Rev 1.3 22.07.09
Dingo Reference Manual
20
Dingo to adjust its regulation voltage settings to
compensate for variations in battery temperature.
The setting TCMP is used to select a temperature
profile, which determines how this compensation
is achieved.
The Dingo can automatically sense the presence
of a temperature sensor if one of the auto-
sense profiles is selected. However, if operation
at temperatures below -12
o
C is common, it
is better to use the non auto sense profile
(TCMP=4-7). The auto sense will not detect
sensors colder than -16
o
C
Fig. 7.4.3B shows the temperature compensation
curves for each TCMP setting. Consult the
battery manufacturer for correct compensation
for the battery used.
Timers
:
The HYST value is also used to start and stop
the timers associated with the different regulator
charging states (Boost, Equalise, and Absorption).
Example:
When the Dingo changes to the Absorption state,
an internal timer is started to monitor how long
the regulator has been in Absorption. If however
the battery voltage falls lower than ABSV - HYST
this timer is stopped, and starts again when the
battery voltage rises above ABSV - HYST. This
ensures that the regulator holds the system in the
required state for the correct programmed time
and doesn’t continue to the next charging stage
until this time has elapsed.
NOTE: An exception to this is the Equalise
State, which will terminate after 4 days if unable
to complete the full specified time period.
7.4.2 CLIM Charge Current Limit
The Dingo has a built-in charge current limit. If
the charge current exceeds the CLIM setting,
the charge duty cycle will be reduced to limit the
average charge current.
This allows the Dingo to protect itself from
overheating due to excessive charge current. The
maximum charge current can also be limited for
small batteries where the full array current might be
too much for the battery. This is useful for systems,
which are marginal in winter, but have too much
charge current for the battery in summer.
It can also be useful where there is an initial
ageing effect in the first few months of the life
of the module. For example, with amorphous
modules the initial current may be more than the
charge current rating of the Dingo. Making use of
this feature, panels can be installed with the full
rating calculated after the initial drop off.
NB. Current limiting is only done for the Dingo.
It is not done for the external charge switches.
7.4.3 TCMP
(Temperature compensation)
(Default=0, Adjustable in Program 4 only)
A temperature sensor is available which allows the
SET/REG/TCMP Selection Summary:
TCMP Function
Example Battery
0
-5mV°C linear
auto sense
(default)
General Purpose -
use this if in doubt
1
gentle curve
auto sense
BP Solar Block
2
steeper curve
auto sense
Sonnenshein Dry Fit
3
limited range
curve
auto sense
Absolyte battery
4
-5mV°C linear
non auto sense
General Purpose -
use this if in doubt
5
gentle curve
non auto sense
BP Solar Block
6
steeper curve
non auto sense
Sonnenshein Dry Fit
7
limited range
curve
non auto sense
Absolyte battery
8
No temperature
sensor
(Failsafe: if short
across T- T+ inputs)
Note: Without a temperature sensor fitted, the
Dingo TEMP display will be blank.
7
