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©2000 Xantrex Technology Inc.
Automatic PV Array Night Disconnect
At night, the PV array is automatically disconnected from the battery to
prevent reverse leakage of power. This eliminates the need for a blocking
diode between the battery and the PV array. If thin-film or amorphous solar
modules are being used, diodes may still be required to prevent damage from
partial shading conditions. Check the documentation provided with the PV
modules.
Diversion Control Mode
The C-Series can operate as a diversion control to manage battery charging
from alternative-energy sources such as wind or hydroelectric generators.
Systems utilizing solar arrays do not have a requirement for diversion loads since
a solar module can be open-circuited without damage. However, even with a
solar based system it may be desirable to use excess power to operate DC
loads. When used in this way, the C-Series controls a diversion load to redirect
the excess power generated instead of allowing it to flow into the battery. This
prevents damage to the charging source from an over-speed condition which
could occur if the charging source is suddenly disconnected from all loads as
series relay regulators do. Consult your dealer for load and regulator size
recommendations.
When the controller operates as a diversion regulator, it provides three-
stage regulation of battery voltage, with temperature compensation and auto-
matic or manual equalization. See the
Three-Stage Battery Charging
section
for more information on this process.
Diversion mode requires a separate dump load to regulate the battery.
This load must be able to absorb more power than the charging source is able to
produce at its peak output, or the DC voltage will become unregulated. The
dump load must be available for the diversion of power at all times. Resistive-
type heating elements are the best diversion loads. Special direct current
water heating elements are available. Light bulbs and motors are not recom-
mended as diversion loads because they are unreliable.
When used in diversion mode, ensure that the operating mode jumpers are
on the charge control pins. See
Configuring the CSeries
in Section 3 of this
manual.
Current draw of the diversion load is very important. Problems may arise
from operating with a load that is too small or too large. A diversion load that is
too small will not be able to absorb all the excess power from the current source
once the batteries are full.
Diversion loads in excess of 85 amps are capable of absorbing more power
than the C-Series is designed to handle, resulting in an over-current shut down.
During this time, the unit will not regulate electrical flow in the system, and battery
damage may result.
A diversion load that draws about 25% more current than the charging
sources maximum output capability is usually suitable for use with the C-Series.
1.0 INTRODUCTION
3
Summary of Contents for Trace C35
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