Outback Power Systems MX60 User Manual 2
MX60 PV MPPT
(Maximum Power Point Tracking)
Charge Controller
Installation, Programming and User’s Manual
Warranty Summary
Dear OutBack Customer,
Thank you for your purchase of OutBack products. We make every e ort to assure our power
conversion products will give you long and reliable service for your renewable energy system.
As with any manufactured device, repairs might be needed due to damage, inappropriate use,
or unintentional defect. Please note the following guidelines regarding warranty service of
OutBack products:
• Any and all warranty repairs must conform to the terms of the warranty.
• All OutBack equipment must be installed according to their accompanying instructions and
manuals with speci ed over-current protection in order to maintain their warranties.
• The customer must return the component(s) to OutBack securely packaged, properly addressed, and
shipping paid. We recommend insuring your package when shipping. Packages that are not securely
packaged can sustain additional damage not covered by the warranty or can void
warranty repairs.
• There is no allowance or reimbursement for an installer’s or user’s labor or travel time required to
disconnect, service, or reinstall the damaged component(s).
• OutBack will ship the repaired or replacement component(s) prepaid to addresses in the continental
United States, where applicable. Shipments outside the U.S. will be sent freight collect.
• In the event of a product malfunction, OutBack cannot bear any responsibility for consequential
losses, expenses, or damage to other components.
• Please read the full warranty at the end of this manual for more information.
2
The OutBack Power Systems MX60 PV MPPT Charge Controller is ETL listed to UL1741 (Inverters, Convert-
ers, Controllers, and Interconnection System Equipment for Use with Distributed Energy Resources). It is
also in compliance with European Union standards EN 61000-6-1 and EN 61000-6-3 (see page 87).
About OutBack Power Systems
OutBack Power Systems is a leader in advanced energy conversion technology. Our products include
true sine wave inverter/chargers, a maximum power point charge controller, system communication
components, as well as breaker panels, breakers, accessories, and assembled systems.
Notice of Copyright
MX60 PV MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) Charge Controller: Installation, Programming
and User’s Manual
Copyright © 2007 All rights reserved.
Disclaimer
UNLESS SPECIFICALLY AGREED TO IN WRITING, OUTBACK POWER SYSTEMS:
(a) MAKES NO WARRANTY AS TO THE ACCURACY, SUFFICIENCY OR SUITABILITY OF ANY TECHNICAL OR
OTHER INFORMATION PROVIDED IN ITS MANUALS OR OTHER DOCUMENTATION.
(b) ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR LOSS OR DAMAGE, WHETHER DIRECT,
INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL, WHICH MIGHT ARISE OUT OF THE USE OF SUCH
INFORMATION. THE USE OF ANY SUCH INFORMATION WILL BE ENTIRELY AT THE USER’S RISK.
Date and Revision
April, 2008 REV D Software REV 5.10 and 5.11
Contact Information
OutBack Power Systems
19009 62nd Ave. NE
Arlington, WA 98223
Phone (360) 435-6030
Fax (360) 435-6019
www.outbackpower.com
3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 6
INSTALLATION GUIDELINES AND SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS ............................................................................................. 7
Standards and Requirements ................................................................................................................................................. 8
OPEN CIRCUIT VOLTAGE/WIRE AND DISCONNECT SIZING ............................................................................................ 9
BATTERY SYSTEM VOLTAGE ..............................................................................................................................................................14
POWERING UP .........................................................................................................................................................................................15
STATUS SCREEN .......................................................................................................................................................................................18
PREPARING FOR RECHARGING ......................................................................................................................................................19
ACCESSING THE MAIN MENU .........................................................................................................................................................20
CHARGER SETUP ....................................................................................................................................................................................21
AUX MODE .................................................................................................................................................................................................22
AUX MODE Path ............................................................................................................................................................................23
AUX Modes Described ..............................................................................................................................................................24
Programming the AUX MODES ...........................................................................................................................................25
Manual ......................................................................................................................................................................................25
Vent Fan ...................................................................................................................................................................................25
PV Trigger ................................................................................................................................................................................26
Float ............................................................................................................................................................................................27
Error Alarm..............................................................................................................................................................................28
Diversion ..................................................................................................................................................................................28
Low Battery Disconnect .................................................................................................................................................31
Remote .....................................................................................................................................................................................33
BACKLIGHT.................................................................................................................................................................................................34
EQ (Equalize) .............................................................................................................................................................................................34
MISC-MISCELLANEOUS ......................................................................................................................................................................37
WIDE/LMIT Battery Temperature Compensated Limits .................................................................................................38
ADVANCED ................................................................................................................................................................................................43
Snooze Mode..................................................................................................................................................................................43
Park Mpp ...........................................................................................................................................................................................44
Mpp Range Limit % Voc ...........................................................................................................................................................44
Sweep Interval ...............................................................................................................................................................................45
Vbatt Calibration ...........................................................................................................................................................................45
Low Cuto ........................................................................................................................................................................................46
MPPT Mode .....................................................................................................................................................................................46
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Absorb Time Limits .....................................................................................................................................................................47
Wakeup Mode ................................................................................................................................................................................48
(DATA) LOGGING ....................................................................................................................................................................................49
Clearing Total and Daily Stats ...............................................................................................................................................50
LOG2 ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................51
Secondary LOG2 Screen ..........................................................................................................................................................53
MICRO-HYDRO, WIND TURBINE, AND FUEL CELL APPLICATIONS............................................................................54
ADVANCED MENU (Micro-Hydro) ...............................................................................................................................................56
MX60 ABBREVIATED MENU MAP..................................................................................................................................................60
APPLICATION NOTES ...........................................................................................................................................................................61
FACTORY ASSISTANCE ........................................................................................................................................................................62
SPECIFICATIONS ......................................................................................................................................................................................63
UNDERSTANDING THE VARIOUS OPERATIONAL MODES ..............................................................................................67
MATE-DISPLAYED MX60 STATUS MODE Screens ...............................................................................................................71
MATE-DISPLAYED MX60 STATUS METER Screens ...............................................................................................................72
MATE-DISPLAYED MX60 STATUS SETP(SETPOINT) Screens .........................................................................................73
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE ............................................................................................................................................................74
TYPICAL ARRAY SIZING GUIDE ......................................................................................................................................................77
STANDARD vs. AUSTRALIAN DEFAULT SETTINGS ...............................................................................................................78
WIRE DISTANCE CHART ......................................................................................................................................................................79
WIRE AND DISCONNECT SIZING ..................................................................................................................................................81
MULTI-STAGE BATTERY CHARGING .............................................................................................................................................82
BATTERY TEMPERATURE COMPENSATED VOLTAGE SET POINT .................................................................................84
SUGGESTED BATTERY CHARGER SET POINTS ......................................................................................................................85
OWNER’S SYSTEM INFORMATION ...............................................................................................................................................86
EU DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY........................................................................................................................................ 87
WARRANTY INFORMATION ..............................................................................................................................................................88
PRODUCT REGISTRATION .................................................................................................................................................................90
5
SCOPE
The manual provides safety guidelines and installation information for the MX60 PV MPPT Charge
Controller. It does not provide information about speci c brands of solar panels and supplies
limited information on batteries. Contact the supplier or manufacturer of the solar panels or
batteries for further information.
INTRODUCTION
MX60 PV MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) Charge Controller
The OutBack MX60 PV MPPT Charge Controller o ers an e cient, safe, multi-stage recharging
process that prolongs battery life and assures peak performance from a solar array. This component
allows customized battery recharging. The MX60 features include:
• 60 amps maximum continuous output current
• Engineered to work with 12, 24, 36, 48, and 60 VDC battery voltages
• Backlit LCD display screen with 80 characters (4 lines, 20 characters per line)
• Last 64 days of operational data are logged for review
• Voltage step-down capability allowing a higher PV array voltage con guration
• Manual and auto-equalize cycles
The following are the maximum recommended wattage for the most common solar arrays under
Standard Test Conditions (1000 watts per square meter of solar panel at 25° C or 77° F):
• 12 VDC battery systems—up to 800 watts of solar panels
• 24 VDC battery systems—up to 1600 watts of solar panels
• 48 VDC battery systems—up to 3200 watts of solar panels
The MX60 also features Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT), which seeks out the maximum
power available from a solar array and uses it to recharge the batteries. Without this feature, the
solar array does not operate at the ideal operating voltage and can only recharge at the level of the
battery voltage itself. The MX60 “sweeps” the array’s operating voltage at user-determined sweep
intervals to track the Maximum Power Point (MPP) of the PV array.
This manual covers the wiring, installation, and use of the MX60, including explanations of all the
Menus displayed on the LCD screen. The MX60 is designed to seamlessly integrate with other
OutBack components and can be remotely monitored (up to 1000 feet) by the optional OutBack
Power Systems MATE display.
6
INSTALLATION GUIDELINES AND IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
This product is intended to be installed as part of a permanently grounded electrical system
as shown in the system con guration sections of this manual with the following important
restrictions:
• The negative battery conductor should be bonded to the grounding system at only one point in the
system. If a GFP (Ground Fault Protector) is present, the battery negative and ground are not bonded.
• With the exception of certain telcom applications, the MX60 should never be positive grounded (see
page 61, Applications Notes).
• The equipment ground on the MX60 is marked with this symbol:
• If damaged or malfunctioning, the MX60 should only be disassembled and repaired by a
quali ed service center. Please contact your renewable energy dealer/installer for assistance.
Incorrect reassembly risks malfunction, electric shock or re.
• The MX60 is designed for indoor installation or installation inside a weatherproof enclosure. It must not be
exposed to rain and should be installed away from direct sunlight.
• For routine, user-approved maintenance:
Disconnect all circuit breakers and related electrical connections before doing any cleaning
or adjustments.
Solar modules may produce hazardous voltages when exposed to light; unless
servicing them at night, cover the modules with opaque material before servicing any
connected equipment.
Standards and Requirements
All installations must comply with national (NEC) and/or local electrical codes; professional installation
is recommended.
DC and Battery-Related Installation Requirements:
• All DC cables must meet NEC standards or applicable local code standards.
• Shut o all DC breakers before connecting any wiring.
• Torque the four-position terminal block and ground terminals to 30 inch pounds/4Nm.
• All wiring must be rated at 75° C or higher.
• Use up to 2 AWG (6.54 mm) to reduce losses and ensure high performance of MX60 (smaller cables
can reduce performance and possibly damage the unit).
• Keep cables together (e.g., using a tie-wrap) as much as possible.
• Ensure both cables pass through the same knockout and conduit ttings to allow the inductive cur-
rents to cancel.
• DC battery over-current protection must be provided as part of the installation. OutBack o ers both
breakers and fuses for over-current protection.
7
WARNING - WORKING IN THE VICINITY OF A LEAD ACID BATTERY
IS DANGEROUS. BATTERIES GENERATE EXPLOSIVE GASES DURING
NORMAL OPERATION.
Design the battery enclosure to prevent accumulation and concentration of hydrogen gas
in “pockets” at the top of the enclosure. Vent the battery compartment from the highest
point to the outside. A sloped lid can also be used to direct the ow of hydrogen to the vent
opening.
CAUTION - To reduce risk of injury, charge only deep-cycle lead acid, lead antimony, lead
calcium, gel cell or absorbed glass mat type rechargeable batteries. Other types of batteries
may burst, causing personal injury and damage. Never charge a frozen battery.
PERSONAL PRECAUTIONS
• Someone should be within range of your voice to come to your aid if needed.
• Keep plenty of fresh water and soap nearby in case battery acid contacts skin, clothing,
or eyes.
• Wear complete eye protection. Avoid touching eyes while working near batteries. Wash
your hands with soap and warm water when done.
• If battery acid contacts skin or clothing, wash immediately with soap and water. If acid
enters an eye, ood the eye with running cool water at once for at least 15 minutes and
get medical attention immediately following.
• Baking soda neutralizes lead acid battery electrolyte. Keep a supply on hand in the area of
the batteries.
•
NEVER smoke or allow a spark or ame in vicinity of a battery or generator.
• Be extra cautious to reduce the risk of dropping a metal tool onto batteries. It could shortcircuit the batteries or other electrical parts that can result in re or explosion.
• Remove personal metal items such as rings, bracelets, necklaces, and watches when
working with a battery or other electrical current. A battery can produce a short circuit
current high enough to weld a ring or the like to metal, causing severe burns.
8
OPEN CIRCUIT VOLTAGE/WIRE AND DISCONNECT SIZING
Maximum Open Circuit Voltage (Voc)
• Voc is the unloaded voltage generated by the solar array.
141 VDC MX60 suspends operation to protect components
150 VDC max open circuit voltage with the coldest environment (although the MX60 shuts
down at 141 VDC, it can absorb up to 150 VDC from the array; anything higher than 150 VDC
will damage the MX60)
• As every brand of panel is di erent, be sure to know the manufacturer’s speci cations.
• Local temperatures vary seasonally and will a ect panel voltage.
Hot weather: lower open circuit voltage/lower maximum power point voltage
Cold weather: higher open circuit voltage/higher power point voltage
Allow for ambient temperature correction using the following table:
25° to 10° C (77° to 50° F) multiply by 1.06
9° to 0° C (49° to 32° F) multiply by 1.10
-1° to -10° C (31° to 14° F) multiply by 1.13
-11° to -20° C (13° to -4° F) multiply by 1.17
-21° to -40° C (-5° to -40° F) multiply by 1.25
Check the PV array voltage before connecting it to the MX60.
Wire and Disconnect Sizing
• The output current limit of the MX60 is 60 amps.
• Use a minimum of 6 AWG (4.11 mm) wire for the output between the MX60 and the battery bus
bar conductors; a larger size might be required due to temperature and/or conduit ll corrections.
• Install OutBack OBB-60 or OBB-80 amp breakers for disconnect and over current protection.
• The largest PV array that can connect to an MX60 should have a rated short-circuit current of 48
amps STC (Standard Test Conditions).
• Input conductors and circuit breakers must be rated at 1.56 times the short-circuit current of the PV
array. OutBack OBB 100% duty continuous breakers only need to be rated at 1.25 times the short-
circuit current.
• Please see the wire Distance Chart and complete Wire and Disconnect Sizing on pages 81-83 for
other suitable conductor/wire sizing.
9
Figure 1 Field Wiring Connections and Surge Protection
Use up to 2 AWG
(6.54 mm) wire and
torque to 30-inch
pounds/3.38 Nm at
terminals.
MATE/HUB
RJ45 jack
If attaching to plywood, use a 1 5/8”
wood screw to secure
the MX60 at the top
slotted hole and other
screws as needed at
interior bottom holes.
PV+ PV- BAT- BAT+
Four-Position Terminal Block
Battery Remote Temp
Sensor (RTS) RJ11 jack
Programmable AUX
Output Jack (supplies
up to 200mA @ 12 VDC
Chassis/Equipment
Ground Lug
The PV (-) and BAT (-) terminals are connected internally. Only one negative wire may be needed
10
to connect to the Four-Position Terminal Block if the PV - and BAT- conductors are bonded at the
negative bus bar. See Figures 2 and 3 for sample wiring diagrams.
NOTE: Each MX 60 requires its own PV array. DO NOT PARALLEL MX 60 PV+ AND PV- TERMINALS TO
THE INPUT OF THE MX60. This can cause problems with the MPPT and can cause an MX60 failure.
NOTES
• An optional battery Remote Temperature Sensor (RTS) is recommended for accurate
battery recharging (only one RTS is needed for multiple OutBack Series Inverter/Chargers
and MX60 units when an OutBack HUB and a MATE are parts of the system). When one RTS
is used, it must be connected to the component plugged into the Port 1 of the HUB.
• AUX modes include powering a relay, LED indicator, and Piezo-buzzer or brushless fan.
• The OutBack MATE can display a single MX60 or multiple MX60s if connected to a HUB.
• Surge protection on the input (PV) side of the MX60 and on the battery side is required for
extended warranty protection. A dwelling rooftop array requires ground fault protection
(OutBack OBB-GFP-80D-125VDC-PNL recommended).
• Always install the MX60 in an upright position. The MX60 must be secured for a safe
installation and to retain warranty protection. Use a 1 5/8” wood screw through the slotted
hole at the top of the MX60 and at least two screws in the internally located holes at the
bottom of the MX60’s enclosure.
11
12
Figure 2 MX60 WIRING DIAGRAM without ground fault protection—the ground conductors tie into the
negative.
13
Figure 3 MX60 WIRING DIAGRAM with ground fault protection—the GFP/2 requires a separate ground
bus bar.
BATTERY SYSTEM VOLTAGE
• The MX60’s default setting is for a 12 VDC battery.
• Change the setting after powering up the MX60 if a di erent battery voltage is used.
• The PV array voltage—which must not exceed 150 VDC open circuit—is automatically detected.
KEY TO THE EXAMPLE DIAGRAMS
Soft keys:
(#1) (#2) (#3) (#4)
Solid black indicates key is to be pressed:
Down arrow will lead to the next screen:
Up arrow points to one or more keys that will change a value:
The keys correspond to any text immediately above them.
14
POWERING UP
The MX60 power-up sequence rst activates the unit and brings up a series of screens; some
screens allow the user to change the battery voltage.
NOTE: Be sure the PV input and battery breakers are o before starting the power-up sequence.
OFF SCREEN (this screen is initially blank at power up)
With the PV array and battery breakers o , press and
hold soft keys #1 and #3 and then turn on the battery
breaker (see Figure 4).
Battery Breaker
Figure 4
15
NOTE: The battery voltage must be at least 10.5 V or higher to power up the MX60. If the screen
reads “Got Battery?” please see the Troubleshooting Guide on page 74.
Power-Up Screen
OutBack 12V
Power
Systems
MX60
Release both soft keys when the OutBack Power Systems
screen appears. The selected battery voltage appears in
the upper right hand corner. The BATTERY VOLTAGE screen
will appear next.
NOTE: The MX60 designation in the lower left corner
will read MX60AU for Australian versions and MX60ES for
Spanish versions.
BATTERY VOLTAGE
12 24 36 48 60
^^
EXIT ENTER
Press Either Key
Password Screen
PASSWORD
***150***
ENTER - +
“^^” indicates the selected battery voltage. Press
the “ ” or <ENTER> soft keys to proceed to the
PASSWORD screen, which prevents unauthorized changes
to the system.
Press the “ – “ soft key until the password 141 shows on
the screen. Press the <ENTER> soft key to return to the
BATTERY VOLTAGE.
NOTE: 141 is the password for all OutBack products dis-
played on a screen.
16
Battery Voltage Screen
BATTERY VOLTAGE
12 24 36 48 60
^^
EXIT ENTER
Veri cation Screen
Are you sure?
12 24 36 48 60
^^
NO Yes
Press the “ soft key to select a battery voltage. The
MX60’s default values are based on a 12 VDC system.
Selecting a higher voltage system will change all the
default values (e.g., the values will double with a 24 VDC
system, triple with a 36 VDC system, etc.). “^^” indicates
the chosen voltage. The MX60 will automatically accept
the selected battery voltage if left unattended for 5 min-
utes in this screen. After choosing the voltage, press the
<ENTER> soft key to proceed.
Press the <YES> soft key to proceed if the selected
battery voltage is correct. If incorrect, press <NO> to
re-enter the correct voltage.
Power-Up Screen
OutBack 12V
Power
Systems
MX60
The MX60 brie y returns to the Power-Up screen and
then automatically opens the STATUS screen which
displays information regarding the recharging status.
Con rm the battery voltage displayed in the upper right
corner is correct.
NOTE: Repeating the Powering Up sequence resets the
MX60 Charge Controller to its factory default settings.
17
STATUS SCREEN
The STATUS screen displays system information. See page 67 for detailed information of the di erent
Operational Modes. The optional OutBack MATE displays MX STATUS screens for convenient distant
viewing from the installation location of the MX60. Please see page 71 to view the MX screens dis-
played on the MATE.
The PV voltage will slowly rise to the battery
voltage level even when the PV breaker
is o – this is normal as the PV capacitor
charges up.
PV Input Voltage
PV Input Current
PV 005 V Bat 12.5 V
00.0 A 00.0 A
Instantaneous Watts
Daily accumulated
kiloWatt Hours
NOTES
• Pressing the rst soft key opens the MAIN Menu screen.
• Pressing soft key #2 toggles between Amp Hours and kW Hours displays.
Watts 0000 Aux Off
kWHrs 00.0 Sleeping
Battery voltage
Output current
AUX. Status (ON or OFF)
Operational Mode
18
PREPARING FOR RECHARGING
PV 113 V Bat 12.5 V
00.0 A 00.0 A
Watts 0000 Aux Off
kWHrs 00.0 Sleeping
PV 087 V Bat 12.5 V
05.0 A 32.9 A
Watts 0412 Aux Off
kWHrs 00.0 B-MPPT
Turn the PV input breaker on. The MX60
automatically detects the PV input voltage.
(NOTE: If PV voltage registers “000V” when the breaker is
on, please check the polarity of the PV wires.)
After 5 seconds of stable input voltage, the MX60 enters
a “Wakeup” stage, transitions to “Sweeping” and prepares
to charge the batteries by tracking the MPP of the solar
array.
19
ACCESSING THE MAIN MENU
The MAIN Menu allows the user to adjust and calibrate the MX60 for maximum performance.
From the STATUS screen, press soft key #1 to open the MAIN Menu screen.
Press the <GO> soft key after aligning the asterisk
*Charger Aux Light
EQ Misc Advanced
Logging Log2
EXIT GO
Press or to move the asterisk “*”
to the left of the desired screen. The
asterisk allows access to any screen to
its right.
From the MAIN Menu, a user can choose among the following MX60 functions by aligning the
asterisk:
in front of the selected menu choice.
Pressing the <EXIT> soft key in the MAIN Menu
returns to the STATUS Menu. Press the <EXIT> soft
key in your chosen menu to return to the STATUS
screen.
• Charger—CHARGER SETUP
Adjusts the Current Limit, Absorb, and Float recharging voltage set points
• Aux—AUX OUTPUT CONTROL
Secondary control circuit for a vent fan, error alarm, and other system-related additions
• Light—BACKLIGHT CONTROL
Adjusts the backlighting of LCD screen and soft key buttons
• EQ—BATTERY EQUALIZE
Activates battery equalization recharging (manually or automatically)
• Misc—MISCELLANEOUS
Additional settings and service information
• Advanced —ADVANCE MENU
Optimizing/ ne-tuning the MX60 (these are advanced Menus that should be left alone unti
the user has a good working knowledge of the MX60 and its operations)
• Logging—DATA LOGGING
Displays recorded power production information
• Log2—LOG 2
Displays recorded peak system information
l
20
CHARGER SETUP
This screen allows changes to the MX60’s recharging voltage set points (Current Limit,
Absorb, Float):
• The presently selected numerical value will have an asterisk “ * ” to the left of it.
• Pressing selects the value to be changed.
• You may need to re-enter the password to change these settings.
• The default charger output current limit setting is 60 amps and is adjustable up to 70 amps. At 70
amps, a 70A or 80A breaker must be used between the battery and the MX60.
• Change ABSORB and FLOAT set points using this screen if the battery manufacturer’s
recommendations are di erent than the default values. Otherwise, see page 80 for suggested
recharging voltage set points.
• If a battery remote temperature sensor (RTS) is used, its compensated voltage values can be viewed
in the MISCELLANEOUS (Misc) screen under the Tmp Comp heading.
NOTE: If an RTS is used, set the ABSORB and FLOAT setting
LIMIT ABSORB FLOAT
Amps Volts Volts
*60.0 14.4 13.6
EXIT - +
voltage based on a 25°C / 77°F setting. These are typically
the manufacturer’s set points (always consult the battery
manufacturer’s recommendations). If an RTS is not in use,
please see the Non-Battery Temperature Compensated
System values (page 86) and adjust the ABSORB/FLOAT
values accordingly.
21
AUX MODE
The AUX is a secondary control circuit—essentially, a small power supply that provides a 12 VDC (up to
200 milliamps) output current. It is either active (12 VDC on) or inactive (12 VDC o ).
• To access the AUX MODE from the MAIN Menu, press the < >soft key until the asterisk is in front of
the AUX selection.
• A 200 milliamps or less, 12 VDC device can be wired directly to the AUX terminal; higher output DC
loads require a 12 VDC coil relay—also rated up to 200 milliamps or less for the DC coil—which itself
is connected to the AUX output. An internal, re-settable Positive Temperature Coe cient (PTC) fuse
protects the AUX internal components.
• For certain AUX control applications the use of a solid state relay is preferred. This is particularly
bene cial with applications such as the Diversion mode where fast switching (often called PWM
control) allows a more constant battery voltage to be maintained. Both DC and AC load switching
solid state relays are widely available from many sources. Eurotherm and Power-IO are two suggest-
ed solid state relay manufacturers.
• Most AUX modes or functions are designed for specialized applications and are infrequently used.
• Only one AUX MODE can operate at a time (even if other modes have been preset).
• Press the <EXIT> soft key to initiate the chosen AUX MODE.
• See Figure 5, page 30, for an AUX set-up wiring diagram.
In this Menu, ON and
OFF indicators show the
present state of the Aux
terminals. Pressing the
<ON> or <OFF> soft key
changes this value.
ON indicates 12 VDC is
present at the Aux output
terminals. OFF indicates
0 VDC.
Off
EXIT NEXT ON OFF
AUX MODE
Manual
Pressing the <NEXT> soft key
changes to the next mode.
Term s
The second line indicates
the present mode for the
Aux Output.
When the preferred mode
is displayed, press the
<EXIT> soft key to select it.
22
• AUX MODE: what is displayed on the Menu
• Aux Output: 12 VDC is either available or unavailable at the Aux Terminal
• Aux Terminal: the jack to which a relay is wired
AUX MODE Path
*Charger Aux Light
EQ Misc Advance
Logging Log2
EXIT GO
PASSWORD
***150***
ENTER - +
Charger *Aux Light
EQ Misc Advance
Logging Log2
EXIT GO
AUX MODE
Manual
Off
EXIT NEXT ON OFF
AUX MODE
Manual
On
EXIT NEXT ON OFF
• Press the #1 soft key once from the STATUS Menu to open the MAIN Menu.
• Press either of the arrow soft keys until the “*” is to the left of Aux.
• Press the <GO> soft key. If more than ten minutes have passed since any activity, the PASSWORD
screen becomes active, requiring the user to input the 141 PASSWORD and press< ENTER>. This
screen will also appear after rst booting up the MX60 even though the password was entered
when setting the battery voltage.
AUX MODE
Vent Fan
Off
EXIT NEXT VOLT
AUX MODE
ERROR ALARM
On
EXIT NEXT
AUX MODE
Remote
Off
EXIT NEXT
AUX MODE
PV Trigger
Off
EXIT NEXT TIME VOLT
AUX MODE
Diversion
Off
EXIT NEXT TIME VOLT
PV 005 V Bat 12.5 V
00.0 A 00.0 A
Watts 0000 Aux Off
kWHrs 00.0 Sleeping
AUX MODE
Float
Off
EXIT NEXT
AUX MODE
Low Batt Disconnect
On
EXIT NEXT TIME VOLT
23
AUX modes in order of appearance on the MX60 display:
• Manual
• Vent Fan
• PV Trigger
• Float
• Error Alarm
• Diversion
• Low Battery Disconnect
• Remote
The most commonly used AUX modes:
• Vent Fan
• Diversion
• Low Battery Disconnect
When an AUX MODE is ON, 12 VDC is available at the AUX terminals and a condition, such as a voltage
set point, is met. Other modes can be programmed in lieu of the speci c ones listed here, but the Vent
Fan mode is most easily changed (e.g., to activate an alarm instead of a fan). Here are the default AUX
modes:
• Manual—pressing either the < ON> or <OFF> soft key manually activates or deactivates AUX.
• Vent Fan— when the Vent Fan voltage set point is exceeded, the vent fan will run for at least 15
seconds (the fan helps remove hydrogen from battery enclosure), even if the set point is exceeded
for only a few seconds due to a surge. If the set point is exceeded for longer than 15 seconds, the fan
will stay on until the voltage drops below the set point. It then takes 15 seconds before the fan shuts
o . This is an external fan and not to be confused with the MX60’s internal, thermally activated fan
which cools the unit.
• PV Trigger—activates an alarm or relay (that disconnects the array); when the PV input is too high
and exceeds the user-determined voltage set point (should not go over 150 VDC), the PV Trigger
disconnects after a minimal adjustable amount of Hold Time.
• Float—powers a load if the MX60 is producing power in the Float stage.
• Error Alarm—useful for monitoring remote sites, switches to the O state if the MX60 has not
charged the batteries for 26 hours or more (not an audible alarm, only displayed as a printed
message on MX60 AUX Menu).
• Diversion—diverts excess power away from batteries when a wind or hydro generator is connected
directly to the batteries.
• Low Batt Disconnect—activates/deactivates the AUX load(s) when a user-determined voltage and
time levels are reached.
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• Remote—allows OutBack MATE to control the operation of the AUX MODE (see MATE manual for
details).
Programming the AUX MODES
AUX MODE
Manual
On
EXIT NEXT ON OFF
AUX MODE
Vent Fan
On
EXIT NEXT VOLT
Press the <ON> or <OFF> soft keys to manually activate
or deactivate AUX MODE. Press the <NEXT> soft key to
view the Vent Fan screen. To view other screens, continue
to press the <NEXT> soft key.
The Vent Fan helps remove hydrogen from the battery
room. The ventilation fan referred to here is not the same
as the MX60 cooling fan. Press the <VOLT> soft key to
determine the battery voltage that will activate the AUX
MODE and start the fan.
VENT FAN VOLTS
> 14.4
BACK - +
Adjust the voltage level using the < - > and < + > soft
keys. Press the <BACK> soft key to return to the Vent Fan
screen.
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AUX MODE
Vent Fan
On
EXIT NEXT VOLT
Press the <NEXT> soft key to advance to the PV
Trigger soft screen.
AUX MODE
PV Trigger
Off
EXIT NEXT TIME VOLT
PV VOLTS
> 140
BACK - +
When the PV input is too high and exceeds the user-
determined VOLT set point, the AUX MODE PV Trigger
activates. Press the <VOLT> soft key to adjust the voltage.
Adjust the voltage within a range of 20V - 150V by
pressing the < - > or < + > soft key. Press the <BACK>
soft key when nished to return to the PV Trigger screen
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AUX MODE
PV Trigger
On
EXIT NEXT TIME VOLT
To adjust the minimum amount of time the PV voltage
must remain high before deactivating the AUX MODE,
press the <TIME> soft key.
Hold Time Sec
01.1
BACK - +
AUX MODE
PV Trigger
Off
EXIT NEXT TIME VOLT
AUX MODE
Float
Off
EXIT NEXT
Press the < - > or the < + > soft key to adjust the Hold
Time, then press the <BACK> soft key to return to the
PV Trigger screen. In this example, the AUX MODE will
remain active for 1.1 sec after the PV voltage is below the
PV Trigger voltage before deactivating the PV Trigger and
reconnecting to the array.
Press the <NEXT> soft key to view the Float screen.
The AUX MODE is active when the MX60 is in Float and
producing power. Press the <NEXT> soft key to advance
to the ERROR ALARM screen.
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AUX MODE
ERROR ALARM
On
EXIT NEXT
AUX MODE
Diversion
Off
EXIT NEXT TIME VOLT
The default state of the ERROR ALARM is On, meaning 12
VDC is present at the AUX terminal. If the MX60 has not
charged the batteries for 26 hours or more continuously,
the inaudible ERROR ALARM goes into an O state. The
ERROR ALARM is intended for remote locations to signal
(e.g., a telecommunication signal to a computer) when
the MX60 has not recharged for 26 hrs or more. See
MISCELLANEOUS screen 3 Err for a display of the hourly
countdown. Press the <NEXT> soft key to advance to the
Diversion screen.
When external DC sources (wind, hydro) are directly con-
nected to a battery bank, any excess power should be
sent to a diversion load, such as a heating element. In
Diversion, the user programs set points—from -5.0 volts
to 5.0 volts relative to the Absorb, Float and EQ voltages—
Absorb—Float—EQ
Relative Volts
00.0 00.2
BACK - + HYST+
to activate the AUX MODE.
This is primarily an o -grid function. Pressing the <VOLT>
soft key advances to the Absorb-Float-EQ screen to adjust
the voltage set points.
Use this screen to establish the set points for starting and
ending the AUX MODE relative to the Absorb, Float, and EQ
voltages. The < - > and < + > soft keys set the Diversion
set points. The <HYST> (Hysteresis) set point establishes
when the AUX MODE becomes inactive after the battery
voltage falls below the Relative Volts voltage minus the
HYST value. After establishing these values, press the
<BACK> soft key to return to the Diversion screen (see
example on next page).
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