Windy Nation P30L User Manual
P30L User Manual
Revision 1.0
P30L LCD 30A Solar Charge Controller
CHC-LCD-30
User’s Manual
Page 1 of 16
windynation
01/20/2014
P30L User Manual
Revision 1.0
Table of Contents
1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................................... 3
1.1 Features .............................................................................................................................................. 3
1.2 Safety Information ............................................................................................................................... 3
1.3 Specifications ...................................................................................................................................... 4
1.3.1 Electrical Specifications .................................................................................................................. 4
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 Graphic Indicators ...................................................................................................................... 8
3.3 LCD Interface Cycle ............................................................................................................................ 9
3.4 Interface Definitions ............................................................................................................................ 9
3.4.1 Battery Voltage – MAIN Interface ................................................................................................... 9
3.4.2 Battery Temperature ..................................................................................................................... 10
3.4.3 PV – Solar Panel Output Current .................................................................................................. 10
3.4.4 Load Current ................................................................................................................................. 10
3.4.5 PV – Solar Panel Generated Charge............................................................................................ 10
3.4.6 Load Consumed Charge ............................................................................................................... 11
3.4.7 Low Voltage Disconnect ............................................................................................................... 11
3.4.8 Low Voltage Reconnect ................................................................................................................ 11
3.4.9 Over Voltage Disconnect .............................................................................................................. 12
3.4.10 Load Mode – Timed Control ..................................................................................................... 12
3.5 Error Conditions ................................................................................................................................ 13
3.5.1 Low Voltage Protection ................................................................................................................. 13
3.5.2 Overload Protection ...................................................................................................................... 13
3.5.3 Short-Circuit Protection ................................................................................................................. 13
3.5.4 Solar Panel Connection ................................................................................................................ 14
3.5.5 Load In-Rush ................................................................................................................................ 14
4 Application .................................................................................................................................................. 14
4.1 Wire Gauge Reference ..................................................................................................................... 14
4.1.1 Wire Thickness ............................................................................................................................. 14
5 Troubleshooting And Support ..................................................................................................................... 14
5.1 Maintenance & Care ......................................................................................................................... 14
5.2 Troubleshooting ................................................................................................................................ 14
5.3 Support ............................................................................................................................................. 15
5.4 Warranty ........................................................................................................................................... 15
5.4.1 Restrictions ................................................................................................................................... 15
5.4.2 Warranty Claims & Return Procedures......................................................................................... 15
5.4.3 Disclaimer ..................................................................................................................................... 16
5.4.4 Limitation of Liability...................................................................................................................... 16
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windynation
01/20/2014
P30L User Manual
Revision 1.0
1 INTRODUCTION
The WindyNation P30L 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 detect function that will identify the battery voltage upon
initial battery connection and uses Pulse-Width Modulation (PWM) allowing for a highly efficient and batteryfriendly 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 made of durable plastic 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
Compact size is easy to mount on wall or panel.
Visual LCD display
User adjustable operation
Intelligent PWM Charging Mode
Automatic battery charging temperature compensation
User settable charging & discharging voltage parameters
User settable working modes of loads
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
Charge controller maintains batteries and extends battery life
Convenient screw terminals for wiring
Separate connections for PV panel, battery, and load
Built-in overload and short circuit protection
User selectable on, off, and time modes
Wide operating temperature range -14 +140
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:
Never install during a lightning storm or where unsafe voltages are present.
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.
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P30L User Manual
Parameter
CHC-LCD-30
Rated Charge Current
30 Amps
Rated Load Current
30 Amps
Typical Idle Consumption
At idle < 5mA
Maximum Solar Input Voltage
48V DC
Rated Working Voltage
12V DC or
24V DC Battery Systems
Float Charging Voltage
(adjustable)
13.8V DC
27.6V DC
Low Voltage Protection
(adjustable)
10.7V DC
21.4V DC
Low Voltage Recovery
(adjustable)
12.5V DC
25.0V DC
No Load Loss
<30mA
Loop Voltage Drop
<170mV
Temperature Compensation
-4.0 mV/Cell/oC
Parameter
Value
Dimension (H x W x D)
3.54” (90mm) x 7.40” (188mm) x 1.89” (48mm)
Unit Weight
12.7 oz. (360g)
Operating Temperature
14oF to 140oF (-10oC to 60oC)
Operating Humidity
<90% relative humidity (non-condensing)
Wire Size
Up to 16mm2 (7AWG)
Revision 1.0
1.3 SPECIFICATIONS
1.3.1 Electrical Specifications
1.3.2 Physical Specifications
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
Mounting is optional; however, the environment must be dry and protected from water.
1. The controller can be mounted on a vertical or horizontal surface. If mounted vertically, the unit
should be oriented such that neither end is at the top so foreign material cannot settle into the
unit.
2. Install four user-supplied fasteners through the four mounting slots and into the mounting
surface.
3. Tighten all the fasteners to ensure the controller cannot slide in any direction.
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windynation
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P30L User Manual
Revision 1.0
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 7~26AWG 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 to the BATTERY terminals on the front of the charge controller and tighten the
terminals from the top of the controller 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
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