The Charger Water Treatment Products SP Solar Powered Control Valve is a sophisticated system designed for water softening and filtering applications, offering both user-friendly operation and advanced programming capabilities. This manual outlines its functions, technical specifications, and various operational and maintenance features.
Function Description
The SP Solar Powered Control Valve manages the regeneration cycles of water treatment systems, ensuring optimal performance for either softening or filtering. It can operate in various modes, including volume-based regeneration, time-clock regeneration, and immediate regeneration, adapting to different water usage patterns and system requirements. The control valve is designed to be energy-efficient, utilizing solar power as its primary energy source, supplemented by a battery pack and an AC/DC adapter for continuous operation.
For softening systems, the valve controls the backwash, regenerant draw/slow rinse, fast rinse, and regenerant refill cycles. In filtering systems, it manages backwash and rinse cycles. The system can be configured for single-tank operation or twin-tank alternating systems, providing flexibility for various installations.
A key feature is its ability to initiate regeneration based on multiple triggers:
- Volume-based: Regeneration occurs when the treated water volume falls below a set reserve capacity or reaches zero.
- Time-clock: Regeneration is scheduled at a preset time of day, often combined with a day override setting to ensure regeneration occurs after a specified number of days, regardless of water usage.
- Immediate: Regeneration can be manually initiated immediately by holding the REGEN button for 3 seconds.
- Delayed: Regeneration can be scheduled for the next preset delayed regeneration time by pressing and releasing the REGEN button.
- External Signal (dP Switch): The system can be configured to initiate regeneration based on an external differential pressure (dP) switch closure, either immediately or at a delayed time. It also supports a "Hold" function, preventing regeneration while the dP switch is closed.
The valve incorporates an alternator function for twin-tank systems, allowing one tank to be in service while the other regenerates or is in standby. It also supports configurations for "No Hard Water Bypass" and "Separate Source" operations, enhancing its adaptability to specific water treatment needs.
Important Technical Specifications
- Power Supply:
- U.S.: 100-120VAC, 50/60 Hz input, 15 VDC, 500 mA output.
- International: 100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz input, 15 VDC, 500 mA output.
- Battery: 3-volt lithium coin cell (type 2032) for circuit board, Ni-MH Battery Pack (7.2V / 1500mAh) for main power.
- Valve Sizes: Configurable for 1.0", 1.25", 1.5", and 2.0" valves, or 1.0T for twin valves.
- Flow Meter Sizes: Supports 1.0r, 1.5, 2.0, or 3.0 flow meters, with variable meter pulses from 0.1-150.0 PPG.
- Regeneration Cycle Times: Adjustable for backwash (1-120 minutes), regenerant draw/slow rinse (1-180 minutes), fast rinse (1-120 minutes), and regenerant refill (0.1-200.0 lbs or 0.05-20.0 Gal). Service time can be set from 1-480 minutes.
- System Capacity: Can be set manually (in gallons) or automatically calculated.
- Hardness Setting: Adjustable for softening systems.
- Day Override: Configurable from 1-28 days or "OFF".
- Regeneration Time: Programmable hour and minute for delayed regeneration.
Usage Features
The control valve features an intuitive user interface with a digital display and several buttons: NEXT, REGEN, and arrow buttons (up/down).
- User Displays: The system provides five main user displays accessible by pressing NEXT:
- Volume Remaining: Shows the volume remaining until the next regeneration (for volume-based systems).
- Days to Regeneration: Displays the number of days until the next regeneration (for time-clock systems).
- Flow Rate: Shows the present water flow rate.
- Total Volume: Displays the total volume in gallons treated since the last reset.
- Current Time: Shows the current time of day.
- Setting Time of Day: Easily adjustable by holding the NEXT button until "SET TIME" appears, then using the arrow buttons to set the hour and minutes.
- Manual Regeneration: Users can schedule a delayed regeneration or initiate an immediate regeneration.
- Error Screens: The display alternates between "Err" and an error code, which can be cleared by power cycling or pressing NEXT and REGEN simultaneously for 3 seconds.
- Standby Mode: Displays "STbY" in alternator systems when a valve is in standby.
- Regeneration Pending: Displays "REGEN Pndg" when a unit in an alternator system is waiting to initiate regeneration.
Maintenance Features
The manual provides detailed instructions for battery replacement and diagnostics, ensuring the longevity and reliability of the control valve.
- Battery Replacement: The 3-volt lithium coin cell (type 2032) for the circuit board is replaceable. Proper orientation (positive side up) is crucial for seating the battery. The manual also notes that valves are shipped with the battery disconnected from the circuit board, requiring connection during installation. If the time of day flashes on and off after a power outage lasting less than 8 hours, it indicates the battery needs replacement.
- Battery Pack Charging: The system charges the Ni-MH battery pack, and "FILL" displayed on the current time screen indicates that the battery pack is being charged.
- Battery Diagnostics: Accessible through a dedicated diagnostic menu, these features provide critical information about the battery's health:
- Pack Voltage (Udc): Displays the daily measured voltage of the battery pack under load. An immediate test can be initiated by holding the arrow buttons.
- Charge Current (Adc): Shows the current measured charge current (in mA) from the solar panel or AC adapter. A flashing "SET" indicates the control is determining whether to activate the charging circuit, while a flashing "FILL" indicates active charging. The charging circuit can be temporarily turned on or off using the arrow buttons.
- Charge History (Ahr): Displays the total milliamp-hours (mAhr) charged over the past 63 days. "REGEN" in the second display indicates a regeneration occurred on that day.
- Error Log (EO---): This diagnostic screen displays a history of the last 10 errors generated by the control, allowing technicians to view recorded errors and troubleshoot issues.
- MAV Drive History: For twin-tank systems, the control valve records the drive history of the Motorized Alternator Valve (MAV), including the direction of piston rod movement (retracted and extended positions), and the time taken for these movements. This data helps in diagnosing valve operation. The history can be reset and old data viewed.
- Total Volume and Days Since Startup: Diagnostic screens show the total gallons treated and total days since the system was started, providing valuable operational data.
- Volume and Days Since Last Regeneration: These screens display the volume of water treated and the number of days elapsed since the last regeneration, aiding in performance monitoring.
- 63-Day Usage History: The system tracks and displays the volume of water treated for the last 63 days, offering insights into water consumption patterns.
- Reserve Capacity Usage History: For softening systems, the control tracks the reserve capacity used over the last 7 days, helping to optimize regeneration schedules.
The SP Solar Powered Control Valve is designed for robust and efficient water treatment, providing comprehensive control, monitoring, and diagnostic capabilities to ensure reliable operation and simplified maintenance.
Need help?
General
To Next Page