Specialty Concepts ASC - Manual (Page 12)

M O N I T O R I N G
“CHARGING” LIGHT: - The "CHARGING" light will be on when the battery is
charging. When charging, virtually all the power available from the solar array will
pass through to the battery.
The “CHARGING” light will be on when there is voltage from the solar array and the
battery can use more charging. This could result in the "CHARGING" light being on
(bright or faint) when the panels are in very low light conditions (i.e. night time with
moonlight).
LOAD CONTROL / ALARM “ACTIVATED” LIGHT (Option-E): - Generally, this
light indicates that the battery voltage is low and the loads have been turned off.
(The ASC with this option can also be used to start a standby generator or send
some other type of signal). This light will turn on if the battery voltage drops to 11.5
volts*. At this point, system usage should be minimized and if possible, an
alternative method (alternator, generator, AC battery charger) should be used to
bring the battery voltage up. Once the voltage increases a small amount (by
charging or turning off large loads), the light will go off.
O P E R A T I O N
The operation of the ASC is completely automatic. No user interface is required after
installation. This controller will regulate the charging of batteries during conditions of
heavy usage, or when left unattended for long periods of time.
CHARGING METHOD: Low Frequency Pulse Width Modulation : - The ASC
provides pulses of charging current at varying durations to maintain the batteries at
a full state of charge and insure the long-term health on the batteries. The “on” and
“off” cycle time is wide enough to eliminate electronic noise and short enough to
insure the batteries are always topped off. This method allows the batteries to
reach a higher voltage with the “on” cycle and protect the batteries from gassing in
the “off” cycle. This will provide the benefits of the higher voltage (reduced
sulfation and stirred up electrolyte) and prevent excessive gassing and excessive
water loss.
A TYPICAL DAY: - A typical daily cycle will be as follows. As the charging starts for
the day and battery capacity is low, charging will be continuous. As the battery
charges up, current will pass into the battery for a while and eventually stop. Later,
charging will resume and the system will continue this cycle throughout the day.
During the course of the day, the duration of the charging period of each cycle will
get shorter (cycling on for shorter periods and staying off longer). When the battery
is close to full charge, it will pulse current into the battery to achieve and maintain
full charge. This pulse charging is indicated by the "CHARGING" light occasionally
turning on and off.
* Voltages above are for 12 volt systems. For 6 volt systems, use half the listed voltage. For 24 volt
systems, multiply by 2. For 36 volts, multiply by 3. For 48 volts, multiply by 4.