39
TriStar MPPT 600V Operator’s Manual
38
Installation
AVERTISSEMENT : Risque D'incendie
Lors de la connexion des câbles de détection de batterie, installez un fusible de 5 A dans le fil
de détection (+), six pouces de la borne (+) de la batterie.
The voltage at the battery connection on the TriStar MPPT 600V may differ slightly from the
voltage directly at the battery bank terminals due to connection and cable resistance. The
Battery
Voltage Sense (BVS)
connection enables the TriStar MPPT 600V to measure the battery terminal
voltage precisely with small gauge wires that carry very little current, and thus have no voltage
drop. Both BVS wires are connected to the TriStar at the 2-position terminal indicated by #16 in
Figure 2-1, on p. 13. No damage will occur if the polarity is reversed, but the controller cannot
read a reversed sense voltage. Connecting the BVS wires to the RTS terminal will cause an
alarm. If a TriStar meter is installed, check the “TriStar Settings” to confirm the BVS and the RTS
(if installed) are both present and detected by the controller. MSView
TM
PC software can also be
used to confirm the BVS is working correctly.
A BVS connection is not required to operate your TriStar MPPT 600V controller, but it is
recommended for best performance. If a TriStar meter will be added to the controller, the
battery voltage sense will ensure that the voltage and diagnostic displays are very accurate.
The BVS wires should be cut to length as required to connect the battery to the voltage sense
terminal. The wire size can range from 16 to 24 AWG (1.0 to 0.25 mm
2
). A twisted pair cable is
recommended but not required. Use UL rated 300 Volt conductors. The BVS wires may be pulled
through conduit with the power conductors. Tighten the connector screws to 5 in-lb (0.56 Nm) of
torque.
The maximum length allowed for each BVS wire is 98 ft (30 m).
Be careful to connect the battery positive (+) terminal to the voltage sense positive (+) terminal.
3.8 Configuration
Step 9 - Adjust Settings Switches
Switch 1: Future Use
Select the charging source that will be connected to the TriStar MPPT 600V.
Mode
Switch 1
Solar Charging
OFF
Future Use
ON
Switch 2: Not Used (OFF)
Switch 3: Charging Mode
Charging Mode
Switch 3
Normal 48V
OFF
Custom Multiplier*
ON
*
Allows for nominal charging voltages of 24, 36, or 60V. Battery compatibility must be verified.
Switches 4, 5, & 6: Battery Charging Settings
It is important to select the battery type that matches the system battery to ensure proper charg-
ing and long battery life. Refer to the specifications provided by the battery manufacturer and
choose a setting that best fits the recommended charging profile.
Settings
Switches
4 - 5 - 6
Battery
Type
Absorp.
Stage
(Volts)
Float
Stage
(Volts)
Equalize
Stage
(Volts)
Equalize
Interval
(Days)
off-off-off
1 - Gel
56.00
54.80
off-off-on
2 - Sealed*
56.60
54.80
57.60
28
off-on-off
3 - Sealed*
57.20
54.80
58.40
28
off-on-on 4 - AGM/Flooded
57.60
54.80
60.40
28
on-off-off
5 - Flooded
58.40
54.00
61.20
28
on-off-on
6 - Flooded
58.80
54.00
61.60
28
on-on-off
7 - L-16
61.60
53.60
64.00
14
on-on-on
8 - Custom
Custom
Custom
Custom
Custom
* “Sealed” battery type includes gel and AGM batteries
All settings are for 48 volt nominal systems. Descriptions of battery type and stages are provided
below. See section 4.2 for full details.
Battery Type
- The most common battery type associated with the specified charging settings.
Absorption Stage - This stage limits input current so that the Absorption voltage is maintained.
As the battery becomes more charged, the charging current continues to taper down until the
battery is fully charged.
Float Stage - When the battery is fully charged, the charging voltage will be reduced to the Float
voltage setting.
Equalize Stage - During an equalization cycle, the charging voltage will be held constant at the
specified voltage setting.
Equalize Interval - The number of days between equalization charges when the controller is
configured for automatic equalizations (settings switch 7).
Switch 7: Battery Equalization
Choose between manual and automatic battery equalization charging. In the manual
equalization setting, an equalization will only occur when manually started with the push-button
or when requested from the equalize menu on the TriStar meter. Automatic equalization will occur
according to the battery program specified by settings switches 4, 5, & 6 in the previous step.
