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Operation
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Mains/DC – 1 hour on charge – then 1 hour off charge (charge algorithm and timing while charging). Starting in stage 1
and moving through to stage 3 – when the 1 hour elapses, it will stop charging at whatever stage it is in, then turn off
charging for 1 hour then recommence charging where it left off.
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Solar – Operates to charge algorithm – up to a max of 18 hrs charging – then 1 hour rest (This is done in case solar is
selected – but it is connected to the mains). The charging will move from one stage to the next and stay in stage 3 if
required – until the solar is removed. When solar reappears, the sequence starts at stage 1 again.
Note
: Charging control always starts at stage 1 and move through to stage 3. If stage 3 terminates due to a condition or
timeout, then charging will turn off for 1 hour and then recommence at stage 1.
4.4.2.2
Charge Algorithm Stages
The following describes the operation of the different stages of the charge algorithm:
CC:
Charge at a constant ‘current’ (trying to keep the Iout current constant) until the ’voltage’ (the Vout voltage)
reaches the specified level with a maximum ‘interval’ specified. (0=> No time limit) If there is sufficient solar
power for the current to reach the constant current level, the ‘charge mode’ returned is CC – if there is not
sufficient power, the regulator enters maximum power point tracking mode and the ‘charge mode’ returned is
M-CC. In this mode the Vin voltage and Iin current is monitored and the regulator adjusts itself so that the
maximum power is retrieved from the solar. In MPPT mode, the minimum Vin voltage that is controlled down
to is 10.5V.
CV:
Charge at a constant ‘voltage’ (trying to keep Vout voltage constant) until the ’current’ (the Iout current) falls to
the specified level with a maximum ‘interval’ specified. (0=> No time limit) If there is sufficient solar for the
voltage to reach the constant voltage level, the ‘charge mode’ returned is CV – if there is not sufficient power,
the regulator enters maximum power point tracking mode and the ‘charge mode’ returned is M-CV. In this
mode the Vin voltage and Iin current is monitored and the regulator adjusts itself so that the maximum power
is retrieved from the solar. In MPPT mode, the minimum Vin voltage that is controlled down to is 10.5V.
Disc:
Forced disconnect mode. The solar is purposefully not used to charge the battery. Batteries last longer when
cycled – that is, discharged and then charged – so disabling the charge for a time can, believe it or not, be
beneficial to the battery.
Sleep:
When there is no solar present the regulator enters sleep mode, waking once a second to see if solar is
present. If solar has been absent for less than 4 hours (clouds passing overhead), the iRIS returns to the
previous charging state – if however solar has been absent for more than 4 hours (overnight), the iRIS
returns to a stage #1 charging state.
Note
:
Throughout this description:
Vin = Solar Voltage, Iin = Solar Current, Vout = Battery Voltage, Iout = Battery Charge Current
4.4.3
Charger LED Flash States
The solar regulator charge status can be determined by viewing the red status LED located at the top of the main board.
Figure 23 – Location of solar regulator status LED (Red)
