4.4 Protections, Faults and Alarms
The MPPT controller protections and automatic recovery are important features that
ensure the safe operation of the system. Additionally, the controller features real-time
self-diagnostics that report Fault and Alarm conditions as they occur.
Faults are events or conditions that require the controller to cease operation. A Fault
usually occurs when a limit such as voltage, current, or temperature has been
surpassed. Fault conditions are indicated with unique LED sequences and are also
displayed on the LCD screen.
Protections
-Solar overload
The controller will limit battery current to the maximum battery current rating. An over-
sized solar array will not operate at peak power. The solar array should be less than
the controller nominal maximum input power rating for optimal performance.
-Solar short circuit
The controller will disconnect the solar input if a short circuit is detected in the solar
wiring. Charging automatically resumes when the short is cleared.
-Very Low battery Voltage
If battery discharge below 9Volts the controller will go into brownout and shut down.
When the battery voltage rises above the 10 Volts minimum operating voltage, the
controller will restart.
Alarms
-High temperature current limit
The MPPT controller will limit the solar input current if the heatsink temperature
exceeds safe temperature. Solar charge current will be tapered back (to 0 amps if
needed) to reduce the heatsink temperature. The controller is designed to operate at
full rated current at the maximum ambient temperature. This alarm indicates that there
is insufficient airflow and that the heatsink temperature is approaching unsafe limits. If
the controller frequently reports this alarm condition, corrective action must be taken
to provide better air flow or to relocate the controller to a cooler spot.
-High Input voltage current limit
The MPPT controller will limit the solar input current as the solar array Voc approaches
the maximum input voltage rating. The array Voc should never exceed the
maximum input voltage (100VDC or 155VDC).
Current limit
The array power exceeds the rating of the controller, this alarm indicates that the
controller is limiting battery current to the maximum current rating.
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