Simpro Dumpmaster, User Manual

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5.4.9 Solar panel
If you do not operate a machine with a solar panel kit, please disregard this section.
Battery machines may be fitted with a solar panel kit to allow operation in locations without
mains power. The 80W/24V monocrystalline solar panel (dimensions 930x673x35mm) is
mounted on an adjustable steel bracket at the top of the mast, and delivers power to the
battery via a digital regulator.
As per Section 2.5 , in ideal conditions the solar panel provides enough power to dump about
3,000kg of material each day, which is equivalent to about 30 full 240L wheelie bins. There
are many factors affecting this figure, including the season, the amount of sunlight available,
cloud cover, panel alignment and cleanliness, and the condition of the batteries.
To deliver maximum power the solar panel must be correctly aligned, clean, and
exposed to direct sunlight throughout the day.
5.4.9.1 Solar panel alignment
The solar panel is mounted on an adjustable steel bracket with one axis of movement. To
deliver maximum power, the panel should be aligned to cast the largest-possible shadow
when the sun is at its highest point in the sky. However, because the bracket has only one
axis of movement, the orientation of the machine itself affects the optimum panel alignment.
Use the following guidelines to align the solar panel:
1. Ideally, orient the machine so that adjustment arc of the panel mounting bracket
runs from North to South.
2. If the adjustment arc cannot be oriented North-South, the panel should be angled at
0° degrees (vertical). While this is suitable close to the equator, it will progressively
reduce the power output at latitudes beyond
±20° degrees
.
3. With the machine in its long-term location, tilt the panel towards the equator by the
same number of deg rees as the machine’s geographic latitude.
4. If required, a further 5-10% increase in output can be achieved by tuning the panel
alignment for the Summer and Winter months:
a. At the beginning of Spring, reduce the angle of the panel so it is equal to the
machi
ne’s geographic latitude less 15° degrees .
b. At the beginning of Autumn (Fall), increase the angle of the panel so it is
equal to the machine’s geograph ic latitude plus 15° degrees .
The panel angles referred to above are measured in degrees of arc from vertical.
Without correct adjustment the solar panel may deliver as little as 20% of the theoretical
maximum output. Correctly adjusting the panel when the machine is installed can
increase this figure to ~70%, and adjustment twice a year can increase output to ~75% of
the theoretical maximum.
5.4.9.2 Solar panel cleaning
The solar panel should be cleaned every six months, using a microfiber cloth or damp rag.
Use appropriate height-safety equipment when servicing or cleaning the solar panel.