Installation and Operation Manual
Blue Sky Energy | USA |
www.blueskyenergyinc.com
6
LED’s will alternately
blink. With equalize enabled the 3000i will perform an automatic equalization at the factory default settings of 15.2V for 2 hours
every 30 days which is typically suitable for most flooded lead-acid batteries. When set for automatic equalization the cycle will begin when the set
number of days since the last equalization has elapsed, and the charge control system has switched to Float. When set for manual equalization (
Eqd
set
to 00) an automatic equalization will not occur. Whether set for automatic or manual the process may be started or stopped manually by pressing the
Display Select push-button for 20 seconds. Once equalization has started the equalize timer will not count down unless battery voltage is at the equalize
voltage setpoint which is temperature compensated as shown above. Therefore obtaining a proper 2 hour equalization will require longer than 2 hours
to complete depending on available charge current. Note that at least 3.5 amps of net charge current per 100 amp-hours of battery capacity is typically
required to properly equalize a battery. If equalization does not complete during the charging day it will resume where it left off the next charging day,
but will automatically cancel if unable to complete within 24 hours. The equalize day counter is reset whenever an equalization cycle is started.
MAXIMUM SETPOINT VOLTAGE LIMIT
The maximum setpoint voltage limit places a maximum limit or ceiling on the charge voltage setpoint used by the 3000i in all charge modes to
prevent inverters or other equipment from shutting down due to excess voltage. Regardless of initial setpoints, charge mode or temperature
compensation the 3000i will not use a charge voltage setpoint greater than the maximum setpoint voltage limit (
uPr
) factory set to 15.5V. Note that
voltage may briefly exceed this value by 0.1
–
0.2V as the system responds to sudden changes in load or PV power.
MAXIMUM POWER POINT TRACKING (MPPT)
The 3000i’s patented MPPT technology can increase charge current up to 30% or more compared to conventional PWM controllers o
perating 36
cell PV modules. Principal operating conditions affecting current boost performance are PV cell temperature and battery voltage, with lower PV
temperature and lower battery voltage producing greater charge current increase. In cool comfortable temperatures most systems see about 10
–
20%
increase. Increase may go to zero in hot temperatures, whereas charge current increase may easily exceed 30% with a discharged battery and freezing
temperatures. MPPT also allows efficient use of higher voltage 60 cell modules by converting their much higher voltage down to battery voltage.
Ignoring conversion losses the conversion process produces an output current roughly equal to PV current times the ratio of PV voltage to battery
voltage. If a 60 cell module is operating at 25V with 5 amps of output, and battery voltage was 13V, output charge current from the 3000i would be
about 5 amps times 25V
13V or about 9.6 amps. For a more complete MPPT description see “
What Is MPPT and how do
es it work?” on the FAQ pag
e
at
www.blueskyenergyinc.com
.
PANEL TEMPERATURE AND THERMAL PROTECTION
Internal power control devices use the front panel as a heatsink. It is normal for the front panel to become quite warm to the touch when the 3000i
is operating normally. Front panel heating will be the greatest when the 3000i is processing either very high power or very low power. When
mounted to a vertical surface with good ventilation, the 3000i can deliver full output in an ambient temperature of up to 45
C (113
F). If an over
temperature condition exists, the 3000i will simply cycle on and off to keep internal temperature within acceptable limits.
MULTIPLE CHARGE CONTROLLERS ON THE IPN NETWORK
The 3000i may also operate as an IPN Network Master controlling up to 7 remote Blue Sky Energy IPN compatible charge controllers such as the
SB3024iL or SB2512iX-HV. The IPN Network allows multiple charge controllers to communicate with each other and coordinate their activities to
charge the battery as a single coordinated charging machine. The IPN Network allows an existing 3000i installation to be expanded greatly in power
handling capability by adding charge additional controllers and PV modules with all controllers displaying through the existing 3000i display.
➢
When serving as an IPN network M
aster the 3000i’s display will show the sum of all controllers on the network
for input current, output current and solar charge amp-hours. If a remote Slave controller has good PV input but
the 3000
i does not, the 3000i’s charge control system will properly direct the Slaves as indicated on the 3000i’s
Charge Status LED’s, but the 3000i’s display will be dim while the 3000i’s own power controller remains off. The
display will become bright once the 3000i receives good PV input.
INSTALLATION
➢
WARNING:
Read, understand and follow the Important Safety Instructions in the beginning of this manual before
proceeding. This unit must be installed and wired in accordance with National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70. Over
current protection must be provided externally. To reduce the risk of fire, connect to a circuit provided with 40 amp
maximum branch-circuit over current protection in accordance with National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70 with 36
cell modules, or 30 amp maximum with 60 cell modules. Do not connect a PV array capable of delivering greater
than 24 amps of short circuit current I
SC
at STC with 36 cell modules, or 11.8 amps with 60 cell modules. Do not
connect BAT
–
and PV
–
together external to the unit. To reduce risk of electric shock or product damage, remove all
sources of power before installing or servicing. Figures 4 and 5 show generalized connections only and are not
intended to show all wiring, circuit protection and safety requirements for a photovoltaic electrical system.
➢
CAUTION:
The 3000i is protected against reverse battery and PV polarity, and swapped PV and battery
connections, but will be damaged by reverse battery to the PV terminals. Transient voltage lightning protection is
provided, but steady state voltage in excess of 50VDC on the battery or PV terminals will damage the unit. Damage
of either type voids the limited warranty.
CHARGE AND LOAD CONTROL SETTINGS
The 3000i contains various charge control and load control settings all of which are preconfigured at the factory to the default settings shown
below. Most installations require no changes to these settings which are typically suitable for most flooded, GEL and AGM lead-acid chemistry
batteries. Check with your battery manufacturer to confirm that these settings are suitable for your particular battery.
