Blue Sky Solar Boost 3000i - Manual (Page 3)

Installation and Operation Manual
2
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
This manual contains important instructions for Model SB3000i
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
1. Refer installation and servicing to qualified service personnel. Incorrect installation or use may result in risk of electric shock or fire. No user serviceable parts
in this unit.
2. To reduce the risk of electric shock, fire or personal injury, the following symbols are placed throughout this manual to indicate dangerous conditions, or
important safety or operational instructions.
WARNING CAUTION IMPORTANT
)
Indicates dangerous conditions or electric
shock potential. Use extreme caution.
Indicates items critical to safe installation or
operation of the unit.
Follow these instructions closely for proper
operation of the unit
3. PERSONAL PRECAUTIONS
a) Working in the vicinity of lead-acid batteries is dangerous. Batteries produce explosive gasses during normal operation.
b) To reduce risk of battery explosion, follow these instructions and those published by battery manufacturer and manufacturer of any equipment you intend
to use in vicinity of battery.
c) Someone should be within range of your voice or close enough to come to your aid when you work near a lead-acid battery.
d) Have plenty of fresh water and soap nearby in case battery acid contacts skin, clothing or eyes.
e) Wear complete eye protection and clothing protection. Avoid touching eyes while working near battery.
f) If battery acid contacts skin or clothing, wash immediately with soap and water. If acid enters eye, immediately flood eye with running cold water for at
least 15 minutes and get medical attention immediately.
g) NEVER SMOKE or allow a spark or flame in vicinity of battery.
h) Be extra cautious to reduce risk of dropping metal tool onto battery. It might spark or short circuit battery or other electrical part that may cause explosion.
i) Remove personal metal items such as rings, bracelets and watches when working with a lead-acid battery. A lead-acid battery can produce a short circuit
current high enough to weld a ring or the like to metal, causing a severe burn.
j) Remove all sources of power, photovoltaic and battery before servicing or installing.
4. CHARGER LOCATION & INSTALLATION
a) This unit is designed to charge 12 volt (6 cell) flooded or sealed type lead-acid chemistry batteries within the range of 20 to 2,000 amp-hours. Follow
battery manufacturers charging recommendations when considering this unit for use with other battery chemistry.
b) This unit employs components that tend to produce arcs or sparks. NEVER install in battery compartment or in the presence of explosive gases.
c) This unit must be installed and wired in accordance with National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70.
d) Over current protection for the battery must be provided externally. To reduce the risk of fire, connect to a circuit provided with 40 amp maximum branch-
circuit over current protection in accordance with National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70 with 36 cell modules, or 30 amp maximum with 60 cell
modules. Do not connect a PV array capable of delivering greater than 24 amps of short circuit current I
SC
at STC with 36 cell modules, or 11.8 amps
with 60 cell modules.
e) Over current protection for the auxiliary load control output or auxiliary battery charge output must be provided externally. To reduce the risk of fire,
connect to load or auxiliary battery with 25 amp maximum over current protection in accordance with National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70.
f) Insure that charge parameters are properly configured for the battery being charged as recommended by the battery manufacturer.
g) This unit is not water tight. Do not expose to rain, snow or excessive moisture.
h) Insure all terminating connections are clean and tight. Tighten Battery and PV compression terminals to 15.9 in-lb (1.80 nm), battery temperature sensor
and IPN Network compression terminals to 2.1 in-lb (0.24 nm), and auxiliary output compression terminals to 6 in-lb (0.67 nm).
5. PREPARING TO CHARGE
a) Never charge a frozen battery.
b) Be sure battery is mounted in a well ventilated compartment.
c) Add distilled water in each cell of a lead-acid battery until battery acid reaches level specified by battery manufacturer.
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
The Solar Boost 3000i is a Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) solar charge controller able to charge 12V batteries at up to 30 amps from 36 cell
12V PV modules. Patented MPPT technology operates the modules electrically in a manner that harvests all available PV power and can increase charge
current up to 30% or more compared to conventional PWM type controllers. The voltage step-down operation of the MPPT power converter also allows use
higher voltage 60 cell grid-tie PV modules at up to 22 amps of output current producing a charge current increase approaching 200% with 60 cell modules.
The 3000i’s sophisticated and fully adjustable 3-stage plus equalization charge control system optimally charges flooded, GEL and AGM lead-acid
chemistry batteries. Electronic protection is provided against voltage transients, over temperature, over current, short circuit, swapped battery & PV, and
reverse battery & PV polarity. A very low power LED display is provided to monitor PV charge performance and includes a resettable amp-hour counter which
computes total PV amp-hours produced. A user configurable auxiliary output is also provided which can serve as either a 20 amp LVD load controller, a 20
amp lighting controller with LVD, or a 2 amp auxiliary battery charger for a second battery such as the engine start battery in an RV.