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13
January 2020
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Solar Stik
®
, Inc.
24VDC Power Hub 3500 Operator Manual
• The bayonet connector for the Solar Leash is keyed and unique to the PV circuit. It cannot be
connected improperly, and no other System cable will fit.
• The PV charge controller is fully protected against voltage transients, over-temperature, over-
current, reverse battery connections, and reverse PV connections. An automatic current limit
feature allows use of its full rated capability without worrying about overload from excessive PV
input current.
Other DC power sources and batteries that connect to the Hub have their own individual circuit
protections, so the Hub does not need circuit breakers for individual loads or other connected
equipment. If a short-circuit conditions occurs within the DC network, only affected batteries, loads,
and power sources will engage their protections circuits, leaving non-problematic circuits active.
(See Circuit Breaker Protections in the Inter-Connect section for more details.)
Metered Circuits
Information regarding the status of the batteries and the overall flow of power into and out of the
system can be obtained from the Power Hub User Interface. Precise data is available in both real-
time and historical models.
DC power values are tracked as it flows in through the PV Controller circuits, as well as power that
flows out to a connected battery, PRO-Verter or additional Power Hub(s).
Only certain ports are metered on the Hub . Follow recommended connection diagrams on the
I-Plate and the System manual for proper metering of DC values .
Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) – Charge Controls
The Power Hub 3500 contains three (3) photovoltaic (PV) charge controllers. Each charge controller
has tow (2) input ports; both ports are parallel. Being able to monitor each charge controller and its
solar input(s) independently a the User Interface facilitates system optimization and troubleshooting
of the solar arrays.
Derating
Derating is a condition where the PV power management functions are diminished due to high
temperatures.
Excessive heat in the Power Hub reduces its ability to supply to DC into the Inter-Connect circuit
(i.e. to the batteries and other connected devices). It is usually caused by poor airflow over the
internal charge controls or by solar loading in high-heat environments.
The first indication of heat-related derating may be the appearance that the solar arrays are “not
producing any power” when they should be. If this is the case, check the temperatures. (
Note:
The
Power Hub User Interface will also report 0 VDC charging current when the System batteries are
fully charged.)