MORNINGSTAR SUNSAVER DUO Operation Manual

TM
UNSAVER
S
D
UO
….
Dual Battery Charging Solar Controller
for RVs, Caravans, and Boats
….
……………………………….…………
Nominal Voltage 12 Volts
Rated Solar Current 25 Amps
1098 Washington Crossing Road
Washington Crossing, PA 18977 USA
www.morningstarcorp.com
Ratings
SUNSAVER DUO DIMENSIONS
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Contents

1.0 Important Safety Information ................................................................................. 4
2.0 General Information ................................................................................................ 5
2.1 Overview.............................................................................................................. 5
2.2 Morningstar Accessories...................................................................................... 7
3.0 Installation ............................................................................................................... 8
3.1 General Installation Notes.................................................................................... 8
3.2 Adjusting DIP Switches........................................................................................ 9
3.3 Mounting ............................................................................................................ 11
3.4 Wiring................................................................................................................. 12
4.0 Operation ............................................................................................................... 18
4.1 LED Indications.................................................................................................. 18
4.2 Charging Information ......................................................................................... 19
4.3 Protections......................................................................................................... 20
4.4 Inspection and Maintenance .............................................................................. 21
5.0 Troubleshooting .................................................................................................... 22
5.1 Error Indications................................................................................................. 22
5.2 General Problems .............................................................................................. 22
6.0 Limited Warranty ................................................................................................... 24
7.0 Technical Specifications ...................................................................................... 25
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1.0 Important Safety Information

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS:
This manual contains important safety, installation and operating instructions for the SunSaver Duo solar controller.
The following symbols are used throughout this manual to indicate potentially dangerous conditions or important safety instructions.
WARNING: Indicates a potentially dangerous condition. Use extreme caution when performing this task.
CAUTION: Indicates a critical procedure for safe and proper operation of the controller.
NOTE: Indicates a procedure or function that is important for the safe and proper operation of the controller.
General Safety Information
Read all of the instructions and cautions in the manual before starting the installation.
There are no user serviceable parts inside the SunSaver Duo. Do not disassemble or attempt to repair the controller.
Disconnect all sources of power to the controller before installing or adjusting the SunSaver Duo. Ensure that both batteries and the solar power have been disconnected before opening the access cover.
There are no fuses or disconnects in the SunSaver Duo. Power must be removed externally.
Do not allow water to enter the controller.
Confirm that the power wires are tightened to avoid excessive heating from a loose
connection.
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2.0 General Information

2.1 Overview

Thank you for selecting the SunSaver Duo solar charge controller. The SunSaver Duo is an advanced PWM dual-battery charge controller for RV’s, caravans, boats, and other installations that require simultaneous battery charging of two separate (isolated) batteries. The controller features a solar input connection and two battery connections.
A Status LED indicates charging progress and controller operating state. Battery charging and operating parameters are adjusted using five (5) Settings DIP Switches. The SunSaver Duo also features self-diagnostics and electronic error protection. Corrosion resistant power terminals and an epoxy-encapsulated circuit board provide maximum environmental protection. The SunSaver Duo also provides connections for a Remote Temperature Sensor (RTS) and Remote Meter (RM-1).
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The major features of the SunSaver Duo are shown in figure 1 below. An explanation of each feature is provided.
Figure 1. SunSaver Duo features
Remote Temperature Sensor (RTS) Terminals
A connection point for a Morningstar RTS (optional) to remotely monitor battery temperature.
Local Temperature Sensor
Measures ambient temperature. Battery regulation is adjusted accordingly.
Status LED Indicator
Provides system status and error indication.
Settings DIP Switches
Adjustment switches that define the operating parameters of the SunSaver Duo.
Battery #1 Power Terminals
Power connections for battery #1.
Solar Input Power Terminals
Power connections for solar module(s).
Battery #2 Power Terminals
Power wire connections for battery #2.
Remote Meter Connection (RJ-11)
A communication port for the Morningstar Remote Meter.
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2.2 Morningstar Accessories

Remote Temperature Sensor (Model: RTS)
The RTS measures battery temperature for accurate temperature compensation. Use when the ambient battery temperature differs from the ambient controller temperature by +/- 5 degrees C or more. An RTS can be attached to the SunSaver Duo at any time. The SunSaver Duo will automatically use the RTS for battery temperature compensation when installed. The standard cable length is 25 ft (7.6 m), and this can easily be extended to 100 ft (30 m) or longer. Installation instructions are provided with the RTS.
Remote Meter (Model: RM-1)
The digital Remote Meter displays system operating information, error indications, and self-diagnostic read-out. Information is displayed on a backlit 4­digit custom LCD display. The large numerical display and icons are easy to read and large buttons make navigating the meter menus easy. Additionally, a status LED and three (3) battery SOC LEDs provide a quick reference to system operation. The meter can be mounted in a wall or on the surface of a wall in a frame. The RM-1 is supplied with 32.8 ft (10.0 m) of cable, a mounting frame, and mounting screws. The RM-1 connects to the MeterBus port on the SunSaver Duo.
PC MeterBus Adapter (Model: MSC)
The MSC converts the MeterBus RJ-11 electrical interface to a standard RS-232 interface which allows communication between the SunSaver Duo and a PC. The MSC is required for programming custom charging setpoints and for logging data. Visit Morningstar’s website for more information.
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3.0 Installation

3.1 General Installation Notes

Read through the entire installation section before beginning installation.
Be very careful when working with batteries. Wear eye protection. Have fresh water available to wash and clean any contact with battery acid.
Use insulated tools and avoid placing metal objects near the batteries.
Explosive battery gasses may be present during charging. Be certain there is sufficient ventilation to release the gasses.
Do not install in locations where water can enter the controller.
Loose power connections and/or corroded wires can melt wire insulation, burn surrounding materials, or even cause fire cable clamps to secure cables in mobile applications.
Only charge lead-acid batteries.
Each of the two SunSaver Duo Battery connections may be wired to one battery or a bank of batteries. The following instructions refer to a singular battery, but it shall be implied that each battery connection can be made to either one battery or a group of batteries wired in parallel to form a 12 volt battery bank.
. Ensure tight connections and use
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3.2 Adjusting DIP Switches

Figure 2. Setting DIP switch definitions
DIP Switches 1 & 2 – Battery Type Select
The SunSaver Duo charges both sealed and flooded lead-acid batteries per the charging specifications in table 1 below. Sealed batteries are typically maintenance-free batteries that do not require water. Flooded batteries have removable caps that allow the addition of water when needed. DIP switches 1 & 2 select the battery type for Battery #1 and Battery #2 respectively. Choose the correct battery type for each battery.
DIP Switch OFF: Sealed battery type (factory pre-set) DIP Switch ON: Flooded battery type
Battery Type
Setpoint
Absorption Voltage 14.1 V 14.4 V
Float Voltage 13.7 V 13.7 V
Boost Voltage X 14.8 V
Boost Time X 2 hrs
Boost Interval X 28 days
Table 1. Standard battery charging programs
Sealed Flooded
DIP Switch 3 – Battery Charging Priority
Select the percentage of available charge current to each battery.
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