Blue Sky Solar Boost 3000i - Manual (Page 7)

Installation and Operation Manual
6
MAXIMUM POWER POINT TRACKING (MPPT)
The 3000i’s patented MPPT technology can increase charge current up to 30% or more compared to conventional PWM controllers operating 36 cell
PV modules. Principal operating conditions affecting current boost performance are PV cell temperature and battery voltage, with lower PV temperature and lower
battery voltage producing greater charge current increase. In cool comfortable temperatures most systems see about 10 – 20% increase. Increase may go to zero
in hot temperatures, whereas charge current increase may easily exceed 30% with a discharged battery and freezing temperatures. MPPT also allows efficient use
of higher voltage 60 cell modules by converting their much higher voltage down to battery voltage. Ignoring conversion losses the conversion process produces an
output current roughly equal to PV current times the ratio of PV voltage to battery voltage. If a 60 cell module is operating at 25V with 5 amps of output, and battery
voltage was 13V, output charge current from the 3000i would be about 5 amps times 25V
÷ 13V or about 9.6 amps. For a more complete MPPT description see
“What Is MPPT and how does it work?” on the FAQ page at www.blueskyenergyinc.com .
PANEL TEMPERATURE AND THERMAL PROTECTION
Internal power control devices use the front panel as a heatsink. It is normal for the front panel to become quite warm to the touch when the 3000i is
operating normally. Front panel heating will be the greatest when the 3000i is processing either very high power or very low power. When mounted to a
vertical surface with good ventilation, the 3000i can deliver full output in an ambient temperature of up to 45
°C (113°F). If an over temperature condition exists,
the 3000i will simply cycle on and off to keep internal temperature within acceptable limits.
MULTIPLE CHARGE CONTROLLERS ON THE IPN NETWORK
The 3000i may also operate as an IPN Network Master controlling up to 7 remote Blue Sky Energy IPN compatible charge controllers such as the
SB3024iL or SB2512iX-HV. The IPN Network allows multiple charge controllers to communicate with each other and coordinate their activities to charge the
battery as a single coordinated charging machine. The IPN Network allows an existing 3000i installation to be expanded greatly in power handling capability
by adding charge additional controllers and PV modules with all controllers displaying through the existing 3000i display.
¾ When serving as an IPN network Master the 3000i’s display will show the sum of all controllers on the network for input
current, output current and solar charge amp-hours. If a remote Slave controller has good PV input but the 3000i does not, the
3000i’s charge control system will properly direct the Slaves as indicated on the 3000i’s Charge Status LED’s, but the 3000i’s
display will be dim while the 3000i’s own power controller remains off. The display will become bright once the 3000i receives
good PV input.
INSTALLATION
¾ WARNING: Read, understand and follow the Important Safety Instructions in the beginning of this manual before proceeding.
This unit must be installed and wired in accordance with National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70. Over current protection 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. Do not connect BAT– and PV– together external to the unit. To reduce risk of electric
shock or product damage, remove all sources of power before installing or servicing. Figures 4 and 5 show generalized connections
only and are not intended to show all wiring, circuit protection and safety requirements for a photovoltaic electrical system.
¾ CAUTION: The 3000i is protected against reverse battery and PV polarity, and swapped PV and battery connections, but will be
damaged by reverse battery to the PV terminals. Transient voltage lightning protection is provided, but steady state voltage in
excess of 50VDC on the battery or PV terminals will damage the unit. Damage of either type voids the limited warranty.
CHARGE AND LOAD CONTROL SETTINGS
The 3000i contains various charge control and load control settings all of which are preconfigured at the factory to the default settings shown below.
Most installations require no changes to these settings which are typically suitable for most flooded, GEL and AGM lead-acid chemistry batteries. Check with
your battery manufacturer to confirm that these settings are suitable for your particular battery.
¾ WARNING: If charge parameter settings are changed, confirm that the new settings comply with the battery manufacturers
recommendations. DO NOT enable equalization for sealed lead-acid batteries such as GEL and AGM.
As Shipped Factory Default Settings
• Charge mode .............................................. 3-stage • Equalize enable ........................................................ Off (disabled)
• Absorption voltage ..................................... 14.4V • Equalize time ............................................................ 2.0 hours
• Absorption time .......................................... 2.0 hours • Equalize voltage ....................................................... 15.2V
• Float voltage ................................................ 13.2V • Auto equalize days ................................................... 30 days
• Maximum setpoint voltage limit .................. 15.5V • Temperature compensation factor ........................... −5.00mV/°C/cell
• Auxiliary output mode ................................ Aux Bat Charge • PostDusk lighting timer ........................................... Off (disabled)
• LVD on voltage .......................................... 12.6V • PreDawn lighting timer ............................................ Off (disabled)
• LVD off voltage .......................................... 11.5V • Middle of the night lighting control dimming .......... 0%
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