The Projecta IntelliJay 12V Power Management System (MPPT) is a comprehensive solution designed for caravans and motorhomes, offering centralized control and monitoring of various electrical systems. This system is available in two main configurations: the PM300-BTJ and the PM335J-NODE, both utilizing the same PM335J transformer unit as their core.
Function Description
The PM335J transformer unit serves as the central hub for all electrical circuits within the recreational vehicle. It integrates several key functionalities:
- Battery Charger: A smart 12V 35A (30A charging current) battery charger with a multi-stage adaptive charging algorithm, Active Power Factor Correction (PFC), temperature compensation, and voltage compensation. It supports charging Lead Acid and LiFePO4 batteries.
- Power Supply: Provides stable power to the vehicle's electrical loads.
- Fused Distribution Blocks: Features 14 built-in fused outputs for various appliances and lighting.
- MPPT Solar Charge Controller: A 30A Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) solar charge controller to efficiently harness solar energy.
- Voltage Charging Relay (VCR): Manages charging from the alternator at 12V 60A continuously, with a peak of 100A for 30 minutes.
- Low Voltage Disconnect (LVD): Protects the battery from deep discharge by disconnecting loads when the battery voltage drops below a set threshold (default 10.5VDC for Lead Acid, 11.2VDC for Lithium).
- Water Pump Controller: Manages the operation of the water pump.
- Hot Water System Controller: Controls the hot water system.
- Water Tank Indicator: Provides monitoring for up to four water tanks (fresh and waste).
- Battery Monitoring: Includes a built-in shunt for precise battery measurement, tracking voltage, charge/discharge current, remaining Amp-hours, and time-to-go.
- Thermal Control Fan: Manages internal temperature for optimal operation.
- Battery Switch: A manual switch to isolate the house battery, preventing drainage from onboard electronics during storage.
The system accepts multiple inputs, including AC mains, solar panels, and the vehicle battery, with a dominating source logic to prioritize charging.
Usage Features
The IntelliJay system offers a user-friendly interface for monitoring and control:
- LCD Monitor (PMLCD-BTJ for PM300-BTJ systems): This digital control center provides real-time information and configuration options. It features a T-Bus design for connecting multiple devices, system monitoring, configuration capabilities, and built-in Bluetooth for pairing with a smartphone. The monitor displays:
- Date and Time
- Water tank levels (up to 4 tanks)
- Battery status (SOC, voltage, current, time-to-go, temperature)
- Vehicle battery voltage
- Charging mode/status
- Power input source (grid, solar, VCR)
- Alarm and error codes
- Output power and current
- Controls for Hot Water Service, Water Pump, and overall DC loads.
- Smartphone App (PM200 & 300BTJ Remote App): For both PM300-BTJ and PM335J-NODE systems, a smartphone app (available on App Store and Play Store) allows remote monitoring and control via Bluetooth.
- PM300-BTJ: Connects directly to the Bluetooth-enabled LCD screen.
- PM335J-NODE: Utilizes a separate PMBTJ-02 Bluetooth node for connectivity, as it does not include an LCD screen.
- The app displays all battery parameters, water tank levels, and allows control of the water pump and power isolation.
- Configuration Menu: Accessible via the LCD monitor (using a passcode for security), this menu allows users to set the clock, battery type (AGM, GEL, LFP, WET) and capacity, low voltage protection threshold, and update firmware.
- Categorized Outputs: The 14 fused outputs are grouped for specific functions, such as compressor fridge/spare, slide-out, awning, hot water service, pump, and general 12V outputs, with some protected by a master switch relay and others always ON.
- Water Tank Probes: The system supports up to four water tank probes (PMWS200 or PMWS400 models) for accurate level monitoring.
- Power Switch: A physical switch on the PM335J transformer unit allows users to cut off the charger and switch off outputs from the house battery, effectively isolating it for storage.
- Remote Isolation Switch: An optional external switch can be connected to turn ON/OFF specific L2-L14 outputs.
Maintenance Features
The IntelliJay system incorporates features to aid in maintenance and ensure optimal performance:
- Battery SOC Monitoring: The built-in state of charge (SOC) monitoring requires correct battery capacity settings in the LCD or app. For accurate readings, a new battery should be fully charged via AC mains initially, and the battery should be fully charged via AC mains at least once every three months until the 'CHG' LED on the transformer unit is solid or 'float' is shown on the monitor.
- Daily Maintenance:
- Ensure the Power Switch on the transformer unit is ON when charging the battery with AC mains.
- Verify the nominal battery voltage is 12VDC.
- Maintain a minimum clearance of 5cm on each side of the PM335J unit for proper ventilation.
- Troubleshooting:
- LED Display on PM335J Transformer Unit: Provides visual indicators (Green for normal operation, Red for faults) with specific flashing patterns to denote various issues such as AC input abnormal, vehicle battery voltage errors, solar input voltage errors, fuse blown, house battery voltage low/high, over-temperature, bulk charge timeout, VCR anomaly, and environment over-temperature.
- Error Code on LCD Monitor: Displays specific error codes (e.g., 8001 for lose communication, 8015 for overload, 8010 for battery temperature high) that correspond to detailed descriptions in the manual, aiding in quick diagnosis and resolution of problems.
- Firmware Updates: The system supports firmware updates via the smartphone app or LCD monitor, ensuring the device remains up-to-date with the latest features and improvements. Users are advised to stay in close proximity to the system and avoid disconnecting power during updates.