DAKOTA LITIUM ISO9001 2015 Deep Cycle LiFePO4 Battery User Manual

DAKOTA LITHIUM ISO9001 2015 Deep Cycle LiFePO4 Battery

Product Information

The Dakota Lithium Dashboard is a fully automatic battery charger that is used to convert power from a photovoltaic (PV) array to a regulated battery voltage. It is widely used in yachts, RVs, household solar energy systems, and other fields. The charge controller uses PWM technology to create pulses of current to charge the battery. The duty cycle is proportional to the difference between the sensed battery voltage and the specified voltage regulation set point. Once the battery reaches the specified voltage range, pulse current charging mode allows the battery to react and allows for an acceptable rate of charge for the battery level.

Product Usage Instructions

1. Read the user manual carefully before using the Dakota Lithium Dashboard solar charge controller.
2. Follow all safety recommendations mentioned in the user manual.
3. Do not attempt to disassemble or repair the controller as there are no user-serviceable parts inside.
4. Keep children away from batteries and the charge controller.
5. Use the charge controller only as intended and as mentioned in the user manual.
6. Connect the PV array to the charge controller.
7. Connect the battery to the charge controller.
8. Ensure that the voltage regulation set point is specified correctly.
9. The charge controller will automatically convert power from the PV array to a regulated battery voltage using PWM technology.
10. Once the battery reaches the specified voltage range, pulse current charging mode allows the battery to react and allows for an acceptable rate of charge for the battery level.

Safety instructions and waiver of liability

Safety Instructions
The following symbols are used throughout this manual to indicate potentially dangerous conditions or mark important safety instructions. Please take care you see these symbols.

WARNING: Indicates a potentially dangerous condition. Use extreme caution when performing this task.
CAUTION: Indicates a critical procedure for the safe and proper operation of the controller.
CAUTION:

1. There are no user-serviceable parts inside the controller. Do not disassemble or attempt to repair the controller.
2. Keep children away from batteries and the charge controller.

Liability Exclusion

The manufacturer shall not be liable for damages, especially on the battery, caused by use other than as intended or as mentioned in this manual or if the recommendations of the battery manufacturer are neglected. The manufacturer shall not be liable if there has been service or repair carried out by any unauthorized person, unusual use, wrong installation, or bad system design.

Overview

The Dakota Lithium Dashboard is a fully automatic battery charger that converts power from a photovoltaic(PV) array to a regulated battery voltage, widely used in yacht, RV, and household solar energy systems and other fields.
It comes with a number of outstanding features, such as:

• Smart PWM technology, high efficiency
• Backlit LCD displaying system operating information and error codes
• LCD display design, read operating data and working conditions easily.
• LED Bar for easy-to-read charge state and battery information
• 7 Battery Type Compatible: Lithium-ion, LiFePO4, LTO, Gel, AGM, WET, and Calcium
• Waterproof design, suitable for indoor or outdoor use
• Supports Android and iOS mobile phone apps, utilizing the wireless monitoring function
• Uses high performance, ultra-low power consumption Bluetooth dedicated chip
• Bluetooth 4.2 and BLE technology, communication distance up to 10m
• Real-time automatic fault alarm
• External temperature sensor optional, automatic temperature compensation
• Built-in temperature sensor, when the temperature exceeds the set value, the charging current will lower followed by the decrease of temperature, so as to control the controller’s temperature rise Four stages of charging: Fast, boost, equalization, float
• With current-limiting charging mode, when the power of the solar panel is over-sized and the charging current  exceeds the rated current( ≤60% of rated current), the controller will lower the charging power, which enables the system to work under the rated charging current
• Perfect EMC & thermal design
• Full automatic electronic protection function

PWM Technology

PWM Introduction
The Dakota Lithium Dashboard utilizes pulse width modulation (PWM) technology for battery charging. The characteristic of the solar controller is to adjust the working voltage of solar panels intelligently so that the solar panels always work at the maximum power point of V-A characteristic curve. Battery charging is based on the current process, so controlling the current will control the battery voltage. The charging mode of the PWM solar controller has three stages: boost, equalization, and float charging, the battery is required to be controlled by specified voltage regulation set points for boost, float, and equalization charging stages. The charge controller uses automatic duty cycle conversion, creating pulses of current to charge the battery. The duty cycle is proportional to the difference between the sensed battery voltage and the specified voltage regulation set point. Once the battery reaches the specified voltage range, pulse current charging mode allows the battery to react and allows for an acceptable rate of charge for the battery level.
Four Charging Stages
The Dashboard has a 4-stage battery charging algorithm for rapid, efficient, and safe battery charging. Lithium batteries do not follow this process. ‘Boost Charge’ is the only stage needed for lithium.

Fast Charge
In this stage, the battery voltage has not yet reached boost voltage and 100% of available solar power is used to recharge the battery.
Boost Charge
When the battery has recharged to the Boost voltage setpoint, constant-voltage regulation is used to prevent heating and excessive battery gassing. The Boost stage remains for 120 minutes and then goes to Float Charge. Every time the controller is powered on, if it detects neither over-discharge nor overvoltage, the charging will enter into the boost charging stage.
Float Charge
After the Boost voltage stage, the controller will reduce the battery voltage to the float voltage setpoint. When the battery is fully recharged, there will be no more chemical reactions and all the charge current transmits into heat and gas at this time. Then the controller reduces the voltage to the floating stage, charging with a smaller voltage and current. It will reduce the temperature of the battery and prevent gassing, while also charging the battery slightly at the same time. The purpose of float stage is to offset the power consumption caused by self-consumption and small loads in the whole system while maintaining full battery storage capacity.
Equalization Charge
Certain types of batteries benefit from a periodic equalizing charge, which can stir the electrolyte, balance battery voltage, and complete chemical reactions. Equalizing charge increases the battery voltage, higher than the standard complement voltage, which gasifies the battery electrolyte. If it detects that the battery is being over-discharged, the solar controller will automatically turn the battery to the equalization charging stage, and the equalization charging will be active for 120 minutes. Equalizing charge and boost charge are not carried out constantly in a full charge process in order to avoid too much gas precipitation or overheating of the battery.  Only for WET or Calcium batteries drained below 12.1V will automatically run this stage and bring the internal cells as an equal state and fully complement the loss of capacity. Lithium-ion, LiFePO4, LTO, Gel and AGM do not undergo this stage.
WARNING: Risk of explosion! Equalizing flooded battery can produce explosive gases, so well ventilation of battery box is necessary.
WARNING: Incorrect battery type settings may damage your battery.

Charging Voltage

13.8V
Low Voltage Disconnect| 11.0V| 10.8V| 11.0V| 11.0V| 10.4V| 9.0V| 10.0V
Over Voltage Protection| 15.8V| 15.8V| 15.8V| 15.8V| 14.6V| 12.8V| 14.2V

1. For LiFePO4, Li-ion, and LTO batteries, the constant voltage time is 1 Hour. For AGM, GEL, WET and Calcium battery, the maximum constant voltage time is 2 Hours, If the charging current < 0.5A and holds for 1min, the charging state will end.
2. Only WET and Calcium batteries have an equalization charging stage, 2 hours maximum. Conditions for entering the equalization charging stage: If the battery voltage discharge below 12.1V or without equalization charging stage for 30 days.

Optional Component

The Dakota Lithium Dashboard is shipped with a temperature sensor of 80mm in length. If you need other components you will need to purchase them separately.
Temperature Sensor
Measures the temperature at the battery and uses this data for accurate temperature compensation. The sensor is supplied with a 3m cable length that connects to the charge controller. The temperature sensor connected via interface 6. If the external temperature sensor is not connected or damaged, the internal temperature will be used for temperature compensation during charging.

Dimensions(mm)

Buttons, Indicators, and Terminals

Installation

CAUTION: Please read all instructions and precautions in the manual before installing! It is recommended to remove the acrylic protective film covering the LCD screen before installation.

Installation Notes

1. The solar charge controller may only be used in PV systems in accordance with this user manual and the specifications of other module manufacturers. No energy source other than a solar generator may be connected to the solar charge controller.
2. Before wiring installation and adjustment of the controller, Always disconnect the solar modules and insurance or circuit breaker of the battery terminal.
3. Only to comply with the range of the battery charge controller.
4. Batteries store a large amount of energy, never short-circuit a battery under any circumstances. We strongly recommend connecting a fuse directly to the battery to avoid any short circuit at the battery wiring.
5. Batteries can produce flammable gases. Avoid making sparks near the batteries. Make sure that the battery room is ventilated.
6. Use insulated tools and avoid placing metal objects near the batteries.
7. Be very careful when working with batteries. Wear eye protection. Have fresh water available to wash and clean any contact with battery acid.
8. Avoid touching or short-circuiting wires or terminals. Be aware that the voltages on special terminals or wires can be as much as twice the battery voltage. Use isolated tools, stand on dry ground, and keep your hands dry.
9. Refer to the technical specifications for max wire sizes on the controller and for the maximum amperage going through wires.
10. After installation check that all connections are tight lines, to avoid heat accumulation caused by virtual access danger.

Mounting Location Requirements
Do not subject the solar charge controller to direct sunshine or other sources of heat. Protect the solar charge controller from dirt and moisture. Mount upright on the wall on a non-flammable substrate. Maintain a minimum clearance of 15cm below and around the device to ensure unhindered air circulation. Mount the solar charge controller as close as possible to the batteries.
Mark the position of the solar charge controller fastening holes on the wall, drill 2 holes and insert dowels, fasten the solar charge controller to the wall with the cable openings facing downwards.

Connection
Solar PV modules create current whenever light strikes them. The current created varies with the light intensity, but even in the case of low levels of light, full voltage is given by the modules. So, protect the solar modules from incident light during installation. Never touch uninsulated cable ends, use only insulated tools, and make sure that the wire diameter is in accordance with the expected currents of the solar charge controller. Connections must always be made in the sequence described below.

WARNING: Risk of electric shock! Exercise caution when handling solar wiring. The solar PV array can produce open-circuit voltages in excess of 100V when in sunlight. Pay more attention to it.
WARNING: Risk of explosion! Once the battery’s positive and negative terminals or leads that connect to the two terminals get short-circuited, a fire or explosion will occur. Always be careful in operation.
Fusing is a recommendation in PV systems to provide a safety measure for connections going from panel to controller and controller to battery. Remember to always use the recommended wire gauge size based on the PV system and the controller.

The wire size is only for reference. If there is a long distance between the PV array and the controller or between the controller and the battery, larger wires can be used to reduce the voltage drop and improve performance.
1st step: Connect the battery
Connect the battery connection cable with the correct polarity to the battery terminals on the solar charge controller (with the battery symbol). If the polarity is correct, the LCD on the controller will begin to show.
2nd step: Connect the solar module
Ensure that the solar module is protected from incident light. Ensure that the solar module does not exceed the maximum permissible input current. Connect the solar module connection cable to the correct polarity of the solar terminals on the solar charge controller (with the solar module symbol).
3rd step: Final work
Tighten all cables connected to the controller and remove all the debris around the controller (leaving a space of approx. 15 cm).
Grounding
Be aware that the negative terminals of the controller are connected together and therefore have the same electrical potential. If any grounding is required, always do this on the negative wires.
CAUTION: For a common-negative system, such as a motorhome, it is recommended to use a common-negative controller; but if in the common-negative system, some common-positive equipment are used, and the positive electrode is grounded, the controller may be damaged.

Operation

LCD Display Status Description The total charge ampere-hours are off after power failure。

Fault indication

Key function Browse interface
Short pressing the key will browse in sequence through the following display parameters: Battery Voltage, Charging Current, Battery Temperature, Battery Capacity, and Charged Capacity (Amp-hour). Normal Sequencing Display

Static display
Press the key for 1s, and the LCD screen will lock the interface. Press the key again for 1s, the LCD interface will unlock and start scrolling.
Selecting battery type
The Dakota Lithium Dashboard provides 7 battery types for selection: Lithium- ion, LiFePO4, LTO, Gel, AGM, WET, and Calcium Battery. LiFePO4 is the correct battery type for Dakota Lithium batteries.
Short press the 9 key to go into battery selection mode. Press the A key until the desired battery is displayed. Short press the © key again the battery type will be saved. If the key is not pressed during the battery type flashing, the selected battery type will not be saved.

WARNING: Incorrect battery type settings may damage your battery. Please check your battery manufacturer’s specifications when selecting the battery type.

Bluetooth
If the solar charge controller has this icon , it means that the controller has a Bluetooth communication function. If the Android phone is connected successfully, this icon will be displayed. AGM, GEL, Liquid, and Lithium are the four battery types that can be set via Bluetooth mobile phone apps, and the charge voltage can be set. Please refer to Bluetooth APP instructions for detailed operation of the mobile APP.
Charging Voltage Parameters(Liquid, GEL, AGM)
When choosing Liquid, GEL, or AGM for battery type, the parameters of boost, equalization float, and charge voltage can be set by the mobile phone APP. The range of parameters is as follows. The following voltage parameters are 25℃/12V system parameters.

Charging Voltage Parameters(Li

• When choosing a lithium battery type, the overcharge target and overcharge recovery voltage of the lithium battery can be set by the mobile phone APP.
• Lithium overcharge target(CVT) voltage range: 10.0-17.0V
• Lithium overcharge recovery(CVR) voltage setting range: 9.2-16.8V

(Overcharge Recovery Voltage+1.5V)≥Lithium Overcharge Protection Voltage≥(Overcharge Recovery Voltage+0.2V) Mobile App does not support parameters beyond this range.
Warning: The required accuracy of BMS shall be at least 0.2V. If the deviation is higher than 0.2V, the manufacturer will assume no liability for any system malfunction caused by this.

LED Display

Solar LED (Red)

| On| The solar panel is correctly connected,

but not charging

Flash(0.2/0.2s)| Charging
Off| Night
Battery LED

(Blue)

| On| Battery is normal
Flash(0.2s/0.2s)| Over Temperature

Battery Capacity LED

(Red, Orange, Green, Green)

| Soc1 Flash(0.2s/0.2s, Red)| Low voltage protection
Soc4 Flash(0.2s/0.2s, Green)| Over-voltage protection
Soc1 On| Battery capacity < 20%
Soc2 On| 20% < Battery capacity < 50%
Soc3 On| 50% < Battery capacity < 90%
Soc4 On| Battery capacity > 90%

Protection, Troubleshooting, and maintenance

Troubleshooting

Protection

controller’s

rated current, it will be charged at the rated current.

PV Short Circuit| When PV short circuit occurs, the controller will stop charging.

Remove it to start normal operation.

PV Reverse Polarity| Full protection against PV reverse polarity, no damage to the controller. Correct the connection to start normal operation.
Night Reverse Charging| Prevents the battery from discharging to the PV array at night.
Battery Reverse Polarity| Full protection against battery reverse polarity, no damage to the controller. Correct the connection to start normal operation.
Battery Over voltage| If there are other energy sources to charge the battery, the battery voltage may exceed the rated data, the controller will stop charging to protect the battery from overcharging damage.
Battery Over discharge| When battery voltage drops to the setting voltage point of Low Voltage Disconnect ,the controller will alarm.

Over Temperature Protection

| The controller detects the internal temperature through internal sensor, when the temperature exceeds the setting value, the charging current will lower down followed by the decrease of temperature, so as to control the controller’s temperature rise, when the internal temperature exceeds the setting over temperature protection threshold, the controller stops working and restores after the temperature is lowered.

Maintenance
The following inspections and maintenance tasks are recommended at least two times per year for best performance.

• Make sure the air flow is not blocked around the controller. Clear up any dirt and fragments on the radiator. Check all the naked wires to make sure the insulation is not damaged. Repair or replace damaged wires if necessary.
• Tighten all the terminals. Inspect for loose, broken, or burnt wire connections.
• Check and confirm that LCD is consistent. Pay attention to any troubleshooting or error indication. Take corrective action if necessary.
• Confirm that all the system components are ground-connected tightly and correctly.
• Confirm that all the terminals have no corrosion, insulation damage high temperature, or burnt/discolored sign, and tighten terminal screws to the suggested torque.
• Check for dirt, nesting insects, and corrosion. Clean up as needed.

Technical Data

Electrical Parameters

-3.33mV/K per cell (Float)

Self-consumption| <10mA
Communication| Bluetooth
Grounding| Common Negative
Dimensions| 144 104 28mm
Weight| 180g
Mounting| Vertical Wall Mounting
Mounting dimensions| 134 * 52mm
Mounting hole size| φ4mm
Maximum Terminals Wire Size| 10AWG(4mm²)
Ambient temperature| -20 ~ +55℃
Storage temperature| -25 ~ +80℃
Ambient humidity| 0 ~ 100%RH
Protection degree| IP65
Max Altitude| 4000m

Electrical Protection and Feature

| Spark-free Protection.

Reverse polarity solar and battery connection. Reverse current from battery to solar panel protection at night

Over temperature protection with derating charging current

Transient overvoltage protection at solar input and battery

output protects against surge voltage

Charging Parameters
Default battery Parameters

13.8V
Low Voltage Disconnect| 11.0V| 10.8V| 11.0V| 11.0V| 10.4V| 9.0V| 10.0V
Over Voltage Protection| 15.8V| 15.8V| 15.8V| 15.8V| 14.6V| 12.8V| 14.2V

Battery Parameters can be set

1. For LiFePO4, Li-ion, LTO, and Lithium batteries, the constant voltage time is 1 Hour. For Liquid, AGM, GEL, WET and Calcium batteries, the maximum constant voltage time is 2 Hours, If the charging current < 0.5A and holds for 1 min, the chargin g state will end.
2. Only Liquid, WET, and Calcium batteries have an equalization charging stage, 2 hours maximum. Conditions for entering the equalization charging stage: If the battery voltage discharge is below 12.1V or without equalization charging stage for 30 days.
3. These parameters are in the 12V system at 25℃.

RENEWABLE POWER

• support@dakotalithium.com.

Thanks for selecting the Dakota Lithium Dashboard solar charge controller. Please take the time to read this user manual, as it will help you to take full advantage of the controller when combined with your solar charging system. This manual gives important recommendations for installing, using, and so on. Please read carefully and pay attention to all safety recommendations.

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