ProStar MPPT Operator’s Manual
35
4.0
Installation Instructions
34
If the load does not turn on, it could be for various reasons:
• the ProStar MPPT is in LVD (red LED on)
• there is a short circuit in the load (LEDs blinking R/G – Y)
• there is an overload condition (LEDs blinking R/Y - G)
• the load is not connected, not working, or turned off
After all connections have been completed, observe the
LEDs to make sure the controller is operating normally for
system conditions. If the optional digital meter is used,
observe that the display is scrolling with proper voltage
and current values. Also, a self- test can be performed with
digital meter units.
STEP 9:
To
Power-down
WARNING:
Risk of Damage
ONLY disconnect the battery from the ProStar MPPT
AFTER the solar input has been disconnected. Damage to
the controller may result if the battery is removed while the
ProStar MPPT is charging.
AVERTISSEMENT:
Risque d’endommagement
Le ProStar MPPT MPPT 150V SEULEMENT décon-
necter la batterie APRÈS l’entrée solaire a été déconnectée.
Le contrôleur pourrait endommager si la batterie est retirée
quand le ProStar MPPT MPPT 150V est en charge.
• To prevent damage, power-down must be done in the
reverse order as power-up.
4.1 TrakStar MPPT Technology
The ProStar MPPT utilizes Morningstar’s TrakStar Maxi-
mum Power Point Tracking technology to extract maximum
power from the solar module(s). The tracking algorithm
is fully automatic and does not require user adjustment.
Trakstar technology will track the array maximum power
point voltage (Vmp) as it varies with weather conditions,
ensuring that maximum power is harvested from the array
through the course of the day.
Current Boost:
In many cases, TrakStar MPPT technology will “boost” the
solar charge current. For example, a system may have 2
amps of solar current flowing into the ProStar MPPT and
5 amps of charge current flowing out to the battery. The
ProStar MPPT does not create current! Rest assured that the
power into the ProStar MPPT is the same as the power out
of the ProStar MPPT. Since power is the product of voltage
and current (Volts x Amps), the following is true*:
(1) Power Into the ProStar MPPT = Power Out of the ProStar
MPPT
(2) Volts In x Amps In = Volts Out x Amps Out
* assuming 100% efficiency i.e. if no losses in wiring and
conversion existed.
If the solar module’s Vmp is greater than the battery voltage,
it follows that the battery current must be proportionally
greater than the solar input current so that input and output
power are balanced. The greater the difference between the
maximum power voltage and battery voltage, the greater
the current boost. Current boost can be substantial in
systems where the solar array is of a higher nominal voltage
than the battery as described in the next section.
4.0 OPERATION
