Controlled Products Systems Group SWINGSMART DC 20 - Manual (Page 45)

Using A Solar Powered Operator
Revision E Power 2-7
Design Requirements & Considerations
Two standard 8Ah batteries are supplied with SwingSmart DCS 20 and nominally support up to 100 cycles per
day based on the following:
•
Battery storage capacity based on 5 solar hours per day. See Figure 2-7.
• 20WATT solar panel system (minimum requirement). See Figure 2-5.
• A gate weight of 750lbs (340kg) and gate length of 12ft (3.7m)
• Connection to two HY-5A and one multi-code radio receiver. Note that if connected properly, photo eyes
are not considered in the power load because the Smart DC Controller only powers the photo eyes when
the motor engages. Refer to
Installing Photoelectric Sensors For Secondary Entrapment Protection Only .
NOTE
The available 50Ah battery option supports more peripheral connections because of its
higher storage capacity. A higher energy storage capacity provides a higher sustained current
draw. If the solar operator will be opening and closing more often at night or in low solar hour
conditions, consider using the 50Ah option and two 20WATT panels (for a total capacity of 40
WATTS).
The design of the solar-powered site is important in maintaining the highest gate cycle capacity and extending
the life of the batteries. The construction of a solar-powered gate and its cycle capacity is significantly affected
by the following:
•
Energy demand of the peripheral devices. The more energy efficient the device the less power draw occurs
to the batteries.
• Solar hours at the site. “Solar hours” relate to the amount of energy delivered by the sun and absorbed by
the solar panels. It is NOT the same as the number of daylight hours available at the site. See Figure 2-8.
• Design considerations must use calculations that are figured for the darkest months of the year (typically
December/January). Higher wattage panels may be required.
• Impediments to the sun’s rays reaching the solar panels. Elements such as, shade, improper alignment, or
dirty panels will reduce the amount of power available.
NOTE
Solar panels must not be shaded (not even partially) or the output power will be significantly
reduced. Panels must be kept clean as small areas of sunlight blockage cause a large reduction in
output power. Alignment is also critical because the rated wattage output is based on the solar
panels being mounted perpendicular to the angle of the sun’s rays midday on winter solstice
(December 21st).
• Extreme temperatures affect battery life. Keep the batteries away from temperatures above 90°F (32°C).
See
Important Considerations for DC-powered Operators .
• Good gate hardware and smooth, unobstructed gate travel lowers the operator’s power draw and serves to
extend battery life.
NOTE
Any solar systems that are designed close to the minimum margins will stress and shorten the
battery life and risk unreliable operation, especially in periods of inclement weather.