UNITECK CO00053 PWM Charge Controller Two Batteries Instruction Manual

UNITECK CO00053 PWM Charge Controller Two Batteries

FRONT DEVICE – QUICK START

1. External temperature sensor Load distributing settings (battery 1 and battery 2):
   • 9 = battery 1 (90%), battery 2 (10%),
   • 8 = battery 1 (80%) battery 2 (20%)…
2. State battery 1:
   • Blinking green: battery full
   • Green: charging
3. Command button-switch battery selection/load distribution / Pulsation frequency. (push 5 sec. – selection 1 sec.)
4. State battery 2:
   • Blinking green: full battery
   • Green: charging
5. Frequency pulsation settings:
   • 0 = 25 Hz
   • 1 = 50 Hz
   • 2 = 100 Hz
6. Battery selection settings:
   • 1= AGM: sealed battery, maintenance-free, VRLA…
   • 2= Gel: gel cell battery
   • 3= Liquid: liquid electrolyte battery (with plug)
7. Connection battery 1
8. Solar panel connection
9. Connexion battery 2

Dear customer, thank you for purchasing one of our Uniteck products. Please read all the instructions carefully and thoroughly before using the product.

UNISOLAR 20.24D

Unisolar is a solar charge controller for autonomous photovoltaic systems. Through its integrated microprocessor, Unisolar regulates the charging current coming from the panel towards the battery depending on:

• the ambient temperature (temperature sensor integrated)
• the charge level of the battery (ALGOTECK load curve)
• the battery’s technology (Gel/Liquid/AGM)
• With its PWM technology, it ensures an optimal charge quality of 12V or 24V batteries. It extends their lifespan and optimizes the output of your solar installation.
• Unisolar perfectly recharges any lead-acid batteries up to 100%:
  • Liquid electrolyte
  • Gel-cell (GEL)
  • AGM (maintenance-free)
• With its 2 battery outputs, it can recharge up to 2 batteries simultaneously and independently.
• Unisolar 20-24D can also be equipped with a remote display: the UNISOLAR RM (optional).

INSTALLATION -FIXING

Unisolar has been designed for indoor use. It incorporates an external temperature sensor that adjusts the load voltage according to the ambient temperature for an optimal load (refer to the protection part for more details). Installing it near the battery is recommended.

Fixing the solar charge controller can be done by

• On a solid, stable, and dry appropriate flat surface, thanks to 4 screws (not provided)
• Or on DIN rail: 35mm with its specific bracket.
• For a complete integration of your solar charge controller in your environment, Unisolar 20.24 gives you the possibility to make the wirings via the bulkhead.

INSTALLATION – FIXING (CONTINUED)

Standard wiring

Bulkhead adapter wiring

To provide the required air circulation for cooling the solar charge controller, let a 5 cm free space (minimum) all around the product.

Unisolar 20-24D : Wall mounting

Unisolar 20-24D: Din Rail mounting

Unisolar RM: Standard or fitted wall mounting
For a fitted mounting: Drill a hole using a hole saw. Diameter 75 mm

1. Remove the back part of the Unisolar
2. Fix your Unisolar in the previously drilled hole and fix it with 3 screws (screws not provided)
3. For a standard mounting
4. Fix the Unisolar on the desired place (screws not provided)

INSTALLATION – CONTROL BEFORE CONNECTION

Before connection, please consult the following element:

BATTERY
Unisolar has automatic voltage detection. For its correct functioning, please check:

• If the battery voltage is higher than 6V (the required voltage for the startup of the solar charge controller)
• For 24V batteries, the voltage is not lower than 18V.
• For flooded batteries, check the electrolyte level. If necessary, complete it before charging.
• For coupling, proceed as follows:

Tips
In the case of parallel connection, favor diagonal wiring for a standardization of the charge/discharge Do not couple batteries with different capacities, different ages or different technologies Prefer a high-capacity battery to 2 small connected in parallel, for equal capacity

PHOTOVOLTAIC PANEL
Check that the photovoltaic panel’s power does not exceed the power rating of the solar charge controller. Do not connect solar panels whose voltage is higher than 50V.

INSTALLATION – CONNECTION
Connect each component to the symbol added next to each relay (cables not included).

• Please follow the order of connection in accordance with the polarities.
• In case of non-compliance, your solar charge controller as well as your battery may be damaged.
• Connect your battery to the solar charge controller (+ and -)
• The battery light is on
• Select your battery technology:
• Press the button to activate the “battery choice” mode
• The battery light starts blinking.
• Press the button for 5 seconds to enter the menu.
• The number starts blinking.
• Press the button to choose the figure corresponding to your battery technology
  Figure| Technology
  ---|---
  1| AGM : Lead-acid batteries maintenance-free, AGM…
  2| GEL : Gel cell batteries
  3| LIQUID : Liquid lead/acid batteries (specified open, plug…)
• To confirm your selection, wait for 5 to 7 seconds for the light to become fixed again. Unisolar memorizes your setup.
• Define your « load distribution». This mode permits to division in % the charge of the solar panel on each battery:
  • Press the button to activate the mode. The light starts blinking.
  • Press the button for 5 seconds to enter the menu. The number starts blinking.
  • Press the button to choose the figure corresponding to the desired « load distribution
  • Unisolar will divide its charge as defined above.
  • Once the battery 1 is fully charged, the additional current will be spread to the battery 2. Unisolar will get back to the original setting as soon as battery 1 is discharged.
• In case the solar charge controller only detects one battery, the whole charge will go on the latter.
  Figure| Battery 1| Battery 2
  ---|---|---
  0| 0%| 100%
  1| 10%| 90%
  2| 20%| 80%
  3| 30%| 70%
  4| 40%| 60%
  5| 50%| 50%
  6| 60%| 40%
  7| 70%| 30%
  8| 80%| 20%
  9| 90%(factory setting)| 10%

Setting 90% / 10% (factory setting)
This setting is perfect for camper vans and boats. The house battery (battery

1. needs to be recharged to the maximum whereas the started battery just needs a servicing charge to maintain its charge.

Select your pulsation frequency
By default, this frequency is set to 25 Hz. If you wish, you can modify this frequency to avoid possible interference with your other electronic devices that use the same frequency.

• Press the button to activate the mode
• Press the button for 5 seconds to enter the menu. The number starts blinking.
  0| 25 Hz (factory setting)
  ---|---
  1| 50 Hz
  2| 100 Hz
• Press the button to choose the figure corresponding to the desired frequencyConnect your photovoltaic panel to the solar charge controller (+ and -)
• In case of disconnection, follow the opposite order.

NB: Grounding of the solar charge controller is not necessary. If you do want to ground your installation,
always do it on the positive cables.

FUNCTIONING – CONTROL PANEL

IUOU CHARGING PROCESS
STAGES OF THE BATTERY CHARGE SYSTEM The charge is made in 3 stages: Boost, Equalisation, and Floating. Boost (I): The charge is in a « full-load state » and Unisolar uses 100% of the energy coming from the solar panel until the voltage reaches the boost/equalization voltage. The battery is then 80% charged.

Equalization(Uo) :
During 2 hours, Unisolar releases a voltage that is constant and regulated. The more the battery is charged, the more the current decreases (the battery is nearly full).
nb: This stage does not appear with the Gel battery. (refer to the part: charge curve regulation depending on the battery technology). Indeed, if this stage is realized to this type of battery, there might be a risk of explosion.

Floating/Float charging (U)
The battery charge is complete. The green light “charge” begins to blink. Unisolar continues to release a very low current to offset the battery self- discharge.

• Voltage threshold Gel AGM Liquid
• Boost 14,2 V 14,4 V 14,6 V
• Equalisation (2H long) – 14,6V 14,8V
• Floating 13,8V 13,8V 13,8V

CHARGING PROCESS (CONTINUED)

CHARGE CURVE REGULATION DEPENDS ON THE BATTERY TECHNOLOGY
To perfectly recharge all lead acid batteries, Unisolar adapts its load curve according to the ” battery’s technology” previously selected: “Liquid” Battery Mode: Liquid electrolyte batteries require higher loads to avoid any stratification of the electrolyte. Stratification is a non-homogenous blend of the electrolyte. Acid is concentrated at the bottom and the water at the top (due to its lower density). This phenomenon leads to freezing risks or oxidation of the plates. To avoid this, Unisolar makes (in a liquid battery mode) an equalization charge that mixes the electrolyte, which is essential to preserve the lifespan of your battery.

“AGM” Battery Mode/ “GEL” Battery Mode
Lead batteries (AGM or GEL) require precise control of the charge voltage to avoid bleeding phenomena. Bleeding is an electrochemical reaction that leads to the release of oxygen and hydrogen gases inside the battery when the battery voltage reaches a point named “gasification voltage”. This voltage changes according to the type of the batteries (AGM or GEL). Depending on the selected mode, Unisolar releases a voltage level adapted to the technology of your battery for a recharge of up to 100%. Regulation by external/outside temperature Chemical characteristics of the battery vary depending on the ambient temperature. With its external temperature sensor, Unisolar adapts its charge voltage precisely in relation to the reference temperature of 25°C, of +/- 30mV (+/-60mV – 24V by °C), which avoids overloads and under loads.

INTEGRATED PROTECTIONS
For safe use, Unisolar has several protections that preserve the solar charge controller, the battery, and the consumers in output:

•  Panel polarity reversal protection,
• Protection against panel short-circuits,
• Protection against the reversed current: prevents reversed current towards the solar panel during the night.
• Battery polarity reversal protection

REMOTE DISPLAY – UNISOLAR RM
The remote display gives precise monitoring of the performances created by your photovoltaic installation with:

•  The voltage released by the solar panel (Mini, maxi, immediate)
• The controller output frequency
• The load balancing (batteries 1 and 2)
• State of the battery 1 and 2: immediate voltage/mini/maxi, capacity injected
• Temperature and time

MENUS AND SUB-MENU

SETTINGS MODE

ANOMALIES, CAUSES, REMEDIES

battery is not in overvoltage or that the coupling voltage does not exceed the accepted input voltage of the solar charge controller (12V/24V).

All lights off

| In order to start up, the solar charge controller needs the

battery voltage to be > 6V.

| Check the battery’s voltage, recharge it if necessary.
 | ****

Connection problem (cables, terminals…).

| ****

Check connections.

 | ****

Defective battery.

| Replace your battery in the same disconnection / connection order (see installation and connection).
The 2 battery leds are quickly blinking| ****

Short circuit.

| Check    battery    and    panel connections.

Battery light off

| No battery or connection problem.| ****

Check battery connections.

 | Solar panel not properly connected.| ****

Check panel connections.

LEDs or battery LED are blinking every second

| ****

Usual functionning: panel voltage lower than battery voltage.

| The panel will star charging as soon as the panel voltage is higher than the battery voltage.

Usual functionning: no sunlight (ex. night).

| The charge will resume as soon as the light becomes stronger.
 | ****

Hot spot protection of your panel might be activated.

| ****

Check if your panel is clean and make sure none of the cells are hidden.

| ****

Panel light off while sun is présent

| ****

Usual functionning: Panel voltage lower than battery voltage.

| ****

The panel will start charging as soon as the panel voltage is higher than the battery voltage.

---|---|---|---

Usual functionning: no sunlight (ex. night).

| The charge will resume as soon as the light becomes stronger.

One or several cells of your panel are hidden.

| Check if your panel is clean and make sure none of the cells are hidden.

| ****

Battery overvoltage.

| Disconnect the solar panel then check if the battery is not in overvoltage or your coupling voltage does not exceed the accepted input voltage of the solar charge controller (12V/24V).

Battery connection problem (cables, terminals…).

| ****

Check connections.

Solar panel current exceeds the power rating of the solar charge controller.|

Make sure the power of the panel/solar module is adapted.

Solar panel disconnected, not connected properly, or short circuit.| ****

Check connections (polarity and connection).

WARNINGS ADVICE

• Unisolar is designed to be exclusively used with photovoltaic systems and lead acid batteries with liquid electrolytes, gel cells (Gel), or sealed AGM.
• Do not attempt under any circumstances to charge other batteries than acid-lead batteries (non-rechargeable batteries for example).
• Use Unisolar in a well-ventilated area, sheltered from rain, humidity, dust, and condensation.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and safety procedures for the battery. In case of doubt, consult your retailer or installer.
• Batteries can produce flammable gas. Avoid flames and sparks.
• During battery maintenance (except GEL), there is a risk of acid leaks: protect yourself.
• Never short circuit + and – of the battery or cables: risk of explosion or fire.
• Maintenance: check the wiring and all connections at least once a year.
• All tasks must be realized in compliance with the country regulations in force regarding electricity.
• This device is not designed to be used by people (including children) whose physical, sensory, or mental abilities are reduced, nor by people lacking experience or knowledge unless they have benefited of supervision or prior instructions concerning the use of the device given by a person responsible for their safety.
• Please keep an eye on children to ensure that they do not play with the device.

PICTOGRAMS
The device conforms to the applicable European Union directives For indoor use, do not expose it to rain Caution! Before using, read the instruction manual utilization. Caution of explosive gases avoid sparks and naked flames. Product under selective collection- Do not throw it in a household waste. Choose a sheltered local with adequate ventilation or especially equipped. IP43 Protects against foreign bodies larger than 1 mm and against projections of water from all directions.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Unisolar 20/24D
• SYSTÈM Battery voltage 12V (6 – 2V elements) 24V (12 – 2V elements)
• Nominal charging current 20A
• Compatible panel
  • maximum output power
  • recommended voltage
  • 300W-12V batt.
  • 600W- 24V batt.
  • 17/19V- 12V batt.
  • 34/38V- 24V batt.V
• Technology PWM
• Protection rating IP43
• Maximum cable section 6 mm²
• SOLAR CHARGE CONTROLLER
• Voltage selection (12/24V) Automatic detection
• Battery type selection Yes
• Recommended battery capacity 10 to 300 Ah
• Temperature Compensation Yes
• Panel overvoltage protection Yes

UNDER LOAD DISCONNECTION

• Low voltage warning 12V/24V
• Consumer disconnection 11,1V/22,2V
• Consumer resetting 12,6V/25,2V

MECHANICS CHARACTERISTICS

• Unisolar 20/24D
• Unisolar RM
• Dimensions apart from DIN Rail (LxHxW) 137x150x46,5 110x120x53
• Weight 350g 300g
• Functioning temperature -35°C > +55°C -15°C> +40°C
• Storage temperature -35°C > +80°C -10°C>+40°C

COMPLIANCE STATEMENT
UNITECK testifies that the solar charge controller described in this manual: UNISOLAR 20.24 and UNISOLAR RM is manufactured in compliance with the following European directives:

• Low voltage directive: 2006/95/CE from the 12/12/06.
• EMC directive: 2004/108/CE from the 15/12/2004- 03/05/1989.
• It complies with the harmonized standards:
• EN 60335-2-29 & EN 55014-1/ EN 55014-2 – EN61000-3-2 – EN61000-3-3 – EN62233
• CE-date of tagging: January 2013. 01/01/2013 Yoann Fourmond

1 Avenue de Rome General Director
Zae Via Europa
Immeuble le Cassis 34350 Vendres
France Mail: sav@uniteck.fr
Fax: + 33 (0) 4 88 04 72 20

WARRANTY

The warranty covers any defect, manufacturing defects for 1 year from the date of its purchase (parts and labor).

The warranty does not cover

• normal wear of parts (Ex.: cables, etc.).
• panel-module/battery voltage errors, incidents due to inappropriate use, falls, disassembly, or any damages due to transport.

In case of failure, return the product to your distributor by attaching:

• the dated proof of purchase (receipt, bill…)
• explanatory note of the failure

Caution
Our after-sales service does not accept carriage forward/ collected returns. After the warranty, our after-sales service ensures repairs after acceptance of a quotation.

After-sales service contact: Unitech
1 Avenue de Rome
Zae Via Europa
Immeuble le Cassis
34350 Vendres
France
Mail: sav@uniteck.fr
Fax: +33 (0)4 88 04 72 20

References

• Fabricant Français

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