Blue Sky Solar Boost 3000i - Manual (Page 9)

Installation and Operation Manual
8
SELECTING PV MODULES
The 3000i is designed to operate conventional 12V 36 cell PV modules or higher voltage 60 cell modules. It is not intended for use with 72 cell
modules. If multiple PV modules are used best MPPT current boost performance will be obtained if all PV modules are identical. Dissimilar modules should
have V
MP
values within ≈0.5V or better and be of the same basic cell technology so their V
MP
will tend to track as operating conditions change. If module
types are very different consider using a separate charge controller for each module type to obtain the best MPPT current boost performance. When multiple
controllers are used on the IPN Network each controller independently MPPT’s their modules to their best. Do not mix 36 cell and 60 cell modules on the
same controller. Select PV modules that do not exceed the maximum ratings shown below, and preferably produce I
MP
of at least 3.5 amps (2 amps with 60
cell modules) per 100 amp-hours of battery capacity.
Voltage, current and power produced by PV modules fluctuate widely with operating conditions. As a result a set of test conditions referred to as
Standard Test Conditions (STC) are used to rate modules in a meaningful manner and accurately predict real world performance. STC ratings are not
maximum or optimal ratings. Conditions can be present where V
OC
and I
SC
approach 1.25 times STC ratings which is why National Electrical Code and our
recommendations call for 1.25 derating of both V
OC
and I
SC
. Yet in real world conditions I
MP
actually seen is commonly only about 75 – 80% of I
MP
at STC.
Key PV module specifications;
P
MAX
Maximum power in watts (P
MAX
= V
MP
x I
MP
)
V
OC
Voltage with module open circuit (typically ≈20 – 22V for 12V nominal 36 cell modules)
V
MP
Voltage where module produces Maximum Power (typically ≈17 – 18V for 12V nominal 36 cell modules)
I
MP
Current where module produces Maximum Power
I
SC
Current with module Short Circuit
PV Cell Count
Maximum PV
Power @ STC
Automatic Output
Current Limit
Maximum PV
Isc @ STC
Maximum PV
V
OC
@ STC
Recommended range of
V
MP
@ STC
36 Cell 400W 30A 24A 24.0V 16.0 – 19.0V
60 Cell 290W 22A 11.8A 40.0V 24.0V – 31.0V
MOUNTING
¾ CAUTION: The front panel may become quite warm to the touch during normal operation. Mount the 3000i vertically to promote
air flow and cooling, do not enclose in a confined space and avoid mounting in direct sunlight. The 3000i is not watertight and must be
protected from rain, snow and excessive moisture. Corrosion resulting from liquid water or excessive moisture voids the limited
warranty. An optional black powder coated deluxe mounting box is available as BSE p/n 720-0011-01. The optional mounting box is
the same X,Y dimension as the 3000i front panel and 2.75” (7cm) deep.
DETAILED DIMENSIONAL DRAWING
FIGURE 3