Samlex America PR-3030 - Manual (Page 10)

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7 Functions
This section describes the basic functions of the charge controller.
Operation of the controller is described under the respective menu items in
Section Configuring the controller.
7.1 SOC calculation
The controller monitors various battery parameters (V, I) during normal
operation and uses this information to calculate the state of charge of the
battery (SOC = state of charge). The state of charge represents the amount
of energy currently available in the battery. The device uses a continuous
learning process to automatically compensate for changes in the system, e.g
through ageing of the battery.
This SOC provides you with an accurate overview of the charge state of
the battery at all times. The controller also uses the SOC information for
selecting the charging method and for deep discharge protection to provide
optimum treatment of the battery. If one or more of the parameters cannot
be correctly measured, e.g. because a load or charging source is directly
connected to the battery, then the SOC calculation will not be correct.
The controller can then be configured to use a simpler, voltage-controlled
charging process, the Voltage control (with bar display) mode; see Section
Operating modes.
The SOC calculation is restarted each time the controller is commissioned.
7.2 Charge control
The controller performs constant voltage charging of the battery. The
maximum current available from the charging source is used for charging
the battery until the final charge voltage is reached. Once charge controlling
takes place, the charge current is controlled via pulse-width modulated
(PWM) shunting of the module input (shunt charge controller).
Different charging methods are used, normal charging, boost charging
and compensation charging, depending on the behaviour of the battery.
The battery type and operating mode settings are taken into account. The
final charge voltage is temperature compensated. A test is automatically
performed every 30 days to see if maintenance charging is required.
7.3 Deep discharge protection
The controller protects the connected battery from excessive discharging.
When the battery drops below a particular charge state (with SOC control)
or battery voltage (with voltage control), the load output is switched off to
prevent further discharge of the battery. Advance warning and disconnec-
tion due to deep discharge are indicated on the display. The deep discharge
thresholds are predefined and cannot be adjusted.
7.4 Night light function
The night light function allows the load output only to be switched on in
darkness (at night). The load output remains switched off when light is
present (day). The light information is provided via the connected solar
module as follows:
• The load is switched on as soon as the information from the solar mod-
ule indicates darkness. The load is switched off after a configurable time.
• When light is detected, the controller switches off the load output,
regardless of how long the load has been switched on. The different
properties of the different modules make it impossible to exactly specify
the darkness threshold.
A switch-on delay cannot be configured.