DOMETIC SCE320 Solar Charger User Manual

DOMETIC SCE320 Solar Charger

Product Information

The Power & Control Solar Charger comes in four different models: SCE320, SCE320B, SCE360, and SCE360B. The solar charger is available with user manuals in various languages such as English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, Finnish, Polish, Slovakian, Czech, Hungarian, Croatian, Turkish, Slovenian, Romanian, Bulgarian, Estonian, Greek, Lithuanian and Latvian. The user manual contains important notes and general safety instructions along with information on the scope of delivery, target group, intended use, technical description, installation, configuration, operation, cleaning and maintenance and troubleshooting.

Product Usage Instructions

1. Important Notes: It is important to read the user manual carefully before installing and using the solar charger. Also, ensure that the solar charger is not exposed to water or any other liquids.
2. Explanation of Symbols: The user manual contains different symbols which indicate important instructions and warnings. Ensure that you understand these symbols before using the solar charger.
3. General Safety Instructions: The user manual contains general safety instructions that must be followed before installing and using the solar charger. Some of the safety instructions include keeping the solar charger away from children and pets, ensuring proper ventilation during installation and avoiding contact with live wires.
4. Scope of Delivery: The user manual provides information on what is included in the package when you purchase the solar charger.
5. Target Group: The user manual specifies the target group for the solar charger. Ensure that you belong to the target group before purchasing and using the solar charger.
6. Intended Use: The user manual specifies the intended use of the solar charger. Ensure that you use the solar charger for its intended purpose only.
7. Technical Description: The user manual provides a technical description of the solar charger, including its features and specifications. Ensure that you understand the technical description before installing and using the solar charger.
8. Installation: The user manual provides step-by-step instructions on how to install the solar charger. Ensure that you follow the installation instructions carefully to avoid any damage or injury.
9. Configuration: The user manual provides instructions on how to configure the solar charger. Ensure that you follow the configuration instructions carefully to avoid any damage or injury.
10. Operation: The user manual provides instructions on how to operate the solar charger. Ensure that you follow the operation instructions carefully to avoid any damage or injury.
11. Cleaning and Maintenance: The user manual provides instructions on how to clean and maintain the solar charger. Ensure that you follow the cleaning and maintenance instructions regularly to ensure optimal performance of the solar charger.
12. Troubleshooting: The user manual contains troubleshooting tips in case of any issues with the solar charger. Ensure that you follow the troubleshooting tips carefully before contacting customer support.

Important notes

Please read these instructions carefully and follow all instructions, guidelines, and warnings included in this product manual in order to ensure that you install, use, and maintain the product properly at all times. These instructions MUST stay with this product. By using the product, you hereby confirm that you have read all instructions, guidelines, and warnings carefully and that you understand and agree to abide by the terms and conditions as set forth herein. You agree to use this product only for the intended purpose and application and in accordance with the instructions, guidelines, and warnings as set forth in this product manual as well as in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations. A failure to read and follow the instructions and warnings set forth herein may result in an injury to yourself and others, damage to your product or damage to other property in the vicinity. This product manual, including the instructions, guidelines, and warnings, and related documentation, may be subject to changes and updates. For up-to-date product information, please visit documents.dometic.com.

Explanation of symbols

• DANGER!
  Indicates a hazardous situation that, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.

• WARNING!
  Indicates a hazardous situation that, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.

• CAUTION!
  Indicates a hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury.

• NOTICE!
  Indicates a hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury.

• Note Supplementary information for operating the product.

 General safety instructions

Also observe the safety instructions and stipulations issued by the vehicle manufacturer and authorized workshops.
WARNING! Electrocution hazard
Failure to obey these warnings could result in death or serious injury.

• Installation and removal of the battery charger may only be carried out by qualified personnel.
• Do not operate the device if it is visibly damaged.
• If this device’s power cable is damaged, the power cable must be replaced by the manufacturer, a service agent or a similarly qualified person in order to prevent safety hazards.
• This device may only be repaired by qualified personnel. Improper repairs can lead to considerable hazards.
• If you disassemble the device: Detach all connections. Ensure that no voltage is present on any of the inputs and outputs.
•  Do not use the device in wet conditions or submerge in any liquid. Store in a dry place.
• Only use accessories that are recommended by the manufacturer.
• Do not modify or adapt any of the components in any way.

Disconnect the device from the power supply:

•  Before each cleaning and maintenance
• After every use
•  Before changing a fuse
•  Before carrying out electrical welding work or work on the electrical system

WARNING: Health hazard
Failure to obey these warnings could result in death or serious injury.

• This device can be used by children aged from 8 years and above and persons with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities or lack of experience and knowledge if they have been given
  supervision or instruction concerning use of the device in a safe way and understand the hazards involved.

•  Electrical devices are not toys. Always keep and use the device out of the reach of very young children.

•  Children must be supervised to ensure that they do not play with the device.

• Cleaning and user maintenance shall not be made by children without supervision.

NOTICE: Damage hazard

• Before start-up, check that the voltage specification on the data plate is the same as that of the pow-er supply.
•  Ensure that other objects cannot cause a short circuit at the contacts of the device.
• Ensure that the negative and positive poles never come into contact.

Installing the device safely

DANGER: Explosion hazard
Failure to obey these warnings will result in death or serious injury. Never mount the device in areas where there is a risk of gas or dust explosion.
WARNING: Risk of injury
Failure to obey these warnings could result in death or serious injury.

•  Ensure that the device is standing firmly. The device must be set up and fastened in such a way that it cannot tip over or fall down.
•  When positioning the device, ensure that all cables are suitably secured to avoid any form of trip hazard.

NOTICE: Damage hazard

• Do not place the battery charger near heat sources (heaters, direct sunlight, gas ovens, etc.).
• Set up the device in a dry location where it is protected against splashing water.

 Operating the device safely

DANGER: Electrocution hazard
Failure to obey these warnings will result in death or serious injury. Do not touch exposed cables with your bare hands. This applies especially when operating the device from the AC mains.
WARNING: Explosion hazard
Only use the device in closed, well-ventilated rooms. Do not operate the device under the following conditions:

•  In salty, wet or damp environments
•  In the vicinity of corrosive fumes
• In the vicinity of combustible materials
• In areas where there is a danger of explosions

WARNING: Electrocution hazard

•  Before starting the device, ensure that the power supply line and the plug are dry and the plug is free from rust or dirt.
•  Always disconnect the power supply when working on the device.
•  Observe that parts of the device may still conduct voltage even if the fuse has blown.
•  Do not disconnect any cables when the device is still in use.

NOTICE: Damage hazard

•  Ensure that the air inlets and outlets of the device are not covered.
• Ensure a good ventilation.
• Never pull the plug out of the socket by the connection cable.
•  The device shall not to be exposed to rain.

Safety precautions when handling batteries

WARNING: Risk of injury

•  Batteries contain aggressive and caustic acids. Avoid battery fluid coming into contact with your body. If your skin does come into contact with battery fluid, wash that part of your body thoroughly with water. If you sustain any injuries from acids, contact a doctor immediately.
• When working on batteries, do not wear any metal objects such as watches or rings. Lead acid bat-teries can cause short circuits which can cause serious injuries.
• Only use insulated tools.
• Do not place any metal parts on the battery.
• Wear goggles and protective clothing when working on batteries. Do not touch your eyes when working on batteries.
•  Do not use defective batteries.

WARNING: Health hazard
Keep the battery out of the reach of children.
CAUTION: Electrocution hazard

•  Keep the battery away from water.
•  Avoid short circuits.
• Avoid clothing rubbing against the battery.
•  Wear antistatic clothing when handling the battery.

CAUTION: Explosion hazard

•  Do not place the battery in a area with flammable liquids or gases.
•  Never attempt to charge a frozen or defective battery. Place the battery in a frost-free area and wait until the battery has acclimatised to the ambient temperature. Then start the charging process.
• Do not smoke, use an open flame, or cause sparking near the engine or a battery.
•  Keep the battery away from heat sources.

NOTICE: Damage hazard

•  Only use rechargeable batteries.
•  Prevent any metal parts from falling on the battery. This can cause sparks or short-circuit the battery and other electrical parts.
•  Ensure that the polarity is correct when connecting the battery.
•  Follow the instructions of the battery manufacturer and those of the manufacturer of the system or vehicle in which the battery is used.
•  If the battery has to be removed, first disconnect the ground connection. Disconnect all connec-tions and all consumers from the battery before removing it.
•  Only store fully charged batteries. Recharge stored batteries regularly.
•  Do not carry the battery by its terminals.

Safety precautions when handling lithium batteries

CAUTION: Risk of injury
Only use batteries with integrated battery management system and cell balancing.
NOTICE: Damage hazard

•  Only install the battery in environments with an ambient temperature of at least 0 °C.
•  Avoid deep discharge of the batteries.

Safety precautions when handling lead acid batteries
CAUTION: Health hazard
The water-acid liquid inside the battery can evaporate and cause an acidic odor. Use the battery only in a well-ventilated area.
NOTICE: Damage hazard

•  The battery is not sealed. Do not turn the battery on its side or upside down. Place the battery on a horizontal surface.
•  Check the acid level for open lead acid batteries regularly.
•  Immediately recharge deeply discharged lead acid batteries to avoid sulfation.

 Scope of delivery

• Solar charger
•  Fuse
• Mounting screws

 Target Group

The electrical power supply must be connected by a qualified electrician who has demonstrated skill and knowledge related to the construction and operation of electrical equipment and installations, and who is familiar with the applicable regulations of the country in which the equipment is to be installed and/or used, and has received safety training to identify and avoid the hazards involved.

Intended use

The solar charger is intended to monitor and charge starting batteries and house batteries in recreational vehicles from up to two solar panels.
The charger is intended to charge the following battery types:

• Lead acid batteries
•  Lead gel batteries
•  Absorbed glass mat (AGM) batteries
• LiFePO4 batteries

The charger is not intended to charge other types of batteries (e. g. NiCd, NiMH, etc.). The charger is suitable for:

•  Installation in recreational vehicles
•  Stationary or mobile use
•  Indoor use

The charger is not suitable for:

•  Mains operation
•  Outdoor use

This product is only suitable for the intended purpose and application in accordance with these instructions. This manual provides information that is necessary for proper installation and/or operation of the product. Poor
in-stallation and/or improper operating or maintenance will result in unsatisfactory performance and a possible failure.
The manufacturer accepts no liability for any injury or damage to the product resulting from:

•  Incorrect assembly or connection, including excess voltage
• Incorrect maintenance or use of spare parts other than original spare parts provided by the manufacturer
•  Alterations to the product without express permission from the manufacturer
• Use for purposes other than those described in this manual

Dometic reserves the right to change product appearance and product specifications.

Technical description

General description
The charger charges the starting battery and the house battery by solar panels. The charger can be adapted to different battery types via DIP switches.
The charger offers the following functions:

• Microprocessor-controlled, temperature-compensated IUOU charging programs for various battery types
• Maximum power peak tracking (MPPT)
• Only SCE320B, SCE360B: Bluetooth connection for controlling the charger via the NDS Dometic mobile app

The charger has the following protective mechanisms:

• High voltage protection
•  Low voltage protection
•  High temperature protection
• Low temperature protection (only LiFePO4 batteries)
•  Battery overcharge protection (only with optional temperature sensors)
• Reverse current protection
•  Protection against short circuit
•  Reverse polarity protection (only for house battery connection)

The charger can be connected to the DTB01 display (optional) for remote controlling. Only SCE320B, SCE360B: If a Bluetooth N-BUS device is present in the N-BUS network, the NDS Dometic mobile app can be used for controlling the charger. A temperature sensor (optional) can be connected to monitor the battery temperature during the charging process.

Description of the device
Connections and controls

Battery reconditioning
Battery completely charged
2| Status LED of starting battery (B2)
3| Connection to temperature sensor (optional)
4| DIP switches for settings
5| Connection to positive pole of starting battery
6| Connection to positive pole of house battery
7| Connection to positive pole of solar panel 1
8| Connection to positive pole of solar panel 2
9| Connection to negative pole of batteries
10| Connection to negative pole of solar panel
11| No function
12| Connection to display (optional)

Battery charging function
A main charging cycle of the starting battery and the house battery is initiated in the following situations:

• After a standstill of the alternator
•  After falling below the reset voltage

In all charging phases almost the entire possible charger current is available for the additional supply of DC loads without discharging the battery. The charging characteristics for fully automated continuous operation without monitoring are referred to as IUOU characteristics.

Pulse charge
With a voltage between 8 V and 10.5 V, a current between 1 A and 2 A will be delivered every 5 s (timeout 4 h).

Reconditioning
With a voltage between 10.5 V and 12 V, an approx. 2 A current will be delivered (timeout 8 h).

Bulk charge
House battery (B1): With a voltage between 12 V and Vmax (maximum voltage of the selected charging curve), a constant current will be delivered depending on the model:

• SCE320, SCE320B: 20 A
• SCE360, SCE360B: 25 A

Starting battery (B2): With battery voltage between 12 V and 14.4 V, a constant current of a 5 A will be delivered .

Absorption charge
House battery (B1): With battery voltage equal to Vmax (maximum voltage of the selected charging curve) a con-stant voltage equal Vmax of the selected curve will be delivered. The delivered current will decrease when the battery state of charge (SoC) increases to approx. 3 A (timeout 6 h).
Starting battery (B2): With a battery voltage of 14.4 V a constant voltage of 14.4 V will be delivered. The delivered current will decrease when the battery state of charge (SoC) increases to approx. 3 A (timeout 6 h).

Desulfation (only house battery, only if selected)
An approximately 2 A constant current will be delivered, allowing the battery voltage to rise to the maximum value of 15.8 V. This phase ends after reaching of 15.8 V (timeout 2 h).

Maintenance
House battery (B1): The maintenance phase keeps a constant voltage related to the selected charging curve (Vmaint). This phase has a timeout of 4 h for the LiFePO4 charging curve with maintenance ON, while for the other curves there is no time limit. If during the maintenance phase the voltage drops below values of 13.5 V for the LiFe-PO4 curve, 12.65 V for the Wet curve, and 12.8 V and for the other curves, charging will be restarted beginning at the first phase (timeout 4 h).
Starting battery (B2): The maintenance phase keeps a constant voltage of 13.5 V (timeout 8 h).

 Installation

Before installation
Observe the following instructions when selecting an installation location:

• Ensure that the mounting surface is solid and level.
•  Choose an well ventilated installation location to avoid overheating.
• Observe a distance of 10 cm to the ventilation openings of the cooling fan. Choose a suitable installation location to connect the power cables to the battery.

Mounting the charger
NOTICE: Damage hazard
Before drilling any holes, ensure that no electrical cables or other parts of the vehicle can be damaged by drilling, sawing and filing.

1.  Ensure that the vehicle’s engine and the battery chargers are switched off.
2. Screw the charger to the mounting surface.
   

Connecting the charger
WARNING: Electrocution hazard
Observe the recommended cable cross sections, cable lengths and fuse.
CAUTION: Fire hazard
Place the fuses near the batteries to protect the cable from short circuits and possible burning.
NOTICE: Damage hazard Do not reverse the polarity.
Observe the following instructions when connecting the charger:

• Use suitable measuring instruments:
•  Multimeter with DC voltage measurement, 200 V or autoscale
•  Amperometric clamp with direct measurement (100 A scale or higher)
• Use cables with a cross section of 6 mm.
• Always connect the charger before connecting the batteries.
• Do not use ferrules. Strip the cable ends as follows:
• Signal cable: 12 mm (0.5 mm² … 1.5 mm²)
• Charging cable: 15 mm
• Make the required connections to the charger.

 Configuration

NOTICE: Damage hazard
Use a small screwdriver to carefully move the DIP switches to the required position.

Setting the charging program
NOTICE: Damage hazard
Only use batteries that are suitable for the specified charging voltage.
Select the charging program suitable for the type of house battery used based on the battery manufacturer’s specifi-cations, the information on the charging curves (see Battery charging function ) and the technical data (see Technical data ). The specified charging times apply to an average ambient temperature of 20 °C.Select the charging program suitable for the type of house battery used based on the battery manufacturer’s specifi-cations, the information on the charging curves (see Battery charging function ) and the technical data (see Technical data ). The specified charging times apply to an average ambient temperature of 20 °C.

• Slide the DIP switches to the position shown in the table below to set the charging program for the respective type of house battery.

Charging curve configuration

des )
| Lead gel batteries Desulfation off| 14.3 V| 13.6 V| –
| Lead gel batteries Desulfation on| 14.3 V| 13.6 V| 15.8 V
| AGM batteries Desulfation off| 14.8 V| 13.6 V| –
| AGM batteries Desulfation on| 14.8 V| 13.8 V| 15.8 V
| Wet batteries Desulfation off| 14.4 V| 13.5 V| –
| Wet batteries Desulfation on| 14.4 V| 13.5 V| 15.8 V
| LiFePO4 batteries Maintenance off| 14.2 V| –| –
---|---|---|---|---
| LiFePO4 batteries Maintenance on| 14.6 V| 13.7 V| –

Operation

Performing the system operation check
The charger charges up to two batteries: one house battery (B1) and one starting battery (B2), with priority charging to the house battery. The charger starts charging the batteries under the following conditions:

• The connected solar panels deliver a voltage of 1 V higher than the voltage of the batteries to be charged.
•  The battery voltage is higher than 8 V.

The house battery will be charged with the selected curve.
The starting battery will be charged under the following conditions:

• The house battery is charged between 80 % and 100 %.
•  The starting battery has a voltage of below 12.5 V.

Every charging phase has a maximum run time with the exception of the maintenance phase, which constantly moni-tors the state of charge (SoC) and, if necessary, delivers an impulse current to keep the battery 100 % charged.

1. Turn off the engine.

2.  Use a voltmeter to check the voltage of the batteries.

3. Turn on the engine.
   The LED lights up red or orange to indicate that the charging of the battery is in progress.

4.  Check the voltage of the batteries with the voltmeter and compare it to the previous measurement.
   The voltage must be higher than before.

5. After 2 minutes verify the maximum current data with a clamp meter.
   This phase lasts a few seconds if the batteries are completely charged.

6. Check the voltage of the starting battery at the battery poles with a voltmeter and compare it with the voltage between the positive terminal and the negative terminal.

Cleaning and maintenance

Cleaning

• Occasionally clean the product with a damp cloth.

Maintenance
WARNING: Electrocution hazard

•  The device fuse may only be changed by qualified personnel.
• Contact an authorized service agent.

The device fuse must be replaced after it has been triggered by excess current.

• Replace the fuse as shown.

Troubleshooting

• Check live cables for insulation faults, breaks or loose connections.
  If you cannot find an error, con- tact an authorized service agent.

Short circuit has been generated.|

• The device fuse must be re- placed after it has been triggered by excess current.

The two LEDs flash red.| The device fuse is defective.|

• The device fuse must be re- placed after it has been triggered by excess current.

 Disposal

Recycling packaging material: Place the packaging material in the appropriate recycling waste bins wherever possible. Recycling products with non- replaceable batteries, rechargeable batteries or light sources:

•  If the product contains any non-replaceable batteries, rechargeable batteries or light sources, you don’t have to remove them before disposal.
•  If you wish to finally dispose of the product, ask your local recycling center or specialist dealer for details about how to do this in accordance with the applicable disposal regulations.
•  The product can be disposed free of charge.

Warranty

The statutory warranty period applies. If the product is defective, please contact the manufacturer’s branch in your country (see dometic.com/dealer) or your retailer. For repair and warranty processing, please include the following documents when you send in the device:

•  A copy of the receipt with purchasing date
•  A reason for the claim or description of the fault

Note that self-repair or nonprofessional repair can have safety consequences and might void the warranty.

 Technical data

| SCE320, SCE320B| SCE360, SCE320B
---|---|---
Maximum input voltage| 29.5 V
Maximum input power| 50 W … 160 W| 50 W … 200 W
Output house battery (B1)
Nominal voltage| 12 V
Output charging current| 20 A| 25 A
Minimum battery capacity required

• Lead acid
•  LiFePO4

| 60 Ah
40 Ah| 80 Ah
50 Ah
Minimum battery voltage| 8 V
Temperature regulated charging| up to – 0.03 V/°C
Output starting battery (B2)
Nominal voltage| 12 V
Output charging current| 5 A
Minimum battery capacity required

• Lead acid
•   LiFePO4

| 15 Ah
10 Ah
Minimum battery voltage| 14.4 V
General
Maximum standby current consumption| ≤ 2 mA
Internal fuse| 25 A| 30 A
Ambient temperature for operation| -20 °C … 50 °C
Ambient humidity| ≤ 90 %, non-condensing
Dimensions| 123 mm × 108 mm × 50 mm
Weight| 400 g
| SCE320, SCE320B| SCE360, SCE320B
---|---|---
Certification| **** 10R-06/01 3834 00

References

• Find a Dealer | Dometic.com
• Telepathy - Powering Successful Brands

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