Specialty Concepts ASC - Manual (Page 10)

O P T I O N S
Options cannot be added to units after production.
OPTION A - Temperature Compensation:
DESCRIPTION: On units equipped with Option-A, a small sensor on a 10 foot (3m) cable is
connected to the controller to adjust the charging thresholds according to battery temperature.
The rate of compensation is -5mv/
° C per battery cell in series from 25 ° C. See Table 1 below.
WHEN NEEDED: Temperature compensation is recommended for stand-alone systems with
sealed batteries, or for systems that have no regular charging source other than PV AND where
prolonged temperature extremes will be experienced during periods of charging. Temperature
extremes would be when the battery will be exposed to average temperatures below 50
°
F (10
°
C)
or above 90
°
F (32
°
C) for weeks at a time. Systems with other sources of charging, (alternators
on RVs) or applications where the battery is on maintenance charge, normally do not need this
option. NiCad batteries often have different temperature compensation requirements.
CAUTION: SENSOR CABLE: If the cable is cut or the sensor is damaged, the controller will no
longer function.
INSTALLATION: The sensor at the end of the cable needs to attach to the side of the battery. This
must be done properly to ensure that accurate temperature readings are made. It is important
that ambient temperature not influence the sensor. To minimize this, attach the sensor to the
battery as follows:
1. RUN SENSOR TO BATTERIES : Run the sensor to the batteries. To protect the cable from
cuts, rodents or other damage, consider running the cable through conduit or a PVC pipe.
During installation, care should be taken to prevent the sensor from damage. When pulling the
sensor and wire through conduit, do not pull on the sensor itself, but instead on the gray cable
just behind the sensor.
2. ATTACH SENSOR: Use the foam square (included) to attach and cover the sensor half-way
up the side of the battery. Choose a battery that is shielded from drafts or sunlight by other
batteries or by the battery shelter. DO NOT immerse the sensor directly in the battery's
electrolyte. Temperature compensation of charging voltage is now automatic.
Table 1 : Voltage set-points by temperature.
Temperature compensation coefficient is: -.03 volts /
°°
C from 25
°°
C (for 12 volt)
-.06 volts /
°°
C from 25
°°
C (for 24 volt)
CONTROLLER TEMPERATURE
°°
C (
°°
F)
VOLTAGE 0
°°
(32
°°
) 10
°°
(50
°°
) 20
°°
(68
°°
) 25
°°
(77
°°
) 30
°°
(86
°°
) 40
°°
(104
°°
) 50
°°
(122
°°
)
12 VOLT 15.05v 14.75v 14.45v 14.30v 14.15v 13.85v 13.55v
24 VOLT 30.10v 29.50v 28.90v 28.60v 28.30v 27.70v 27.10v