INTRODUCTION
2
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1
General Description
The Microcare Maximum Power Point Tracker (MPPT) Regulator is designed to interface between
the Solar Panel, the Batteries and the Load. The tracker will always find the optimum power point of
the solar panel system to ensure that maximum power is extracted from the solar panel and put into
the batteries.
By using this system up to 30% more power can be extracted from the solar panel than using shunt
or series pass voltage regulators. The Regulator is also able to charge batteries of a lower voltage
than the solar panel. By means of LEDs it will show the status of the system. It also incorporates
various charge modes which will automatically increase the charge level to the batteries when first
starting up or if the battery voltage falls below the minimum volts, the Regulator will read the nominal
battery voltage.
This unit is designed to run on a 12/24V battery set where it will then read the solar panel voltage and
automatically find the optimum power point. The charging, battery values and boost modes are then
automatically adjusted. Via jumpers the load voltage disconnect can be selected, whether the battery
is lead acid or sealed, and whether the unit operates as a normal load shedding unit or as a day/night
switch.
1.2
Key Features of the Microcare 10-30A LED MPPT Regulator:
Automatically measures the battery voltage and then sets up the charge parameters (12-24V)
Operates the Solar Panels at the maximum efficiency
Can improve power extracted from the solar panels by up to 30% over normal shunt/series
pass PWM regulators
LED Display
Temperature controlled Cooling Fan
Selectable low voltage disconnect
24 hour load shed or Street Light mode
Charges batteries by tracking the best power point of the solar panels.
1.3
Maximum PV Array Sizes
The following should be used as a guide to the maximum array size that can be connected to the
MPPT. The current limits to the specified level of the MPPT model so any array larger than these will
damage the MPPT.
Table 1.1: Maximum PV Array Sizes
Maximum Photovoltaic Array Sizes in Watts
Battery Set
10 Amp MPPT
20 Amp MPPT
30 Amp MPPT
12V
120W
240W
360W
24V
240W
480W
720W
