Installation – Blue Sky Solar Boost 2512iX User Manual
Page 6
Blue Sky Energy - Solar Boost 2512i and 2512iX
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CURRENT LIMIT
If PV input power is high enough to produce more than 25 amps of output current, the 2512 will automatically prevent output current from exceeding
25 amps. Note that when the 2512 exits current limit, it will briefly show Acceptance on the Charge Status Indicator even though battery voltage may be low.
OPTIONAL TEMPERATURE COMPENSATION (Omitted on SB2512i)
The charge voltage required by batteries changes with battery temperature. Temperature compensation of charge voltage enhances battery
performance and life, and decreases maintenance. Automatic temperature compensation can be provided using the optional battery temperature sensor
(BSE p/n 930-0022-20). The default compensation factor of –5.00mV/
°C/cell is appropriate for most lead-acid batteries.
FACTORY DEFAULT CHARGE VOLTAGE SETPOINT -VS.- BATTERY TEMPERATURE
FIGURE 2
MAXIMUM SETPOINT VOLTAGE LIMIT
Regardless of setpoint values entered by the user or result from temperature compensation the 2512 will not apply a charge voltage setpoint greater
than the maximum voltage setpoint limit factory configured to 15.5V. Note that actual battery voltage may briefly exceed this value by 0.1 – 0.2V as the
voltage control servo responds to changes in load.
MAXIMUM POWER POINT TRACKING (MPPT)
Patented MPPT technology can extract more power and increase charge current up to 30% or more compared to conventional controllers. The
principal operating conditions which affect current boost performance are PV array temperature and battery voltage. At constant solar intensity, available PV
voltage and power increase as PV temperature decreases but it takes an MPPT controller to access this extra power. When PV voltage is sufficiently high in Bulk
for MPPT to operate, a constant power output is delivered to the battery. Since output power is constant a decrease in battery voltage produces a further increase
in charge current. This means that the 2512 provides the greatest charge current increase when you need it most, in cold weather with a discharged battery. In
cool comfortable temperatures most systems see about 10 – 20% increase. Charge current increase can go to zero in hot temperatures, whereas charge current
increase can easily exceed 30% with a discharged battery and freezing temperatures. For a more complete MPPT description see
www.blueskyenergyinc.com
.
PANEL TEMPERATURE AND OUTPUT POWER
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 unit is
operating at high power. When mounted vertically as described in the installation section, the unit can deliver full output in an ambient temperature of up to
40
°C (104°F). If an over temperature condition exists, the unit will shut down and the Charge Status Indicator will display an OFF condition. The 2512 does not
include a digital type temperature sensor and will always show the heatsink to be –55
°C on the IPN-ProRemote.
MULTIPLE CHARGE CONTROLLERS ON THE IPN NETWORK (Omitted on SB2512i)
The IPN network architecture allows multiple charge controllers to operate as a single charging machine. Up to 8 IPN compatible charge controllers
can reside on a single network and can share a single display and battery temperature sensor. Charge controllers can be added to grow a small system into
a large system and have this large system operate from the users standpoint as a single charge controller.
INSTALLATION
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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 30 amp maximum branch-circuit over current
protection in accordance with National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70. Do not connect a PV array capable of delivering greater
than 24 amps of short circuit current I
SC
at STC. 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 as damage resulting from shorting to
the mounting box voids the limited warranty.. Figures 3, 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.