Product description, Operation – Blue Sky Solar Boost 1524iX User Manual
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Blue Sky Energy - Solar Boost 1524iX
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PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Solar Boost™ 1524iX is a 12V or 24V multi-stage Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) photovoltaic battery charge controller capable delivering up
to 15 amps or 20 amps depending on PV modules and battery voltage. An auxiliary output can serve as either a 2A auxiliary battery charger, or as a load
controller with or without variable Dusk-to-Dawn lighting control. The 1524 includes an IPN Network interface which allows multiple charge controllers to
communicate with each other and operate as a single charging machine.
Through the use of patented MPPT technology the 1524 can increase charge current up to 30% or more compared to conventional controllers. The
1524’s sophisticated three stage charge control system improves battery performance and life while minimizing battery maintenance. The unit is fully
protected against voltage transients, over temperature, over current, reverse battery and reverse PV connections.
PART NUMBERS AND OPTIONS
• SB1524iX ...........Solar Boost 1524iX charge controller
• IPNPRO-S ..........IPN-ProRemote with required 500A/50mV current shunt
• IPNPRO .............IPN-ProRemote display & battery monitor
• IPNREM .............IPN-Remote display
• CS-500 ...............500A/50mV current shunt
• 930-0039-01 .......Deluxe mounting box, black powder coated
• 930-0022-20 .......Battery temperature sensor
OPERATION
Charge control and MPPT operation are fully automatic. At night when PV power production stops, the PV array is disconnected from the battery to
prevent unwanted current drain eliminating the need for external blocking diodes. There is a 5 second turn-on delay, and a 45 second turn-off delay.
¾
The 1524 operates on battery power, not PV power. A battery must be connected with a minimum voltage of 9V for the unit to
operate.
CHARGE STATUS INDICATOR
A charge status indicator is provided on the face of the 1524, and on the optional remote displays. If net battery charge current is greater than
≈3 to 5 amps
per 100 amp-hours of battery capacity the charge status indicator can provide a rough indication of battery state of charge.
CHARGE STATUS INDICATOR
CHARGE STATUS INDICATOR
CHARGE MODE
APPROXIMATE CHARGE LEVEL
OFF CHARGE
OFF
CONTINUOUSLY ON
BULK
<70% FULL
BLINKING
• 1 SEC ON / 1 SEC OFF
ACCEPTANCE
70% - 95% FULL
BLINKING
• 0.2 SEC ON / 1 SEC OFF
FLOAT FULLY
CHARGED
RAPID BLINKING
• 0.2 SEC ON / 0.2 SEC OFF
EQUALIZE
TABLE 1
AUXILIARY OUTPUT INDICATOR
An Auxiliary Output indicator labeled LOAD is provided on the face of the 1524. The indicator will be ON when the auxiliary output is ON providing power to
a load, or charging an auxiliary battery. Auxiliary Output status can also be viewed on the IPN-ProRemote.
OPTIONAL REMOTE DISPLAYS
There are two available remote displays, the low cost IPN-Remote and the full featured IPN-ProRemote. The IPN-Remote is a basic 3-digit low power
LED type voltage, current and charge mode display without setup or control capability. The full featured IPN-ProRemote provides setup capability and
enhanced monitoring of charge controllers on the IPN network. It also provides a complete battery system monitor with various amp-hour counters and a highly
accurate “fuel gage” type battery level indicator.
THREE STAGE CHARGE CONTROL
The 1524 is factory configured for a three stage charging process, Bulk, Acceptance and Float. The three stage charge process provides a somewhat
higher charge voltage to charge the battery quickly and safely. Once the battery is fully charged a somewhat lower voltage is applied to maintain the battery
in a fully charged state without excessive water loss. Three stage charge improves battery performance and life while minimizing battery maintenance.
Bulk Charge
The 1524 will be in Bulk charge when battery voltage is below the Acceptance Charge Voltage setpoint. During Bulk the 1524 delivers as much charge
current as possible to rapidly recharge the battery and drive battery voltage up to the Acceptance Charge Voltage setpoint.
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