The CBE PRM350 is an MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracker) solar charge regulator designed for use in solar systems. It is compatible with lead-acid batteries (liquid, gel, and AGM) and 12V lithium batteries, automatically controlling and limiting the energy supplied by photovoltaic modules.
Function Description
The PRM350's primary function is to manage the charging of a battery from photovoltaic modules, ensuring optimal performance and battery longevity. It features a 3-phase automatic charging system:
- Phase 1: Bulk - This is the initial charging phase where the battery receives maximum current until the end-of-charge voltage is reached. This phase is efficient when the battery is deeply discharged.
- Phase 2: Absorption - Following the bulk phase, the battery is charged at a constant end-of-charge voltage for a defined time. This phase includes a progressive current reduction until the charging is completed.
- Phase 3: Float - This is a maintenance charging phase at a constant voltage. A high load leads to the Bulk phase starting again.
The regulator is suitable for operation with 32 to 72-cell photovoltaic modules, up to a maximum power of 350W. For optimal performance, it is recommended to connect photovoltaic modules with a number of cells over 36, independently of the installation type.
Important Technical Specifications
Input Technical Data:
- Number of cells: 32÷40 or 41÷72
- Maximum power: 300W (for 32÷40 cells) or 350W (for 41÷72 cells)
Output Technical Data:
- Nominal voltage: 12V
- Charging line: IUoU
- Charging line selector: 4 positions (A - B - C - Li)
- Thermal protection: Yes
- Short circuit and polarity inversion protection: Yes
- Solar charge signal: 12V; 50 mA
General Technical Data:
- Efficiency: > 95%
- Self-consumption: 0A* (without sunlight, the regulator turns off completely)
- Auto turn-off: If sunlight is not present
- MPPT control: Yes
- Room temperature: -10 to +50 °C
- Ventilation: Gradual automatic regulation
- Number of inputs: 2
- Accessories: PT742 test panel
- Dimensions: 150 x 110 x 48 (W x D x H in mm)
- Weight: 250g
Usage Features
The PRM350 includes several indicators and connection points for ease of use and monitoring:
LED Indicators:
- Green LED FLOAT-OK (1): Indicates the charge maintenance stage at a constant voltage.
- Yellow LED CHARGE (2): Indicates that the photovoltaic modules are charging the battery (with charge >0.1A).
- White LED SOLAR ON (3): Indicates that the regulator is on (in the absence of sunlight, the regulator turns off automatically).
- Red LED ALARM (4): Indicates a reverse polarity (wrong connection) of the photovoltaic modules and/or the leisure battery.
Connections:
- Solar Signal (with CBE systems) (6): Provides a 12V solar signal output (max 50 mA).
- PT742 Connection (7): Connector for connection to the CBE test panel model PT742.
- CL-BUS Connection (8): For CL-BUS nodes connection.
- Connection Battery Temperature Sensor (optional) (9): A temperature sensor (mod. "CTCB" L=3m) can be placed close to the battery to prevent other heat sources from influencing the temperature reading. When connected, the charging voltage is adapted according to the measured temperature.
- Charge Line Selector (10): Allows selection of the battery type (Lead-acid: A, B, C; Lithium: Li).
- Battery/Photovoltaic Modules Connection (11): Faston male type 6.3 for connection of the battery and the photovoltaic modules.
Battery Type Selection:
The selector must be set according to the most suitable charging voltages for the type of battery installed.
- Position "A": For lead-acid batteries (Max 14.1V, 1h, 13.5V)
- Position "B": For lead-gel batteries (Max 14.4V, 2h, 13.8V)
- Position "C": For AGM batteries (Max 14.7V, 2h, 13.8V)
- Position "Li": For lithium batteries (Max 14.6V, max 1h, 13.8V)
- Important Note: If the charging line selector is on "A" and you consult the technical data sheet of the connected battery, a wrong setting of the charge line can damage the battery.
Photovoltaic Module Connections (Examples):
- Single Module Connection:
- 32-40 cells: max 175W
-
40 cells: max 350W
- Connect a photovoltaic module with a number of cells between 32 and 72.
- Single Module Connection (Example 2):
- ≤ 40 cells: max 300W
- Connect a photovoltaic module with a number of cells between 32 and 40.
- Parallel Connection of 2 Modules:
- "A" and "B" ≤ 40 cells: max 300W
- "A" and "B" > 40 cells: max 350W
- On each single input "A" and "B", do not connect photovoltaic modules with power over 175W.
- Connect photovoltaic modules with a number of cells between 32 and 72.
- "A" and "B" must have the same number of cells.
- Series Connection of 2 Modules:
- "A"+"B" ≤ 72 cells: max 350W
- "A"+"B" > 72 cells: Not possible
- Connect photovoltaic modules with a total number of cells lower than 72.
- "A" and "B" must have the same power and the same number of cells.
Maintenance Features
Installation Guidelines:
- The device produces heat during its normal operation. Ensure that the installation does not hamper correct airflow and prevent unnecessary instrument cooling.
- Battery connection cables should be of adequate section. Recommended sections:
- 6 mm² (cable under 5m long)
- 10 mm² (cable over 5m long)
- Protect the cables from any possible damage.
- Protect the 12V battery line using a suitable fuse to be placed close to the battery.
- Lead-acid batteries should be positioned in a well-ventilated place.
- Connect only 12V (6 cells) rechargeable lead batteries (capacity >40Ah).
- Only connect specific lithium batteries for the RV sector.
- Install the regulator in an appropriate, dry, and ventilated housing.
- Maintain a minimum distance of 200mm from the front and 20mm from the sides of the device to the surrounding surfaces.
- Do not cover the air intakes on the lid.
- Secure the device with screws on a flat surface using the 4 holes on the base.
- Solar system cables should be placed far away from cables for Radio/TV/SAT antennas.
Safety Warnings:
- These instructions contain important information on correct installation and operation of the solar regulator. Read the entire manual carefully before proceeding with use.
- The installation of this device must be carried out by specialist technicians.
- In case of solar regulator misuse, the guarantee becomes invalid and the manufacturer declines all responsibility for damages to people and property.
- Exhausted batteries shall be disposed of according to the environmental protection regulations in force.
- Do not use with "not rechargeable" batteries.
- This appliance can be used by children aged 8 years or more and people with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities or lack of experience or knowledge, only provided they are being supervised or they have been instructed concerning the use of the appliance in a safe way and that they understand the hazards involved. Children shall not play with the appliance.
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