SPECIALTY CONCEPTS MARK III / 10
SC3
(
Photovoltaic Battery Charge Controller
Installation and Operation Manual
SPECIALTY CONCEPTS, INC.
8954 Mason Ave.
Chatsworth, CA 91311 USA
Copyright 9/1997 Specialty Concepts, Inc.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
10
/
)
The Specialty Concepts Mark III/10 (SC3/10) is a battery charge controller and system
monitoring unit designed for use in mobile or stationary photovoltaic (PV) energy systems.
Lights are included to indicate system status and a front panel fuse provides over-current
protection. The SC3/10 is available for 12 volt systems with charging current up to 10 amps.
This unit uses a solid state pulse type charge controller to safely reach and maintain a full
state of charge for the battery. A blocking diode is provided to eliminate losses through the
solar panels (array) at night. LED lights indicate "Solar Charging", "Battery Up", and "Low
Battery". The fuse provides over-current and reverse polarity protection. This model is
available for 12 volt systems with charging currents up to 10 amps. The SC3/10 can be
mounted flush in the wall or on a standard, double gang electrical switch box.
FEATURES
CHARGE REGULATION
• 10 amp charge current, 12 volt
• Switching shunt, pulse charging
DESIGN FEATURES
• 100% solid-state
• Designed for rugged mobile use
• Over-current protection - battery
fuse
• Reverse leakage protection blocking diode
• Lightning protection
• Input noise suppression
• Low power consumption
MONITORING
• "LOW BATTERY" light
• "SOLAR CHARGING" light
• "BATTERY CHARGED" light
MOUNTING
• Flush mount
• Wall mounting on standard electrical
double switch box
SPECIFICATIONS
PARAMETERS UNITS VALUE
Nominal Voltage (Volts) 12
Short Circuit Current, Continuous (Amps) 10
Short Circuit Current, Max (60 seconds) (Amps) 13
Array Voltage, Max Voc (Volts) 26
Operating Voltage @ Battery, Minimum (Volts) 0
Quiescent Current (Milliamps) 10
Current Consumption, Charging, Typ. (Milliamps) 15
Voltage Drop, Array to Battery, Typ. (Volts) .4
Charge Termination (Volts) 14.3 + .2
Charge Resumption (Volts) 13.5 + .3
Low Battery Warning Light (On) (Volts) 11.5 + .2
Operating Temp. Range (°C) -40 to 50
Storage Temp. Range (°C) -55 to 85
RELATED SYSTEM EQUIPMENT
The SC3/10 is an integral part of a solar electric power system that includes a PV solar array, a
battery and a load. The load is considered the item or equipment that the PV system is powering.
These items should be installed according to the instructions provided by the equipment supplier,
and this manual assumes that the rest of the equipment installation has been properly completed.
PANELS: The SC3/10 is compatible with all makes and models of PV panels, provided the open
circuit voltage (Array Voc, Max) does not exceed 26 volts and the short circuit current of
the array (Current, Short Circuit, Max) does not exceed 10 amps.
BATTERIES: The SC3/10 is calibrated for proper charging of standard batteries that are
normally used in recreational vehicles, boats, and remote stand alone systems. These
include wet cell batteries using lead antimony and/or lead calcium grids and sealed,
maintenance free batteries. For sealed batteries left unattended and charging for
prolonged periods, the SC3/10 may require different charge termination set-points. Contact
your supplier for more information.
LOADS: System loads such as lights, radios, DC/AC inverters, etc. must be rated for 12 volt DC
input. The loads should be fused as recommended and connected directly to the battery or
to a load center/circuit breaker box. See "INSTALLATION" section.
OTHER CHARGING SOURCES: DO NOT use the SC3/10 to regulate a power source other than
a photovoltaic array, such as a hydro or wind generator/alternator or an AC battery
charger. This could result in damage to the SC3/10 and/or the generating equipment.
Other charging sources must have their own charge regulation devices.
The SC3/10 and array can remain connected to a battery that is being charged by an
additional source, (alternator, battery charger, etc.) without damage to the controller or solar
panels.
INSTALLATION
WARNINGS / CAUTIONS
WARNINGS: Electricity, even low voltage electricity, can be dangerous. Installation should be
performed by a licensed electrical contractor or other qualified personnel only. The
requirements of the U.S. National Electrical Code should be followed.
WARNING: Follow all safety precautions of the battery manufacturer. Proper ventilation must be
provided for vented batteries. Most vented batteries produce hydrogen gas when charging,
which is extremely explosive. DO NOT expose the battery to open flame, matches,
cigarettes or sparks.
CAUTION: DO NOT exceed the maximum current rating (Current, Short Circuit, Continuous) of
10 amps. This is the sum of the short circuit currents of all the modules in parallel.
CAUTION: DO NOT subject the controller to voltages (Array Voltage, Max Voc), greater than 26
volts. This is the open circuit voltage (Voc) of the array, or the sum of the open circuit
voltages of all modules connected in series.
CAUTION: DO NOT reverse battery "PLUS" and "MINUS" connections to the SC3/10. Reverse
polarity or accidental contact to the battery in reverse polarity will cause the fuse to blow,
and may damage the unit.
CAUTION: DO NOT connect the array directly to the battery when the array is connected to the
SC3/10 at the same time. This will cause damage to the SC3/10 when the battery reaches
full charge voltage.
CAUTION: DO NOT wire the SC3/10 in such a way that it can be connected to an alternator (or
other charging source) while the battery is disconnected, even if momentarily.
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
1. LOCATION: - The SC3/10 should be mounted where it can be easily seen and reached to
take the best advantage of the status lights. Carefully consider how the wires are to be run
from the solar panel to the controller, and from the to the battery. The SC3/10 should be
mounted as close to the battery as possible, and should be mounted on a vertical surface to
aid in cooling.
2. PROTECTION: - The unit should be mounted indoors, out of the weather, unless a
weatherproof enclosure is used. Avoid mounting in direct sunlight or in a hot environment.
Basically, do not mount anywhere you would not put a TV or stereo.
3. MOUNTING OPTIONS: - The SC3/10 is designed to be recessed into the side of a cabinet or
wall where the wiring can be accessed from the back. Allow 2 - 3 inches behind the unit.
The SC3/10 can also be mounted onto a standard, double gang electrical switch box
available at any hardware or electrical supply store. Install the switch box as for standard
electrical wiring, run the wires into the box and after connection of the SC3/10, fasten it to
the box as you would an electrical switch.
4. COMPLETE THE INSTALLATION OF PANEL, BATTERIES AND LOAD: - Follow the
manufacturer's instructions for mounting and wiring the solar panel, batteries and the load.
5. WIRE SELECTION: - It is recommended to use stranded wire rather than solid wire whenever
possible, because stranded wire does not fatigue and cause loose connections over time as
easily as solid wire does.
The wiring from the array and to the batteries can be a larger gauge than the wires in the
SC3/10. The wiring in the controller is of sufficient gauge to handle the currents carried, and
the length of these wires is short so it will not reduce the voltage. Larger gauge may be
appropriate for the long runs to the array to minimize voltage losses.
Recommended Wire Size: # Solar Panels Minimum Wire Gauge
1 # 14
2 # 12
3 # 10
6. REMOVE POWER FROM BATTERY / PANELS: - Disconnect power from the batteries and
panels prior to running the wires to the controller.
7. RUN SYSTEM WIRING: - Run the wires from the battery and solar panel to the location
selected for the controller.
8. NOTE WIRE POLARITY: - Make sure to correctly mark the polarity of the wires using colored
wires or tags. Incorrect polarity may blow the front panel fuse or damage the SC3/10.
Some vehicles or solar kits use black and white wires for connection to the battery. These
kits will label the white wire as battery negative and the black wire as battery positive. Black
and red wiring systems will label the black wire as negative and the red wire as positive.
When these systems interconnect, the black wire does not connect to the black wire.
CAREFULLY NOTE BATTERY POLARITY AND WIRE COLORS!
9. PREPARE THE LOCATION FOR INSTALLATION: FLUSH MOUNT (No junction box): - Mark a cut-out 3½ inches wide and 2¾ inches high,
this should be centered in the area chosen for the controller. Make the cut-out using a
key hole or jig saw. Start by drilling holes in the corners, then saw between the holes.
Mark and drill the four mounting holes.
MOUNTING WITH JUNCTION BOX: - Make any necessary preparations to the surface as
needed for the particular junction box.
10. SC3/10 CONNECTION: - Wire the SC3/10 according to Figure 1. When possible, solder the
wires before installing the wire nuts, then wrap the wire nuts and wires with electrical tape.
11. INSTALL FUSING IF NEEDED: - Add additional circuit protection if needed.
12. SC3/10 MOUNTING: - Mount the SC3/10 to the wall or box front using the four screws
provided or other suitable fasteners. Slip the washers (supplied) over the screws so the
washers are between the back of SC3/10 and the wall (or box). This provides an air gap for
added cooling. INSTALLATION OF THESE WASHERS IS REQUIRED FOR PROPER
COOLING DURING OPERATION.
13. RECONNECT BATTERY AND ARRAY POWER -
14. OPERATION: - Operation of the SC3/10 is now fully automatic. The SC3/10 will now
SC3/10
PANEL
BATTERY
++
Yellow (+)
Red (+)
To
regulate the charging of batteries during conditions of heavy usage, or when left unattended
for long periods of time. If the battery voltage is below the Full Charge Termination set-point
(14.3 volts) and power is available from the array, the SC3/10 should start up in the charge
mode.
NOTE: During operation, it is normal for the SC3/10 to get warm (but not too hot to touch).
Figure 1 : Wiring diagram for the SC3/10
Loads
++
Black (-)
10 Amp fuse
Wire color code
Yellow: Panel (+)
Black: Panel (−) / Battery (−)
Red: Battery (+)
1. Make sure wire nuts are on tight
2. Wires from battery(s) should be less than 15 feet in length.
3. Connect loads directly to the battery and NOT the SC3/10
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