Blue Sky Solar Boost 3024iL User Manual
Page 7
Installation and Operation Manual
6
SELECTING PV MODULES
Voltage, current and power produced by Photovoltaic (PV) modules fluctuate widely with operating conditions. As a result a set of test conditions
referred to as Standard Test Conditions (STC) are used to rate modules in a meaningful manner and accurately predict real world performance. STC
ratings are not maximum or optimal ratings. Conditions can be present where V
OC
and I
SC
approach 1.25 times STC ratings which is why National Electrical
Code and our recommendations call for 1.25 derating of both V
OC
and I
SC
. Yet in real world conditions I
MP
is commonly only about 75 – 80% of I
MP
at STC.
Key PV module specifications;
P
MAX
Maximum power in watts (P
MAX
= V
MP
x I
MP
)
V
OC
Voltage with module open circuit (typically
≈20 – 22V for 12V modules)
V
MP
Voltage where module produces Maximum Power (typically
≈17 – 18V for 12V modules)
I
MP
Current where module produces Maximum Power
I
SC
Current with module Short Circuit
The 3024 will provide the best MPPT current boost performance if all PV modules are identical. If module types are mixed, do not put dissimilar
modules in series. Dissimilar modules in parallel should have V
MP
values within
≈0.5V or better for 12V modules, and be of the same basic cell technology so
their V
MP
will tend to track as operating conditions change. If module types are very different consider using a separate charge controller for each module
type to obtain the best MPPT current boost performance.
Select PV modules that do not exceed the maximum ratings shown below, and preferably produce at least 3A of I
MP
per 100 amp-hours of battery capacity.
Recommended range of V
MP
at STC
Nominal
Battery
Voltage
Automatic
Current Limit
Maximum
PV Power @
STC
Maximum
PV
Isc @ STC
Maximum
PV
V
OC
@ STC
Nominal 12V PV
Nominal 18V PV
Nominal 24V PV
12V 40A* 540W 32A* 24.0V* 16.5
–
18.5V
5
5
12V 30A 400W 16A 45.6V
5
24.8 – 27.8V
5
12V 30A 400W 12A 45.6V
5
5
33.0 – 37.0V
24V 30A 800W 24A 45.6V
5
5
33.0 – 37.0V
*
Current rating and current limit are 40A when charging a 12V battery from nominal 12V PV modules. If
PV V
OC
ever exceeds 30V (>12V nominal PV modules) current rating and current limit become 30A.
SOLAR BOOST 3024 SETUP
¾
The 3024 has various setup parameters all of which are preconfigured at the factory. Confirm that the 3024’s charge
parameter settings are within the ranges specified by the battery manufacturer. Default settings are typically suitable for most
flooded or sealed lead-acid batteries and likely require no changes.
¾
Setup parameters are divided into two categories, Basic and Advanced. Basic parameters can be configured with the 3024
alone within limited steps and ranges as shown in Figure 3. Advanced parameters require the IPN-ProRemote to access. The
IPN-ProRemote also allows basic settings to be configured in smaller steps and over wider ranges. All setup parameters are
retained if power is lost, or the IPN-ProRemote is used as a setup tool only and removed.
As Shipped Factory Default Settings
Basic Settings Advanced
Settings
• Charge mode .............................................. 3-stage
• Equalize voltage ....................................................... 15.2/30.4V
• Acceptance voltage .................................... 14.4/28.8V
• Equalize time ............................................................ 2.0 hours
• Float voltage ................................................ 13.2/26.4V
• Auto equalize days ................................................... 30 days
• Charge time ................................................ 2.0 hours
• Maximum voltage setpoint limit ................................ 15.5/31.0V
• Equalize ....................................................... Disabled
• Float Transition Current ............................................ 1.5A/100 amp-hours
• IPN Network address .................................. 0 (zero)
• Temperature compensation factor ........................... −5.00mV/°C/cell
• Auxiliary Output mode ................................. Aux. bat. charger
• Load control ON voltage ......................................... 12.6/25.2V
• All DIP switches ........................................... OFF
• Load control OFF voltage ....................................... 11.5/23.0V
• Current display (SB3024Di)......................... IPN network total
• Dusk-to-Dawn lighting control................................. Disabled
Restoring As Shipped Factory Default Settings
1. Remove PV and battery power.
4. Return ALL 8 power board DIP switches to their default OFF position.
2. Turn ALL 8 power board DIP switches shown in Figure 3 ON.
5. If display is present, set display DIP’s to #4 ON, #1-3 OFF
3. Restore battery power for 10 seconds, then remove battery power.
6. The unit is now set to as shipped factory default settings.
)