Trace Engineering C40 User Manual

14
Temperature Compensation
Setting LVR and LVD (Load Control Mode)
Setting HVD (Diversion Control Mode)
If a temperature compensation sensor is installed, the charge or diversion control process
will be automatically adjusted for the battery temperature. Set BULK and FLOAT voltage
for a battery at normal room temperature (23 -27°C/74 -80°F). Actual voltage may vary
above or below these settings due to adjustment for battery temperature.
If no temperature compensation sensor is installed and the batteries will be operating in
very hot or very cold conditions, adjust the BULK and FLOAT settings to allow for the
battery temperature. The recommended adjustments can be found in the table below. The
setting should be lowered for ambiant temperatures above 80 F/27 C and raised for
ambiant temperature below 75 F/23 C. If significant seasonal variations are common, you
will have to change the settings several times a year to prevent battery damage and ensure
proper operation.
Do not compensate the settings when using the C40 as a DC Load Controller.
You can change the low voltage disconnect (LVD) and low voltage reconnect (LVR) settings
using the same potentiometers described above. When the C40 is in DC Load Control
mode, the pots scale calibration is altered. For 12-volt application subtract two volts from
the scale shown on the circuit board for the LVR setting (Bulk setting when in Charge
Control mode) and subtract two volts from the scale shown for the LVD setting (Float setting
in Charge Control mode). Subtract four volts for a 24-volt application, and eight volts for a
48-volt application . The C40 comes with a two-part decal
that can be placed over the pots (after removing the
knobs) that shows the correct scales for DC Load Control
mode. The decal can be found inside the C40 chassis at
the bottom.
MANUAL reconnect of the loads is allowed if voltage has
not exceeded the LVR setting. To reconnect the loads,
press the reset button on the right side of the C40. If the
voltage is below the LVR level, the DC load can be
reconnected for an approximately 10 minute “grace”
period. Multiple “grace” periods are allowed, but the
duration of the ‘grace’ period will vary with battery voltage. The EQUALIZE jumper allows
the C40 to be set for AUTO reconnect of the DC load when the voltage exceeds the LVR
setting.
When the C40 is configured for Diversion Control mode, you can set the voltage at which
the unit begins diverting current (high voltage diversion). The unit will continue diverting
excess current to the diversion load until the source voltage falls to the HVD (Bulk) setting.
°°
°°
Note: The LED will light red in Load Control mode; never in Charge or Diversion
mode.
only
Copyright Trace Engineering Co. Inc. Tel (360) 435-8826 Part Number 2680 Rev. C
5916 195 Street, NE Fax (360) 435-2229 November 4, 1998
Arlington, WA 98223 USA www.traceengineering.com Page
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th
Charger Setpoint Temperature Compensation ChartCharger Setpoint Temperature Compensation Chart
Battery Type System Voltage
12 VOLT 24 VOLT 48 VOLT
Lead Acid (6 cells) .030 Volts/ C .060 Volts/ C .120Volts/ C
Nicad (10 cells) .020 Volts/ C .040 Volts /C .080 Volts/ C
°°°
°° °

Trace Engineering C40 Specifications

General

Brand	Trace Engineering
Model	C40
Category	Controller
Language	English

Summary

Important Safety Instructions

General Precautions

General safety advice for operating the C40 controller, including electrical hazards.

Personal Precautions

Safety advice related to personal contact, battery acid, and electrical safety.

Operating Modes of the C40 Controller

Photovoltaic Charge Control Mode

Details operation in PV charge control mode, including status indications.

Diversion Control Mode

Explains operation in DC diversion control mode, including excess power diversion.

DC Load Control Mode

Details operation in DC load control mode, including low voltage disconnect.

Key Features of the C40

Over Temperature Protection

Explains protection against excessive heat for the controller's transistors.

Electronic Overcurrent Protection

Details protection against overcurrent and short circuits with auto-reset.

Battery Temperature Compensation

Explains automatic adjustment of charge setpoints based on battery temperature.

LED Status Indicator Guide

Charge/Diversion Control Mode Indications

Describes LED status for charge and diversion control modes.

Load Control Mode Indications

Explains LED status for load control mode (red, orange).

Equalization Process Indication

Explains LED status when battery equalization is in process.

Installation and Wiring

Mounting the Controller

Instructions for mounting the C40 controller securely on a wall.

Wiring Guidelines and Cabling

General wiring best practices and specific cabling for different modes.

Configuring the C40

Setting Voltage Parameters

How to set voltage parameters using jumpers on the circuit board.

Operating Mode Selection

How to select the operating mode (Charge, Diversion, Load Control).

Adjusting C40 Voltages

Setting Charge Voltage Parameters

Adjusting Bulk and Float charge voltages via potentiometers.

Using Testpoints for Voltage Settings

Using test points with a voltmeter for accurate voltage adjustment.

Equalization Process

Manual Equalization

How to initiate and manage manual battery equalization.

Automatic Equalization

How to enable and manage automatic equalization cycles.

Temperature Compensation Settings

Battery Temperature Compensation

Adjusting settings for optimal battery temperature compensation.

Setting Load Control Voltages (LVR/LVD)

Setting low voltage reconnect (LVR) and disconnect (LVD) levels.

Setting Diversion Control Voltage (HVD)

Setting high voltage diversion (HVD) points for diversion mode.

C40 Digital Volt Meter Displays

Display Installation and Mounting

Instructions for installing and mounting the optional DVM/C40 displays.

Three Stage Battery Charging Process

Battery Setpoints and Equalization

Typical BULK and FLOAT Setpoints

Table of default and recommended bulk and float setpoints for various batteries.

Equalization for Non-Sealed Batteries

Explains the process and considerations for equalizing non-sealed batteries.

Battery Types and Sizing

Battery Types and Usage

Guidance on using maintenance-free, deep cycle, and sealed batteries.

NiCad, NiFe Batteries, and Battery Sizing

NiCad and NiFe Battery Compatibility

Compatibility and settings adjustments for NiCad and NiFe batteries.

Battery Sizing Guidelines

Guidance on computing and selecting the appropriate battery bank size.

Diversion Loads Explained

Explanation of diversion loads and their purpose in power systems.

Selecting a Diversion Load

Warranty Service Procedure

Limited 2 Year Warranty

C40 Specifications and Features