus, the arrays can be connected to the unit.
2.
Before connec ng the solar extension cables to Cygnus, ensure that the Solar Isolator Switches (Fig. 1, A1 & A2)
are turned off.
3.
Connect your first array to the Solar Array 1 connectors (Fig. 1, A3) on the control panel. If using a Fold Array par-‐
allel junc on box to connect mul ple arrays, connect its output to the Solar Array 1 connectors.
4.
The LED indicator to the right of the connectors will illuminate to show that the connec on has been made.
5.
If a second array is to be used, connect this to the Solar Array 2 connectors (Fig. 1, A4) on the control panel. If
using a second Fold Array parallel junc on box to connect mul ple arrays, connect its output to the Solar Array 2
connectors.
6.
The LED indicator to the right of the connectors will illuminate to show that the connec on has been made.
7.
Ensure that the connectors are fully engaged to avoid the risk of them pulling out easily and possible
electrocu on.
8.
Once the Solar Connectors are all safely connected, switch on the solar isolator switches (Fig. 1, A1 & A2) on the
le hand side of the control panel.
9.
A gradual rise in voltage should be displayed on the Smartgauge ba ery monitor. It may take up to 2 minutes
before any significant change as the power regula on circuits op mise their use of the power from the sun’s
rays. (This is dependant on the panels receiving sufficient light).
3.7.1.2 Disconnec ng
1.
To disconnect the solar array from Cygnus, switch off the relevant Solar Isolator switch(es) (Fig. 1, A1/A2) on the
control panel.
2.
Pull the Solar extension cables out from the control panel connectors (Fig. 1, A3/A4).
Up to five 540 Wp Firefly Portable Solar Folding Arrays can be connected to one unit using suitable
parallel junc on boxes supplied by the manufacturer. They must not be connected in series.
It is possible to connect alternate solar arrays up to a combined output of 2.5 kWp and 145V.
Contact the manufacturer before connec ng arrays from an alternate supplier.
See Appendix 3 (6.3.2), for an example of connec ng more than two arrays to a unit.
