WINDY NATION CHC-LCD-30FM User Manual

P30LF User Manual
Revision 1.0

Page 1 of 16

windynation

01/10/2018

30A Flush Mount LCD PWM Solar Charge Controller

CHC-LCD-30FM

User’s Manual

P30LF User Manual
Revision 1.0

Page 2 of 16

windynation

01/10/2018

Table of Contents

1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................................... 3

1.1 Features .............................................................................................................................................. 3

1.2 Safety Information ............................................................................................................................... 3

1.3 Specifications ...................................................................................................................................... 3

1.3.1 Electrical Specifications .................................................................................................................. 3

1.3.2 Physical Specifications ................................................................................................................... 4

2 Installation .................................................................................................................................................... 4

2.1 Electrostatic (ESD) Precautions ......................................................................................................... 4

2.2 Mounting ............................................................................................................................................. 4

2.3 Connections ........................................................................................................................................ 5

2.4 Parallel Connections ........................................................................................................................... 7

3 Operation ...................................................................................................................................................... 7

3.1 Button Definitions ................................................................................................................................ 8

3.2 LCD Display ........................................................................................................................................ 8

3.3 LCD Menu Interface Cycle .................................................................................................................. 9

3.4 Menu Interface Definitions .................................................................................................................. 9

3.4.1 Battery Type Setting ....................................................................................................................... 9

3.4.2 Boost Charge Setting ...................................................................................................................... 9

3.4.3 Equalization Charge Setting ........................................................................................................... 9

3.4.4 Float Charge Setting ..................................................................................................................... 10

3.4.5 Low Voltage Disconnect (LVD) Setting......................................................................................... 10

3.4.6 Low Voltage Reconnect (LVR) Setting ......................................................................................... 10

3.4.7 Load Timed Control Setting .......................................................................................................... 10

3.4.8 RESET Default Setting ................................................................................................................. 11

3.5 Protection Features .......................................................................................................................... 11

3.5.1 Electronic Short Circuit Safety ...................................................................................................... 12

3.5.2 Internal Safety Fuses .................................................................................................................... 12

3.5.3 Safety Per Terminal ...................................................................................................................... 12

3.5.4 Low Voltage Protection ................................................................................................................. 12

3.5.5 Overload Protection ...................................................................................................................... 12

3.6 Error Conditions ................................................................................................................................ 12

4 Application .................................................................................................................................................. 13

4.1 Wire Gauge Reference ..................................................................................................................... 13

4.1.1 Wire Thickness ............................................................................................................................. 13

5 Troubleshooting And Support ..................................................................................................................... 13

5.1 Maintenance & Care ......................................................................................................................... 13

5.2 Troubleshooting ................................................................................................................................ 13

5.3 Support ............................................................................................................................................. 14

5.4 Warranty ........................................................................................................................................... 14

5.4.1 Restrictions ................................................................................................................................... 14

5.4.2 Warranty Claims & Return Procedures......................................................................................... 14

5.4.3 Disclaimer ..................................................................................................................................... 15

5.4.4 Limitation of Liability...................................................................................................................... 15

6 Mounting Template ..................................................................................................................................... 16

P30LF User Manual
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01/10/2018

1 INTRODUCTION

The WindyNation 30FM Flush Mount Solar Charge Controller provides an intelligent multifunctional charging
and power management solution for the solar charging of 12 and 24 volt battery systems. Operation is
conveniently presented and parameters are controlled via a customized LCD display screen interface.

The controller features an automatic 12V or 24V DC auto-detect function that will identify the battery voltage
upon initial battery connection and uses Pulse-Width Modulation (PWM) allowing for a highly efficient and
battery-friendly charge control. An external temperature sensor provides software controlled charge
compensation that accurately adjusts the over-discharge and over-charge voltages to maximize your
batteries’ life.

Built in protection includes overload, short circuit, reverse polarity, lightning/surge, PV panel reverse current,
over charging, and discharging protection. In the event of a short circuit or overload event, the system will be
protected and remain undamaged.

The enclosure is designed to be flush mounted into a cut-out of the wall of an RV, boat, or any indoor
structure leaving the wires out of sight and providing an aesthetically appealing look. The front panel will
remain accessible with visual LCD graphic symbols to provide status indications of charge, battery status,
and system faults.

Read this manual carefully before installing or using the controller and keep it for future reference.

1.1 FEATURES

✓ Visual LCD display
✓ Intelligent 4-Stage PWM Charging (Bulk, Boost, Float, and Equalization)
✓ Automatic battery charging temperature compensation
✓ User settable charging parameters offering full control to user
✓ User settable working mode of load connection
✓ User selectable battery type
✓ Accumulative function of charging & discharging AH
✓ Protection for battery bank discharging
✓ Protection for battery low voltage
✓ Battery reverse polarity protection
✓ Delayed auto restart after overloading protection
✓ Negative Ground
✓ Rear mounted screw terminals for clean wiring
✓ Built-in overload and short circuit protection
✓ Wide operating temperature range -10˚C to +60˚C (14˚F to +140˚F)

1.2 SAFETY INFORMATION

Please read the installation and operating instructions carefully prior to use. Pay special attention to the

IMPORTANT and WARNING statements in the manual.
WARNING:

Solar panels produce power when exposed to light. Shade solar panels whenever solar panel wires are
exposed.

Do not use with equipment that exceeds the rated power for this device.

1.3 SPECIFICATIONS

1.3.1 Electrical Specifications

Parameter

P30LF

Rated Charge Current

30 Amps

Rated Load Current

30 Amps

Typical Idle Consumption

At idle < 5mA

Maximum Solar Input Voltage

55V DC

Rated Working Voltage

12V DC or 24V DC (auto-detect)

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Boost Charging Voltage
(adjustable)

14.0V-15.0V DC / 28.0V-30.0V DC
Default: 14.5V

Float Charging Voltage
(adjustable)

13.0V-13.8V DC / 26.0V-27.6V DC
Default: 13.7V

Equalization Charging Voltage
(adjustable)

14.0V-15.5V DC / 28.0V-31.0V DC
Default: 15.0V

Low Voltage Protection
(adjustable)

11.0V-12.5V DC / 22.0V-25.0V DC
Default: 11.1V

Low Voltage Recovery
(adjustable)

11.8V-13.3V DC / 23.6V-26.6V DC
Default: 12.6V

No Load Loss

<15mA

Loop Voltage Drop

<170mV

Temperature Compensation

-3.33 mV/Cell/C (Float); -4.17 mV/Cell/C (Boost, Equal)

1.3.2 Physical Specifications

Parameter

Value

Dimension (H x W x D)

4.56” (116mm) x 6.63” (168mm) x 1.33” (34mm)

Unit Weight

9.5 oz. (270g)

Operating Temperature

14oF to 140oF (-10oC to 60oC)

Operating Humidity

<90% relative humidity (non-condensing)

Wire Size

Up to 25mm2 (6AWG)

Case Protection Rating

IP32

2 INSTALLATION

➢ Insure all terminating connections are clean and tight to prevent arcing and overheating.
➢ The controller must be installed in an area that satisfies all of the following conditions:

1. Dry: Avoid any location where water can contact the controller

2. Cool: Ambient air temperature between 30°F and 105°F (0°C and 40°C)

3. Ventilated: Allow at least 4 in (10 cm) of clearance above and below and at least 1 in (25 mm) on
each side for proper air flow.

2.1 ELECTROSTATIC (ESD) PRECAUTIONS

All electronic circuits may be damaged by static electricity. To minimize the likelihood of electrostatic
damage, discharge yourself by touching an electrical ground (e.g.: copper pipe) prior to handling the unit and
avoid touching components on the circuit boards. The risk of electrostatic damage is highest when relative
humidity is below 40%.

2.2 MOUNTING

The P30LF is designed to be flush mounted in the required cut-out of a flat surface (eg wall), where the wire
connections will be made from the back side of the controller and out of visible sight. If the back side of the
controller is not accessible when mounted, it is important to make all the connections prior to securing the
controller to the wall

1. Select Mounting Location

• Dry, well ventilated, and away from any heat sources.

• Suitable to run the necessary wire connections

o From solar panel(s)
o To battery
o To any loads that will be connected through the controller.

• No more than 1.25” thick and able to be cut out

• At least 3” clearance from the front of the surface for wire connections

2. Cut rectangular hole for controller using template locations in Section 6

3. Drill four pilot holes using the template from Section 6

• The drill hole size will depend on the fastener being used

IMPORTANT: If the wires are not accessible from the rear of the mounting surface, you will need to make
the connections in Section 2.3 prior to mounting the controller.

4. Place the controller into the cut-out made in step 2

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5. Install four user-supplied fasteners through the four mounting holes in the controller and into the
mounting surface.

6. Tighten all the fasteners to ensure the controller cannot slide in any direction.

IMPORTANT: For best results, mount the charge controller and batteries as close to the panels as practical.

2.3 CONNECTIONS

WARNING: Loose connectors result in excessive voltage drop and may over heat wires, which can cause

the wire insulation to melt. This can cause electrical fires. Verify all connections are secure and have no
voltage drop.

IMPORTANT: The NEC requires that the wires carrying the system current never exceed 80% of the
conductor’s current rating (sizing recommendations are located in Section 4).

IMPORTANT: The screw-down terminals on the charge controller accept 6~26AWG wire.
IMPORTANT: Strip the wire ends approximately 0.3” (7.6mm) before connecting to the charge controller.

Use caution when handling the stripped wires to avoid electric shock.

1) Connect the Battery

Connect the charge controller to the battery BEFORE connecting the solar panels to the charge controller.
Insert the battery wiring into the BATTERY terminals on the back of the charge controller and tighten the
terminals from the top of the terminal block using a screwdriver to ensure a good connection is made. Be
sure to note the polarity of each terminal; the charge controller self-protection feature will prevent damage
from reverse polarity connections, but the charge controller will not function until the battery is connected
properly.

A 30-amp fuse is recommended in the positive wire connecting the charge controller to the battery; See
Section 3.5 for a complete fusing diagram.

2) Connect the Solar Panel (PV) Array

Insert the solar panel wiring to the SOLAR terminals on the back of the charge controller and tighten the
terminals from the top of the terminal block using a screwdriver to ensure a good connection is made. Be
sure to note the polarity of each terminal; the charge controller self-protection feature will prevent damage
from reverse polarity connections, but the charge controller will not function until the PV Array is connected
properly.