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7.2 OPERATIONS & FUNCTIONS
The solar system operator should become familiar with the following operating functions of the
ProStar controller. Refer to the Technical Specifications (section 10.0) for actual setpoints and
other parameter values.
•
100% Solid State:
All power switching is done with FETs. No mechanical relays are
used in the controller.
•
Battery Charge Regulation:
The ProStar is a PWM battery charger. See the next
section (8.0) for a description of battery charging.
•
Low Voltage Load Disconnect (LVD):
An automatic load disconnect protects the
battery from deep discharge. The load automatically reconnects when the battery
recovers. A 4-minute delay prevents false LVD disconnects.
•
Low Voltage Warning:
The red status LED will blink at low battery capacity to warn
of a possible LVD.
•
Parallel Controllers:
ProStar controllers work very well in parallel configurations.
No blocking diodes are required. Each controller must have an independent and
separate solar subarray and a load that does not exceed the controller’s rating.
•
Auxiliary Generators:
Engine generators and other sources of power may be
connected directly to the battery for charging. It is not necessary to disconnect the
ProStar from the battery. However, do not use the ProStar to regulate these other
sources of power.
Noise:
The ProStar circuit minimizes switching noise and filters noise output. A
properly grounded system will also minimize noise. If noise is present in
a telecom or radio load, refer to section 7.5 below.
7.3 PROTECTIONS
The ProStar is fully protected against system faults listed below. Recovery is automatic except
where noted below. Refer to sections 4.0 and 5.0 for fault indications.
• Solar short circuit and overload – fully automatic recovery
• Load short circuit and overload – after 3 automatic load reconnect attempts (10
seconds between each attempt), the fault must be cleared and the load must be
turned off or disconnected for 10 seconds or longer to restore power to the load
terminals.
• Reverse polarity – fully protected except per Caution below
• Battery disconnected – the load is protected from voltage spikes
• High temperature – first the solar is disconnected, then the load will be
disconnected; auto reconnects
• High battery voltage – first the solar is disconnected, then the load will be
disconnected; auto reconnects
• Very low battery voltage – brownout protection, auto recovery into LVD state
• Battery select error – defaults to gel battery setting, flashes LEDs
• Temperature sensor failure – a remote probe failure defaults to the internal
temperature sensor, which defaults to a fixed 25°C if it fails
CAUTION:
One source of potential damage to the controller is a reversed
battery polarity (+/–) together with a polarized or short-circuited load.
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