Mastervolt Solar ChargeMaster SCM-N 20 User Manual

BEFORE YOU START
4 November 07 / Solar ChargeMaster 20, 40 / EN
3 BEFORE YOU START
3.1 Utilizing environments
The Solar ChargeMaster facilitates a stand alone
energy system. Typical applications of this charge
regulator are:
• weekend homes;
• mobile applications;
• street lighting applications.
These categories implicate different ways to use the
Solar ChargeMaster.
3.1.1 Weekend homes
In weekend homes (no grid provided) the batteries
are charged by the Solar ChargeMaster. A generator
is not allowed in most recreational areas. The night
light function is convenient to manage the loads
automatically, thus preventing the batteries from
being discharged too deeply overnight. See section
6.1.
3.1.2 Mobile applications
In mobile applications the batteries are charged by
the alternator and/ or an optional external power
source. The Solar Chargemaster is used generally
for maintaining the batteries charged when no other
power source is available.
3.1.3 Street lighting
In remote street lighting applications the Solar
ChargeMaster is the only charger in the energy
system. For example street lights and road signs are
often solar powered.
Overnight the battery is discharged during a preset
time, using the nightlight function Dusk to Dawn. At
day the battery is recharged.
3.2 PV system calculation
For an optimal autonomous solar system, it is
important to use batteries with the right capacity and
the right amount of solar cells for your load. Four
design phases could be distinguished.
3.2.1 Calculating the daily energy
consumption
In the table below the energy use of a weekend
home is shown (Hours of use times watts).
Device Daily
usage
Hrs (h)
Device
Watts
(W)
Daily Watt
hours Used
(Wh)
Lights (5x) 6.0 50 300
Television 4.0 100 400
Washing
Machine
1.0 800 800
Total daily Watt hours used (Wh) 1500
Usually the energy consumption during
both the summer and winter period is
determined.
3.2.2 Determining the period of autonomy
The period of autonomy is the time a solar system
must be able to “survive” without solar irradiation.
This period depends on the environmental
circumstances.
3.2.3 Calculating the battery capacity
The battery must be large enough to provide you
with energy during the period of autonomy. Take into
account a 50% maximum discharge of the battery to
prevent it from ageing early.
Fi
g
ure
2
Figure 3
Figure 4

Mastervolt Solar ChargeMaster SCM-N 20 Specifications

General

Brand	Mastervolt
Model	Solar ChargeMaster SCM-N 20
Category	Controller
Language	English