Topens TCS3 - User Manual

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Solar Charge Controller User Manual

Item No.: TCS3

Thank you for purchasing the solar charge controller TCS3. Please confirm the voltage of the battery and the

solar panel is in accordance with the working voltage of the controller (24V) before you use the controller. The

TCS3 is specially designed for solar charge controlling and battery discharge controlling in automatic gate opener

system. It is integrated with multiple safety protection for battery, such as: over charge protection and over

discharge protection.

Capacity: 10 Amps

1. Wire connection

1.1 The battery is only charged by solar panel (the adapter is not used)

Firstly connect the battery to the controller and then connect the solar panel to the “SOL” terminal of the controller.

Connect the “BAT” terminal of Control Board of gate opener to the “LOAD” terminal of the controller by the

extension cord as wiring diagram above. Don’t use the cord which is smaller than 0.75mm

(18 AWG) when the

length is longer than 22.5m (75’). The 2mm

(14 AWG) or 3.3 mm

(12 AWG) is strongly recommended for 30m

(100’) or 45m (150’) extension distance. Please note the polarity of all the appliances while connecting.

NOTE: Maximum current of the load or the solar panel should not exceed 10A.

NOTE: Solar panel can not be connected in series. It will damage the controller.

C030374

VER 21a

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Summary

Wire Connection

Battery Charging via Solar Panel Only

Details connecting the battery and solar panel for charging without an adapter.

Battery Charging via Solar Panel and Adapter

Explains how to charge the battery using both solar panel and adapter simultaneously.

Indicators

LED Status and Interpretation

Explains the meaning of LED1 and LED2 for battery status and over-discharge.

Summary

Wire Connection

Battery Charging via Solar Panel Only

Details connecting the battery and solar panel for charging without an adapter.

Battery Charging via Solar Panel and Adapter

Explains how to charge the battery using both solar panel and adapter simultaneously.

Indicators

LED Status and Interpretation

Explains the meaning of LED1 and LED2 for battery status and over-discharge.

The TOPENS Solar Charge Controller, model TCS3, is a dedicated device designed for managing solar charging and battery discharge within automatic gate opener systems. It ensures efficient power management and protects the battery from common issues like overcharge and over-discharge.

Function Description

The primary function of the TCS3 is to regulate the charging of a 24V battery system using solar panels and to control the discharge of this battery to power a gate opener's control board. It acts as an intermediary, taking power from solar panels, storing it in batteries, and then supplying it to the gate opener. The controller is equipped with multiple safety protections to safeguard the battery, including overcharge and over-discharge protection, which are crucial for extending battery life and ensuring reliable operation of the gate opener.

The controller supports two main wiring configurations:

Battery charged only by solar panel: In this setup, the solar panels are the sole source of charging for the battery. The battery then powers the gate opener's control board through the controller.
Battery charged by solar panel and adapter simultaneously: This configuration allows for a hybrid charging approach where both solar panels and an external adapter can contribute to charging the battery. In this scenario, the battery directly powers the gate opener's control board, bypassing the controller's LOAD terminal for the gate opener's power supply.

Important Technical Specifications

Model: TCS3
Capacity: 10 Amps (This refers to the maximum current the controller can handle for both charging and discharging.)
Working Voltage: 24V (The controller is specifically designed for 24V battery systems and requires 24V solar panels.)
Maximum Solar Panel Power: 240W (for a 24V Solar Panel system).
Battery Configuration: Requires two 12V batteries connected in series to achieve the necessary 24V.
Wire Gauge Recommendation:
- For lengths longer than 22.5m (75'), do not use cords smaller than 0.75mm² (18 AWG).
- 2mm² (14 AWG) or 3.3 mm² (12 AWG) is strongly recommended for extension distances of 30m (100') or 45m (150').

Usage Features

Wire Connection Procedures:

General Connection Rule: Always connect the battery to the controller first, then connect the solar panel to the "SOL" terminal.
Polarity: It is critical to observe the correct polarity for all connections (battery, solar panel, and gate opener control board) to prevent damage to the controller or other components.
Solar Panel Connection: Solar panels should always be connected in parallel to increase the charge current. Never connect solar panels in series, as this will damage the controller.
Gate Opener Connection (Solar Only Charging): Connect the "BAT" terminal of the gate opener's control board to the "LOAD" terminal of the controller using an extension cord.
Gate Opener Connection (Solar + Adapter Charging): Connect the "BAT" terminal of the gate opener's control board directly to the battery. The "LOAD" terminal of the controller is not used in this configuration. Never short the two wires of the "LOAD" terminal.
Current Limit: The maximum current of the load (gate opener) or the solar panel should not exceed 10A.

Indicators:

The TCS3 features two LED indicators for monitoring battery status:

LED1 (Charge Indicator):
- ON: Battery is not fully charged.
- OFF: Battery is fully charged.
LED2 (Discharge Indicator):
- ON: Battery is over-discharged.
- OFF: Battery has sufficient power to operate the gate opener normally.

Maintenance Features

Battery Voltage Verification: Before using the controller, always confirm that the voltage of both the battery and the solar panel matches the controller's working voltage (24V).
Wire Gauge Selection: Proper wire gauge selection is crucial for efficient power transfer and to prevent voltage drop, especially over longer distances. Adhering to the recommended wire gauges ensures optimal performance and reduces the risk of overheating or power loss.
Solar Panel Series Connection Warning: The manual explicitly warns against connecting solar panels in series, as this will damage the controller. This is a critical maintenance consideration to prevent costly repairs or replacements.
Current Limit Adherence: Ensuring that the maximum current of the load or solar panel does not exceed 10A is vital for the longevity and safe operation of the controller.
Polarity Checks: Regular checks of all appliance polarities during connection and re-connection are essential to prevent damage.

The TOPENS TCS3 is a robust and user-friendly solar charge controller designed to provide reliable power management for automatic gate opener systems, emphasizing safety and efficiency through its protective features and clear operational guidelines.

Topens TCS3 Specifications

General

Brand	Topens
Model	TCS3
Category	Inverter
Language	English