5. Operation
5.1. Startup and shutdown procedure
Note: This presumes the correct installation procedure has been followed, and battery and PV polarity was tested and confirmed to be correct by the installer. These polarity tests are essential as part of installation, but should not be necessary as part of the normal start up and shut down procedure.
5.1.1. Startup
Quickly connect the DC side load breaking fuse or isolation to provide DC power to the battery terminals of the unit.
Switch on PV array connection to the unit.
Switch on the unit using the on/off switch located on the bottom left hand underside of case, switch toward yourself for ON position.
When powering up, the screen will display the product details, firmware version, and if any start up errors are detected.
Operation will then commence (if correctly configured).
5.1.2. Shutdown
Switch off the unit using the on/off switch located on the bottom left hand underside of the case. Switch away from yourself for OFF position.
Switch off the PV array connection to the unit.
Quickly disconnect the DC side load breaking fuse or isolation providing DC power to the battery terminals.
Note: dangerous residual voltages may still exist inside the product and at the terminals after shutdown. Never open the product casing, or touch bare terminals.
5.2. Device display
The unit has an LCD screen that displays operational information. The screen cycles through the relevant displays every few seconds.
Startup Screen
When the units is first switched on it will display firmware, serial number and model details for severals while the unit performs self tests.
Battery:
Battery Power, Current, DC voltage, Temperature (*). Battery state (e.g. discharging, bulk, absorption, float, etc).
(*) These items are only visible if the data is available.
Solar 1
Solar Power, Voltage and Current, kWh daily and total Yield.
Additional MPPT Solar Trackers
Additional solar trackers will display the same values as above where available on additional screens.
Errors, Warnings and Alarms
The system will display code notifications as required. See troubleshooting section for additional information.
In the top right of the display are other system information icons.
Communicating on any interface (e.g., Bluetooth, VE.Can, etc.) | |
Bluetooth Enabled, Icon colour changes when connected | |
MPPT Active | |
(Blinking) Error or Warning | |
Battery, fill corresponds with voltage, blinks when empty |
5.3. Protections and automatic restarts
5.3.1. High battery voltage
Reduce DC input voltage and/or check for a faulty battery- or solar-charger in the system. After shutting down due to a high battery voltage, the unit will first wait 30 seconds and then retry operation as soon as the battery voltage has dropped to acceptable level.
5.3.2. High temperature
A high ambient temperature or enduring high charge current may result in MPPT reducing output and eventually shutting down to over temperature. The MPPT will resume once the temperature falls to within specification.
5.4. Maintenance
The solar charger does not need regular maintenance. Unqualified users should not attempt to open the product casing.