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Update on Control Panel | 8 comments (8 topical, editorial)

Re: Update on Control Panel (3.00 / 0) (#5)
by zenpi314 on Fri Jul 18th, 2008 at 05:48:01 PM MST
(User Info) http://www.potpower.com

I have a question about the battery I'm using. It is a trojan CB31-AGM.
What should be my high and low settings? Right now they are set at low=12.2 and high=14.3, as Hurd recommends. But the voltage does not seem to get above 13 volts. The solar panel charges very slowly, maybe that's why I never see the voltage go to 14 volt. As I understand it, the voltage should only get that high in a charging mode. a high of 14.3 when charging is equivalent to maybe 13 volt when in rest. Is that correct?
(I guess I can hijack my own diary, or not?)
Arno

Re: Update on Control Panel (3.00 / 0) (#6)
by electronbaby (roy<at>windsine.org) on Fri Jul 18th, 2008 at 08:19:18 PM MST
(User Info) http://www.windsine.org

It could possible that the PV module you are using does not have enough power to allow the charge controller to get out of the absorption stage. I googled that battery you mentioned, and it is a 110Ah battery. Not sure how much you discharge it, but that probably calls for somewhere around a 80w-100w PV module to work well. An 80 watt module would fit your charge controller well also.

Whats the wattage on your PV module? What is the current you typically see when charging (in full sunlight)?
Have Fun!! RoyR KB2UHF
[ Parent ]

Re: Update on Control Panel (3.00 / 0) (#7)
by ghurd on Fri Jul 18th, 2008 at 10:44:15 PM MST
(User Info)

Everyone keeps getting fancier and fancier.

That solar controller does not have an absorption stage.

The jumper should be installed on the last 2 SS-6 screws for an AGM.
Looks like it's on, but I can't tell for sure.

"in the hot shed (Florida)" in mid July???
If the jumper is on the SS-6, there is a chance the temperature is high enough for the temperature compensation to adjust the battery voltage for SLA to about 13V.
I think I'll lower my recommendations too, for this situation.

Should be about 13.4V for 120F. 13.2V for 130F.

If the temperature reaches 140F... Move North!
G-

[ Parent ]

Re: Update on Control Panel (3.00 / 0) (#8)
by zenpi314 on Sat Jul 19th, 2008 at 09:05:40 PM MST
(User Info) http://www.potpower.com

The SS controller and yours were never hooked up together. It is impossible to see in the picture, but the first one that does show your controller has the SS disconnected. I took it of the board soon after that image. The controller works perfectedly (as far as I can tell) but the panel might not be able to get the voltage high enough as electronbaby suggested. I currently use a 20 Watt panel which really only gives me about 1/2 amp most of the time. I'm going to buy a 80-100 Watt panel soon.
Should I still lower the dump voltage?
It does get really hot in there. If it reaches 140, I really should move North. I'm originally from latitude 52 (What the heck am I doing here;)

[ Parent ]

Update on Control Panel | 8 comments (8 topical, 0 editorial)

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