Windy Nation TrakMax 40 MPPT Solar Charge Controller - Manual (Page 5)

TrakMax 40 User Manual
Revision 1.0
2 PRODUCT OVERVIEW
The TrakMax solar charge controller is a 40 amp 12/24 Volt Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT)
photovoltaic (PV) battery charge controller. Through the use of MPPT technology, TrakMax can increase
charge current up to 30% or more compared to conventional solar charge controllers. TrakMax’s
sophisticated three stage charge control system can be configured to optimize charge parameters to precise
battery requirements. The unit is fully protected against voltage transients, over temperature, over current,
reverse battery, and reverse PV connections. An automatic current limit feature allows use of the full 40 amp
capability without worrying about overload or unnecessary fuse blows from excessive current, voltage, or
amp-hour based load control.
Series pass Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) charge voltage control combined with a multistage charge
control algorithm leads to superior charging and enhanced battery performance. The filtered PWM power
control system uses highly efficient and reliable power MOSFET transistors. The MOSFET’s are turned on
and off at high frequency to precisely control the charge voltage and the MPPT function.
Fully automatic temperature compensation of charge voltage is available to further improve charge control
and battery performance. The optional battery temperature sensor (included) is built for long term reliability.
The sensor element is environmentally sealed and encapsulated into a lug, which adheres directly to the
battery. The TrakMax also includes an isolated RJ11 port for connection to a PC computer for data logging
and system monitoring.
For large system current applications (greater than 40 amps), multiple TrakMax units can be connected in
parallel.
2.1 F EATURES
 DC Load Output Port
 Optional battery temperature sensor ensures precise battery charging
 LED displays to indicate the status of charge
 Lightning protection
 Reverse current protection at night
 Three-stage battery charging (bulk, absorption, and float) with optional temperature compensation
 Automatic overload protection in both active and passive modes
 Microprocessor controlled
 Silent, pulse width modulated (PWM), high efficiency operation
 Auto detects system voltage (12 or 24 volt) at start up
2.2 S PECIFICATIONS
2.2.1 Electrical Specifications
Parameter Value @25
o
C
Battery System Voltage
12 / 24 VDC
(1) 9-18VDC battery voltage = TrakMax auto-detects 12
volt battery system
(2) 18-36VDC battery voltage = TrakMax auto-detects
24 volt battery system
Max Battery Charging Current 40 Amp
Load Current 15 Amp
Photovoltaic Input Voltage Range 12-55VDC
12-30VDC (12 volt battery charging)
30-55VDC (24 volt battery charging)
Max PV Open Circuit Array
Voltage 55VDC
Efficiency 97% min @ full current
Typical Idle Consumption At idle < 10mA
Page 5 of 20 windy nation 03/06/2013