46
D I V E R S I O N C H A R G E C O N T R O L
47
M O R N I N G S T A R C O R P O R A T I O N
6.0
All values are @25ºC (77ºF).
A. B. C. D. E. F. G.
Time
Max.
DIP
PWM
Until
Time
Equalize
Equalize
Switches
Absorp.
Float
Float
Equalization
in Equal.
Interval
Cycle
(4-5-6)
Voltage
Voltage
(hours)
Voltage
(hours)
(days)
(hours)
off-off-off
13.8
13.6
4
14.1
3
28
3
off-off-on 14.0 13.6
4
14.3
3
28
3
off-on-off 14.2 13.6
4
14.5
3
28
4
off-on-on 14.4 13.6
4
14.7
4
28
4
on-off-off 14.6 13.7
4
14.9
4
28
5
on-off-on 14.8 13.7
4
15.1
4
28
5
on-on-off 15.0 13.7
4
15.3
4
28
5
on-on-on Custom Custom Custom
Table 6.1 Standard Diversion Charging Programs
A. PWM Absorption Voltage
- This is the PWM Absorption stage with
constant voltage charging. The PWM absorption voltage is the maximum
battery voltage that will be held constant.
B. Float Voltage
- When the battery is fully charged, the charging voltage
will be reduced to the float voltage for all diversion settings. The float
voltage and transition values are adjustable with the PC software.
C. Time Until Float
- This is the cumulative time in PWM before the battery
voltage is reduced to the float voltage. If loads are present during the
PWM absorption, the time to transition into float will be extended.
D. Equalization Voltage
- During an equalization cycle, the charging voltage
will be held constant at this voltage. Equalizations are manual, and can be
selected for automatic
(See Section 4.4.1)
.
E. Time in Equalization
- Charging at the selected equalization voltage will
continue for this number of hours.
F. Equalization Interval
- Equalizations are typically done once a month.
The cycles are 28 days so the equalization will begin on the same day of
the week. Each new cycle will be reset as the equalization starts so that a
28 day period will be maintained.
G. Maximum Equalization Cycle
- If the battery voltage cannot reach the
equalization voltage, the equalization will terminate after this number of
hours to avoid over gasing or heating the battery. If the battery requires
more time in equalization, the manual push-button can be used to
continue for one or more additional equalization cycles.
6.3.1 Battery Charging References
The diversion load battery charging is similar to conventional solar charging.
Refer to the following sections in this manual for additional battery charging
information.
4.1
Four stages of charging (applies to diversion)
4.3
Temperature Effects and Battery Voltage Sense
4.4 Equalization
4.5 Float
9.0
Battery Information
6.4 Selecting the Diversion Load
It is critical that the diversion load be sized correctly. If the load is too small, it
cannot divert enough power from the source (wind, hydro, etc). The battery
will continue charging and could be overcharged.
If the diversion load is too large, it will draw more current than the rating of the
TriStar. The controller’s overload protection may disconnect the diversion
load, and this will result in all of the source current going to the battery.
CAUTION: The diversion load must be able to absorb the full power
output of the source, but the load must never exceed the current rating
of the TriStar controller. Otherwise, the battery can be overcharged and
damaged.
PRUDENCE : La charge de diversion doit être capable d’absorber toute
la puissance de sortie de la source, mais la charge ne doit jamais
dépasser l’intensité nominale du contrôleur TriStar, pour ne pas
surcharger et endommager la batterie.
6.4.1 Suitable Loads for Diversion
Water heating elements are commonly used for diversion load systems.
These heating elements are reliable and widely available. Heating elements
are also easy to replace, and the ratings are stable.
NOTE: Do not use light bulbs, motors, or other electrical devices for
diversion loads. These loads will fail or cause the TriStar to disconnect
the load. Only heating elements should be used.
REMARQUE : N’utilisez pas d’ampoules, de moteurs ou d’autres
appareils électriques pour les charges de diversion. Ces charges ne
fonctionneront pas ou provoqueront une déconnexion de la charge par
le TriStar. Seuls les éléments de chauffe doivent être utilisés.
Water heating elements are typically 120 volts. Elements rated for 12, 24
and 48 volts are also available, but more difficult to source. The de-rating
for 120 volt heating elements is discussed in 6.4.3 below.
6.4.2 Definition of Terms
Maximum Source Current:
This is the maximum current output of all the energy sources (hydro, wind,
solar, etc.) added together. This current will be diverted through the TriStar
to the diversion load.
Maximum Battery Voltage:
This maximum voltage is the PWM regulation voltage selected with the DIP
switches, plus the increase with an equalization, plus the increase due to
lower temperatures. The highest battery voltage is commonly 15, 30 and
60 volts for 12-, 24- and 48-volt systems.
Peak Load Current:
At the maximum battery voltage, this is the current the diversion load will
draw. This peak load current must not exceed the TriStar’s rating.
