5.0
Operation
52
GenStar MPPT
53
The charging profile in figure 5-6 above, shows an
Equalization Time-out
event. The time-out timer
begins as soon as battery voltage exceeds the Absorption voltage set-point. If there is insufficient
charging current or system loads are too large, the battery voltage may not reach the Equalization
set-point. Equalization Timeout is a safety feature that prevents high battery voltage for extended
periods of time which may damage the battery. Equalization time-out duration depends on the
chosen preset, and is also customizable.
Equalaization Time-out is disabled for Lithium presets (6-
8).
5.3 Load Control Information
The primary purpose of the load control function is to disconnect system loads when the battery
has discharged to a low state of charge, and reconnect system loads when the battery is sufficiently
recharged. System loads may be lights, DC appliances, or other electronic devices. The total current
draw of all loads must not exceed the GenStar 30 Amp maximum load rating.
CAUTION:
Equipment Damage
Do not wire any AC inverter to the load terminals of the GenStar. Damage to the load control
circuit may result. An inverter should be wired to the battery. If there is a possibility that any other load
will sometimes exceed the GenStar’s maximum voltage or current limits, the device should be wired
directly to the battery or battery bank. If load control is required, contact Morningstar Tech Support
for assistance.
Current Compensation:
Each load control profile specifies its own current compensation - some being zero. Under load,
the battery voltage will sag in proportion to the current draw of the load. Without a current
compensation feature, a short-term large load could cause a premature LVD. LVD-LVR - Load Control
Profiles - are adjusted lower per the preset Table 5-4 in Section 5.2.2, or as customed programmed.
LVD Warning:
As the battery discharges, the Battery Status LEDs will transition from green to yellow and then from
yellow to flashing red. The flashing red indication is a warning that a low voltage disconnect (LVD)
event will occur soon.
The amount of time between a green SOC indication and load disconnect will depend on many fac-
tors including:
• rate of discharge (amount of load draw)
• capacity of the battery
• health of the battery
• LVD set-point
If the battery discharges to the LVD set-point the load will disconnect and a solid red Battery Status
LED indication will be displayed.
General Load Control Notes:
Do not wire multiple GenStar MPPT load outputs together in parallel to power DC loads with a
current draw greater 30 Amps. Equal current sharing cannot be assured and an over-load condition
will likely occur with one or more controllers.
Exercise caution when connecting loads with specific polarity before energizing a load circuit. A
reverse polarity connection may damage the load. Always double check load connections before
applying power.
5.4 Soft-key Use
The GenStar MPPT features a push-button that operates as follows:
Programmable Soft-key
(maps command functions)
The Soft-key button is located at the lower left corner of the meter interface. The button can be
programmed to control up to two commands - one command with a momentary press, and another
with a prolonged (>2 secs) press. Soft-key commands are assigned in the Display and Button Menu
of the local meter display, and the Meter Display Page in LiveView.
5.5 Factory Reset Procedure
CAUTION:
Before performing factory reset, be sure to save the settings configuration to
an SD card. After a factory reset, the unit will need to be re-commissioned.
Factory Reset must be done using the on-board meter display. Navigate to Setup\Advanced
Setup\Installer Setup, and enter Installer Password 141. Then navigate to Commands\Factory Reset
and choose that option.
5.6 LED Indications
(see Figure 2-2)
The GenStar MPPT meter face houses one Status LEDs (left of screen) and a set of three battery
State-of-Charge LEDs (beneath screen - horizontal).
LED Display Key
G = green LED is lit
Y - R = yellow LED is lit, then red LED is lit
G / Y = Green and Yellow are both lit at the same time
G / Y - R = Green & Yellow both lit, then Red is lit alone
Sequencing LED patterns (faults) repeat until the fault is cleared
5.6.1 General LED Indications
The Green, Yellow or Red State-of-Charge LEDs are used for general indications and charging
indications.
General Indications
• Start-up
G for (3) secs, then G - Y - R
• Start-up - failed bootload
G / Y / R for (3) secs, then G, then STOP on Y
• Reset to factory settings
ALL LEDs (3) times, then R-Y-G
5.6.2 Battery Charging LED Indications
• Equalize start request
G / Y / R - G / Y / R - G - G
• Equalize cancel request
G / Y / R - G / Y / R - R - R
• Equalization stage
G flashing (2 per sec)
• Absorption stage
G flashing (1 per sec)
• Float stage
G flashing (1 per 2 secs)
