Installation and Operation Manual
Blue Sky Energy | USA |
www.blueskyenergyinc.com
4
controller system using the IPN Network the 3000i’s display will show the total of all controllers on the network.
AUX-VOLT shows voltage on
3000i’s
the
auxiliary output. When the auxiliary output is configured for Auxiliary Battery Charge (factory default) and the 2 amp auxiliary charge output is
connected to an auxiliary battery (such as the engine start battery in a Motorhome) the voltage of the auxiliary battery is displayed. If the auxiliary
output is configured for Load Control, the voltage displayed is that applied to the load.
SOLAR CHARGE AMP-HOUR COUNTER
The batter
y essentially serves as a “storage tank”, with the
battery storing electrical energy in units referred to as amp-hours. Amp-hours are
computed by multiplying
current in
amps
X
time in
hours
. For example 20 amp-hours may be a current of 10 amps flowing for 2 hours, or may be 1
amp flowing for 20 hours. The battery receives and stores amp-hours when being charged, and then delivers those stored amp-hours when being
discharged. The amp-hour counter displays total solar charge amp-hours accumulated since the last time the counter was cleared up to a maximum
count of 999 amp-hours. Amp-hour production varies widely with operating conditions, but as a very broad brush approximation 100 watts of PV
modules can deliver up to a maximum of about 30 amp-hours per day. Any partial shading, lower sun intensity, shorter days, or time spent in
Absorption or Float will decrease amp-hours produced. The present amp-hour count may be cleared by pressing Display Select for 5 seconds while
viewing amp-hours on the display.
BATTERY LEVEL GRAPHIC
The 3000i provides a battery level graphic on the front panel which indicates approximate battery level versus battery voltage. Generally a higher voltage
is better than a lower voltage. A battery that is being charged will typically range in voltage from about 12.5 volts after charge commences, to 14.0 volts
or greater when the battery is highly charged. Once charge stops and the battery begins discharging and delivering power to a load it is normal for
battery voltage to drop. A battery under a light load of about 1 amp per 100 amp-hours of battery capacity may range between about 12.5 volts when
the battery is full, down to perhaps 12.0 volts when the battery is about 50% discharged. Battery voltage during discharge will tend to be higher under
light load and lower under a heavier load.
Do not think of these voltage values as absolutes but rather as a broad brush indication of approximate battery charge level. Voltage at a particular state
of charge will vary with battery size, age, construction, temperature, and with the level of charge or discharge current. Most battery manufacturers
recommend not discharging below about 50% DOD (depth of discharge) to promote improved battery performance and life. Avoid allowing battery
voltage to drop below about 11.5 volts, and NEVER allow battery voltage to drop below 10.0 volts. If a highly accurate battery charge level indication is
desired, consider installing an optional IPN ProRemote display.
FRONT PANEL OPERATION & INDICATORS
FIGURE 1
3-STAGE CHARGE CONTROL
The 3000i is factory configured for a 3-stage charging process, Bulk, Absorption and Float, which is fully automatic and requires no operator
intervention. The 3-stage charge process applies a somewhat higher Absorption charge voltage to charge the battery quickly and safely. Once the
battery is fully charged a somewhat lower Float voltage is applied to maintain the battery in a fully charged state without excessive water loss.
➢
The charge control system always starts in Absorption and will return to Absorption upon exiting Current Limit
or Equalization. Following a 10 second delay in Absorption the 3000i may move on to other charge modes based
on battery and system needs.
Bulk Charge
The 3000i will switch to Bulk charge when battery voltage remains below the present Charge Voltage setpoint. During Bulk the 3000i delivers as
much charge current as possible to rapidly recharge the battery. During Bulk it is a combination of battery size, state of charge and available
charge current that determine battery voltage, not the 3000i.
Auxiliary Output LED
Indicates when the auxiliary
output is ON, either charging
an auxiliary battery or
powering a load.
Setup Push-Button
Used with Display Select to
view or change all setup
parameters.
Digital Display
May show battery voltage,
input/output charge current,
solar charge amp-hours or
auxiliary output voltage.
AMP indicator will be on
solid for output current or
blinking for PV input current.
Display automatically dims at
night.
Display Select Push-Button
Selects display mode. May
also be used to clear solar
charge amp-hours or
start/stop Equalize.
Front Panel Heating
Panel serves as a heatsink for
power control devices, may
become quite warm during
normal operation.
Battery Level Graphic
Shows approximate battery
level vs. battery voltage.
Charge Status LED’s
Shows present charge mode.
