The Thunder Solar Regulator is a device designed to manage the charging of a battery from a solar panel, and to control a connected load. It acts as an intermediary between the solar panel, the battery, and any connected DC loads, ensuring efficient and safe power management. The device is intended for use in off-grid or remote power applications, such as those found in recreational vehicles or camping setups, as suggested by the tagline "Connection to your Weekend Escape."

Function Description:

The primary function of the Thunder Solar Regulator is to regulate the voltage and current coming from a solar panel to charge a battery, preventing overcharging and deep discharge. It also manages the power supply to a connected DC load, offering features like low voltage disconnection to protect the battery and a load delay function. The regulator features an LCD screen that displays various parameters, allowing users to monitor the system's performance and adjust certain settings.

Important Technical Specifications:

Rated Current: 30A, indicating the maximum continuous current the regulator can handle from the solar panel and for the load.
Rated Voltage: 12V/24V, meaning it can operate with both 12-volt and 24-volt battery systems.
Open Circuit of Solar Panel: <50V, specifying the maximum open-circuit voltage of the solar panel that can be connected.
Low Voltage Disconnection (LVD): 10.7V/21.4V. This is the voltage at which the regulator will disconnect the load to prevent over-discharging the battery.
Float Voltage: 14V/28V. This is the voltage at which the battery is maintained once fully charged to prevent overcharging.
Low Voltage Reconnection (LVR): 12.6V/25.2V. This is the voltage at which the regulator will reconnect the load after an LVD event, once the battery has recharged sufficiently.
No Load Current: ≤ 30mA, representing the minimal power consumption of the regulator itself when no load is connected and no solar input is present.
Operating Temperature: -10°C to 60°C, defining the safe ambient temperature range for operation.
Storage Temperature: -30°C to 70°C, defining the safe ambient temperature range for storage.
Dimensions: 90mm(L) x 188mm(W) x 48mm(D), providing the physical size of the unit.
Mounting Hole Spacing: 60mm x 178mm, useful for installation planning.
Weight: 360g, indicating a relatively lightweight device.
Battery Type: Wet cell rechargeable only, specifying the type of battery compatible with this regulator.

Usage Features:

The Thunder Solar Regulator offers several user-friendly features, primarily through its LCD display and menu button:

Installation:
- It should be mounted as close to the battery as possible.
- Requires at least 6mm² automotive cable for optimal performance.
- Connection sequence: Battery positive and negative terminals first, then solar panel positive and negative leads. An optional DC load can be connected, though not recommended for sensitive electronics.
- An external temperature sensor plugs into the top left corner of the regulator and is crucial for temperature compensation on the high voltage disconnect function.
LCD Symbols: The LCD provides clear visual indicators for various operational states:
- Load circuit off/on (with or without current being drawn).
- No charge going to battery/Bulk charging battery/Float charging battery.
- System working correctly/Battery running low.
- Battery capacity indicator.
- Solar power active/Solar not active.
- Load timer control on.
View and Program Settings: The menu button allows users to cycle through and view different system parameters and program certain settings:
- Battery Voltage: Displays current battery voltage, charge/discharge status, and battery capacity. Pressing and holding the menu button for >5 seconds in this screen can shut off the load circuit.
- Environment Temperature: Shows current temperature, charge/discharge status, and battery capacity.
- Solar Panel Charge Current: Displays the charging current from the solar panel and battery capacity.
- Load Discharge Current: Displays the current being drawn by the load and battery capacity.
- Accumulated Charge (Ah): Tracks the total amp-hours received from the solar panel since connection or last reset. Can be reset to 0 by pressing and holding the menu button for >5 seconds.
- Accumulated Discharge (Ah): Tracks the total amp-hours discharged from the load circuit since connection or last reset. Can be reset to 0 by pressing and holding the menu button for >5 seconds.
- Low Voltage Disconnect (LVD): Displays and allows adjustment of the LVD voltage. Press and hold the menu button, then use arrow buttons to change the value.
- Low Voltage Reconnect (LVR): Displays and allows adjustment of the LVR voltage. Similar adjustment method as LVD.
- High Voltage Disconnect (HVD): Displays and allows adjustment of the HVD voltage, which prevents battery overcharging. Similar adjustment method as LVD.
- Load Delay: Displays and allows adjustment of the delay time for load disconnect in 1-hour increments from 0 to 24 hours.
  - 0h: Load circuit only active without solar input.
  - 1-23h: Load circuit remains on for that many hours after solar input cuts out.
  - 24h: Load circuit remains on at all times, provided no faults are detected.

Maintenance Features:

While the manual does not explicitly detail routine maintenance, it provides guidance on handling common fault codes:

Overload: If the screen displays an overload fault (meaning over 30A is being drawn from the load circuit), the user should reduce the load, then press the menu button and the down arrow to restore power to the circuit.
Short Circuit: If a short circuit is detected and displayed, the user should check all cables and remove the short, then press the menu button and the down arrow to restore power to the circuit.

The emphasis on reading and understanding the instruction manual for personal safety and following the information provided on the solar regulator itself suggests that proper installation and adherence to operational guidelines are key to the device's longevity and safe operation. The temperature sensor also plays a role in maintenance by ensuring the battery is charged within safe temperature limits, preventing damage due to extreme temperatures.

Thunder TDR15008 - Page 8

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