VOTRONIC MPP 170 CI Solar Controller Owner’s Manual

VOTRONIC MPP 170 CI Solar Controller

Specifications

• Solar Controller Models: MPP 170 CI, MPP 260 CI, MPP 360 CI, MPP 440 CI
• Input: 12 V
• Maximum Current: 13 A (MPP 170 CI), 18.5 A (MPP 260 CI), 26 A (MPP 360 CI), 32 A (MPP 440 CI)
• Maximum Power: 170 Wp (MPP 170 CI), 260 Wp (MPP 260 CI), 360 Wp (MPP 360 CI), 440 Wp (MPP 440 CI)

Product Usage Instructions

Safety Regulations and Appropriate Application

• Before starting the connection and setup process, make sure to read and understand the safety regulations and appropriate application guidelines provided in the manual.

LCD Solar Computer S

• The LCD on the solar controller indicates important values such as battery voltage, charging current, charging capacity, stored capacity, and energy (V, A, W, Ah, Wh).
• Make sure to monitor these values for efficient operation.

Battery Lifetime and Efficiency

• Avoid total discharge of the battery to ensure its longevity and efficiency.
• Proper battery maintenance is essential for optimal performance.

Connection Plan

• Refer to the connection plan in the manual for the correct terminal assignment and connection of all functions of the solar controller.
• Ensure proper cable cross-sections and fuse placement for safe operation.

Mounting

1. Connect the battery connections of the controller to the main battery ensuring correct polarity and cable cross-sections.
2. Connect the solar panels ensuring no shading and proper cable cross-sections. Connect multiple small panels in parallel.

FAQ:

Q: Can I operate the controller without connecting the main/leisure battery?

• A: No, it is essential to connect the main/leisure battery for the unit to deliver power efficiently. Operating without the battery may result in improper functioning.

Q: How should I connect multiple small solar panels?

• A: Connect multiple small solar panels in parallel to ensure proper power distribution. Refer to the connection plan for detailed instructions.
• Please read this assembly and operating instructions completely, in particular Safety Regulations and Appropriate Application”, before you begin the connection and start-up.

MPP Solar Controller for high-quality campers, caravans, and boats

• VOTRONIC Solar Controllers of series “MPP” (Maximum-Power-Point) with the characteristic line of charging “IU1oU2” are the link between solar panel(s) and battery (batteries).
• Controllers according to the MPP technology are continuously and automatically calculating the maximum power yield (MPP) of the solar modules several times per minute.
• The voltage surplus of the solar module will be transformed into a higher charging current for the battery (realized by high-frequency switching controller technology with high efficiency).
• This surplus of charging current ensures short charging times and the best possible power yield for the solar system.

Working fully automatically and maintenance-free, the solar controllers MPP offer the following functions:

• Increased MPP charging current compared with conventional controllers, due to ultramodern controller technology (microprocessor) by 10 % to 30 % (efficiency > 95 %). This enhanced capacity shows particularly in cooler times of the year, such as in the case of foggy weather conditions or gloomy diffuse light (winter break).
• Switchable characteristic lines of charging or optimum charging of lead- gel-/dryfit, AGM/fleece, or acid/lead-acid batteries, as well as LiFePO4 batteries (see Table 1).
• The charging voltage being free from peaks is controlled in such a way, that any overcharging of the batteries is excluded.
• Two Battery Charging Ports: Automatic charging of the main battery or leisure battery, as well as support charging and trickle charging (max. 1 A) of the vehicle’s starter battery with overcharge protection.
• Unattended Charging: Standard protection against overload, overheating, reverse battery, and back discharge of the battery (in case of insufficient solar power, such as at twilight, at night, etc.).
• Parallel and Floating Operation: Observation of the characteristic lines of charging, even with simultaneous operation of consumers.
• Overcharge protection: Reduction of the battery’s charging current in case of excessive solar power and full battery. Immediate recharging in case of power consumption to ensure always the best possible charging state of the battery.
• Characteristic Line of Charging “IU1oU2”: A defined charging boost (U1) avoids harmful acid accumulation (lead) and provides equalization charge to the individual battery cells (lead and lithium).
• After that, automatic trickle charging (U2).
• Charging Cable Compensation: Automatic compensation of voltage losses on the charging cables.
• On-board Mains Suppression Filter: Unproblematic parallel operation with wind-driven and motor-driven generators, mains supply chargers, dynamos, etc.
• Measurement Output for EBL, electroblock possibly existing in the living area of the vehicle: Allows convenient application of the (solar) current display being installed in the electroblock for supervision of the solar system.
• Terminal “AES” (only MPP 260 CI, MPP 360 CI and MPP 440 CI):
• Automatic commutation of refrigerators with “AES” (Automatic Energy Selector, Electrolux/Dometic) from gas operation to 12 V operation in case of excess solar power.
• Connection for Battery Temperature Sensor (Order No. 2001):
• Lead batteries: In case of low outside temperatures, full charging of the weak battery is improved by automatic adaptation of the charging voltage to the battery temperature, and in case of summery temperatures unnecessary battery gassing and battery load will be avoided.
• LiFePO4 Batteries: Battery protection in case of high temperatures and particularly in case of low temperatures.
• Highly recommended, if the battery temperature drops below 0 °C during operation.

Ready for connection of the Votronic Solar Displays for optimum control of the system:

• LCD Solar Computer S: The LCD indicates the following values: Battery voltage, charging current, charging capacity, stored capacity, and energy (V, A, W, Ah, Wh), Order No.: 1250.

Battery Lifetime and Efficiency

• Keep the batteries cool, LiFePO4 preferably above 0 °C. Choose an appropriate location for installation.
• Store only fully charged batteries and recharge them periodically!
• Open lead-acid batteries and batteries being “maintenance-free according to EN/DIN”: Check the acid level periodically!
• Recharge discharged lead batteries immediately!
• LiFePO4 : Only use complete batteries with BMS and safety circuits.
• Total discharge is absolutely to be avoided!

Safety Regulations and Appropriate Application

• The solar controller has been designed according to valid safety regulations.

Appropriate application is restricted to:

1. Charging of lead-gel, lead-AGM, lead-acid, or LiFePO4-complete-batteries (with integrated BMS, equalization charging of the cells/balancing and approval!) of the indicated nominal voltage and simultaneous supply of the consumers being connected to these batteries in fixed installed systems.
2. With solar panels up to the maximum power rating (Wp) of the used solar controller.
3. With solar panels below the max. admissible voltage (Voc).
4. The indicated cable cross-sections at the charging ports and the panel input.
5. With fuses of the indicated capacity near the battery to protect the cabling between the battery and charging ports.
6. Technically faultless condition.
7. Installation in a well-ventilated room, protected from rain, humidity, dust, and aggressive battery gases, as well as in an environment free from condensation water.
8. The device must not be operated on the input terminals “+/-solar panels” with wind, water, fuel or motor generators, power supplies, batteries, or other power sources!

• Never use the unit in locations where the risk of gas or dust explosion exists!
• Cables are always to be laid in such a way that damage is excluded. Observe to fasten them tightly.
• Always lead the connection cables from below to the solar controller to ensure that penetrating humidity cannot reach the controller in case of failure, which might result in damage to the controller.
• Never lay 12 V (24 V) cables and 230 V mains supply cables into the same cable conduit (empty conduit).
• Check live cables or leads periodically for insulation faults, points of break, or loosened connections. Occurring defects must be remedied immediately.
• The unit is to be disconnected from any connection before the execution of electrical welding or work on the electric system.
• If the non-commercial end-user is not able to recognize the characteristic values being valid for a unit or the regulations to be observed, a specialist is always to be consulted.
• The user/buyer is obliged to observe any construction and safety regulations.
• Except for the fuse, the unit is not equipped with parts, which can be replaced by the user.
• Always use replacement car fuses of the indicated capacity!
• Keep children away from the solar controller and the batteries.
• Observe the safety regulations of the battery manufacturer.
• Deaerate the battery room. Protect the unit from aggressive battery gases.
• Ensure sufficient ventilation of the unit and panel!
• Strictly observe the instructions of the manufacturer for the installation of the solar panel.
• Non-observance may result in injury or material damage.
• The warranty period is 36 months from the purchase date (against the presentation of the sales slip or invoice).
• The guarantee will be void in case of any inappropriate utilization of the unit, if it is used beyond the technical specification, in case of improper operation, intrusion of water, or external intervention.
• We do not assume any liability for any damage resulting hereof. The liability exclusion is extended to any service being executed by a third, which we have not ordered in writing. Service is to be effected exclusively by VOTRONIC, Lauterbach.

Connection Plan

Note:

• The connection plan shows the maximum terminal assignment for the operation of all existing functions of the solar controller.
• The minimum terminal assignment consists of the solar panel inputs (“+” and “-“) and the connections to the main battery.
• Always connect the fuses as close as possible to the batteries (cable protection!).

Required Cable Cross-Sections, Notes| MPP 170 CI| MPP 260 CI| MPP 360 CI| MPP 440 CI
---|---|---|---|---
+ /- Panel cables, length as required:| 2.5-4 mm2| 4-6 mm2| 6-10 mm2| 6-10 mm2
+/- Battery cables, length max. 2 m:| 2.5-4 mm2| 4-6 mm2| 6-10 mm2| 6-10 mm2
Fuse close to main battery :| 15 A| 20 A| 30 A| 40 A

Cut-off Relay:

• The cut-off relay, which exists in most of the vehicles, can, of course, still be used. (For charging by the dynamo, the cut-off relay connects the board battery to the starter battery during the running motor of the vehicle.
• The cut-off relay is not included in the connection plan).

Mounting

• Screw down the solar controller on an even and hard mounting surface at locations being protected from humidity and near the main/leisure battery to ensure that the length of the battery connection cable is as short as possible.
• Vertical installation of the controller is highly recommendable (the terminals for solar panels and batteries point down).
• This mode of installation improves the cooling of the unit and prevents water runs along the connection cables of the solar panel into the solar controller, even in case of damaged seals.
• If used, the cable to the starter battery (START) can be longer.
• Despite the solar controller’s high efficiency, heat is produced. Ensure sufficient ventilation in the environment of the unit, so that the heat can be carried off.
• The unit might heat up. Consequently, the vent holes of the casing should never be covered to ensure full charging capacity (minimum distance all around: 10 cm).

Connection (See Connection Plan):

• Observe the cable cross-sections and cable lengths indicated in the connection plan and the tables!
• The correct polarities ( + and – ) of solar panels and batteries are absolutely to be observed!
• Cable protection: Insert the fuses near the batteries into the + cables (protection against cable fire)!

1. Main/Leisure Battery (must be connected):
   • Connect the battery connections of the controller – (minus) and + (plus) to the 12 V main battery, observing the correct polarity and the cross-section of the cables (refer to connection plan).
   • Never operate the controller without the main/leisure battery. If the battery is not connected, the unit will not deliver a defined output voltage.
   • In case of the wrong polarity of the battery, the internal safety fuse will be released. The replacement fuse should have the same capacity, and it should be of the same type (car fuse)!
   • Parallel charging of two or several batteries of the same voltage (12 V) is admissible. The batteries are to be “paralleled”, i.e. the “+” connections of the batteries have to be coupled and should be connected to the “+” connection of the solar controller.
   • The minus (-) connections have to be coupled in the same way.
   • According to the battery manufacturers, permanent parallel operation in cross connection is admissible in case of two or several batteries of the same voltage, same type, same capacity, as well as of the same age (history).
2. Solar Panels” (must be connected):
   • Shade the panels to minimize sparking during connection and to avoid damages due to eventual reverse battery (hall).
   • Observe the cable cross-sections (refer to the connection plan)!
   • If several small solar panels are used, they are connected in parallel. Partial shading of the panels or parts of the panels (leaves, branches, dirt, etc.) results in average higher solar power (see connection plan).
   • The (-) minus connection of the solar panel must exclusively be connected to the (-) minus terminal of the solar controller!
   • Any further connection (possibly from the connection of a former solar controller, damaged insulation at the roof cable duct, etc.) to the battery minus (-) or to the vehicle (-) chassis might falsify the internal current metering of the unit and is not admissible.
3. Starter Battery “START” (Option, can be connected):
   • Connect the second charging port to the vehicle’s starter battery using the red connection cable (wire cross-section 1.5-2.5 mm². This cable may be longer. In case of non-utilization, this terminal is left free.
   • If used, the output for the vehicle’s starter battery will be working with reduced voltage and charging current rates. Thus, the valuable solar power will be supplied to the board/leisure battery being more suitable.
   • However, the vehicle’s starter battery will be kept in a condition, that starting will always be possible, even in case of longer stop periods (such as in winter).
   • Usually, the minus poles of the starter battery and of the main/leisure battery had already been connected by the customer. If not, this connection must be made for charging the starter battery.
4. Plug-type Connection “Solar Display” (Option, can be connected):
   • 6-pole tip jack for connection of the plug-and-go Votronic Solar Displays for optimum control of the solar system: LCD Solar Computer S: The LCD indicates the following values: Battery voltage, charging current, charging capacity, stored capacity and energy (V, A, W, Ah, Wh). Order No.: 1250.
5. CI-Bus” connection (option, can be connected):
   • Connection to a CI-BUS onboard management system for displaying all relevant data on a central vehicle display.
   • The solar controller must be integrated into the CI-BUS on-board management system by the vehicle manufacturer, expansion partner, or a system integrator!
6. EBL” Connection for Electroblock with Display Panel DT… / LT… (Option, can be connected):
   • A cable set for the connection of the solar controller to the EBL is required. Order No.: 2007 (It is not included in the standard delivery scope of the controller).
   • The solar controller supplies a signal at the terminal “EBL” for the display of the solar charging current, which is suitable for electroblock EBL… with DT…/LT… display panel.
   • The signal cable required for that, as well as a connection cable for the connection of the solar controller to the EBL, are included in the set of EBL connection cables. Cable Length: 1 m, each:
7. AES” (Automatic Energy Selector) only MPP 260 CI, MPP 360 CI, MPP 440 CI (Option, can be connected):
   • The delivery scope of Dometic / Electrolux and of other companies includes “AES” refrigerators with all-automatic energy selection (230 V AC, 12 V DC, or gas).
   • Particularly in summer, a lot of excess energy might be produced due to strong solar radiation, full batteries, and low energy consumption, which is left unused.
   • The solar controller recognizes this condition and uses the “AES” output to give a signal to the refrigerator, which will switch from gas operation to 12 V operation to benefit from the excess energy (gas saving).
   • Connection:
   • Lead a single-pole cable (0.5-1.5 mm²) from the solar controller’s terminal “AES” to the refrigerator’s terminal “T10” or “S+”.
   • Function:
   • The solar controller recognizes the excess capacity (LED “AES” is lighting). Then, the refrigerator switches from gas operation to 12 V operation. This mode will be kept for at least half an hour to avoid the refrigerator “swinging” between 12 V operation and gas operation.
   • Should the solar power be still sufficient, the 12 V operation of the refrigerator will be kept.
   • Should the solar power be insufficient, “AES” will be switched off by the solar controller, the refrigerator will be switched to gas operation, it will keep this mode for at least half an hour, and the solar power will be used for recharge of the (possibly slightly discharged) battery. This mode of operation can only be taken into account in case of sufficient efficiency of the solar panel and under favorable conditions, such as 110 Wp, better than 150 Wp, or more.
   • Optionally:
   • Optionally, small 12 V consumers can be operated at the AES output, such as 12 V fans, car relays, or refrigerators with control input D+ (Thetford, etc.).
   • For these applications, it must be observed, that the output must be active for at least half an hour.`
   • The output current of the terminal “AES” is 12 V, max. 0.2 A. In the case of larger consumers, the output is limited and can again be loaded after a cooling down phase.
   • The supply of larger consumers requires the interconnection of a load relay.
8. Input Battery Temperature Sensor (Option, can be connected):
   • Connection for the external Votronic Temperature Sensor 825, order No. 2001 (is not included in the standard delivery scope).
   • Measurement of the battery temperature of the main/leisure battery for battery protection and battery control.
   • Connect the sensor to the terminals “TS – TS” (any polarity).
   • Ensure that the installation place of the sensor is not influenced by any source of heat (engine block, exhaust, heater, etc.)!

Lead-Acid, Gel, AGM Batteries:

• Installation: The thermal contact of sensor and battery inside temperature should be well. Thus, it should be screwed down to the negative pole or positive pole of the battery. It is also possible to fasten it at the sidewall center of the battery casing.
• Effect: The temperature-dependent charging voltage of the battery will be adapted automatically to the battery temperature (automatic temperature equalization). The temperature sensor measures the battery temperature. In case of low temperatures (winter operation), the charging voltage will be increased, to improve and accelerate full charging of the weak battery. Sensitive consumers are protected by a limitation of the voltage in case of very low outside temperatures.
• In case of summery temperatures, the charging voltage is reduced to minimize the load (gassing) of the battery and to extend the lifetime of gas-tight batteries.
• Battery Protection: In case of excessive battery temperatures (from +50 °C), the charging voltage will be reduced strongly to safety charging voltage, approx. 12.80 V, for battery protection, and the maximum charging current rate, will be halved and safety mode, LED “MPP” is flashing (“Charge” at MPP 170 CI). Any charging data being recorded hitherto will be kept in memory.
• Battery charging is then interrupted, but the supply of consumers being possibly connected will be continued by the solar controller, and the battery is allowed to cool down.
• After that, automatic charging will be resumed. Also refer to “Charging Voltage Rates and Temperature Equalization, as well as Protection of Main Battery” on page 10.

LiFePO4 Batteries:

• Installation: The thermal contact of sensor and inside temperature of the battery should be well. Thus, it should be screwed down to the negative pole of the battery, because in the case of LiFePO4 batteries, in most of the cases, this is the cooler side (the positive pole is often falsified with the exhaust heat of internal fuses, electronic systems for cell equalization, etc.)
  Effect: In case of abnormal battery temperatures, such as <-20 °C, >50 °C, the charging voltage will be reduced strongly to safety charging voltage, approx. 12.80 V, for battery protection, and the maximum charging current rate will be halved. Safety mode,

• LED “MPP” is flashing (“Charge” at MPP 170 CI). Any charging data being recorded hitherto will be kept in memory.

• Battery charging is then interrupted, but the supply of consumers being possibly connected will be continued by the solar controller until the battery temperature is in the admissible range. After that, automatic charging will be resumed.

• Below 0 °C, the charging current will be reduced very strongly for battery protection, and longer charging times can be expected.

• The solar controller recognizes automatically a missing sensor, cable break, or short-circuit of the sensor lines, as well as unreasonable measuring values. In that case, it will switch automatically to the usual charging voltage rates of 20 °C / 25 °C recommended by the battery manufacturers.

Pilot Lamps:

Float:

• Is   lighting: Trickle charging U2. Voltage control, charging voltage is gradually reduced to the U2 voltage.
  • Is flashing: Temperature sensor is not connected for LiFePO4 characteristic. No charging is possible!

Absorb:

• Is lighting: U1 phase (full charge). Voltage control, current consumption of the battery decreases continuously.
  • Is flashing: Battery over- or under-temperature. Check the battery and temperature sensor if necessary!

Bulk:

• Is lighting: I-phase (main charge). In current control, the battery is charged with the maximum available solar power. The MPP algorithm always searches for the optimal power point of the solar module.
  • Is flashing: Battery and/or solar module overvoltage. Check the battery and solar module!

Batt. Low :

• Is lighting: Battery undervoltage (PB < 10 V, LiFePO4 < 11 V). If possible, do not load the battery and recharge it as soon as possible.
  • Is flashing: Lithium battery below 0°C or solar regulator is internally too warm (reduced charge current).
  • Short flashing every 2 sec.: Solar controller (MPP260 CI-MPP440 CI) is in standby mode (night or solar power too low).

AES” (except MPP 170 CI):

• Is lighting: Sufficient excess solar power is available, and the output “AES” for automatic energy selection of the refrigerator or relay control is activated.
  • Off: Output “AES” is switched off.
• Standby” (only MPP 170 CI):
  • Short flashing every 2 sec.: Display of readiness for service in case of missing solar power (at night).
• All light-emitting diodes are flashing simultaneously:
  • The positions of the selector switches for the main/leisure battery are incorrect. For reasons of safety, the solar controller is switched off. Adjust the desired battery type according to Table 1.

Operating Instructions

Lifetime of the battery:

• Recharge totally discharged batteries immediately: Incipient Sulphation of the lead battery plates due to total discharge is to be prevented by soon charging, particularly in case of high ambient temperatures. If the grade of sulphation is not too intensive, the battery can recover part of the battery capacity after several charging/discharging cycles. Total discharge of LiFePO4 batteries is absolutely to be avoided!

Partially discharged batteries:

• In contrast to other battery types, batteries on lead and LiFePO4 basis do not have any harmful memory effect. Consequently: In case of doubt, partially discharged batteries have to be charged fully as soon as possible.
• Always store only fully charged lead batteries. Recharge them periodically, particularly in case of used (older) batteries and higher temperatures.
• Keep the batteries cool and dry, LiFePO4 batteries preferably above 0 °C. Choose an appropriate location for installation.
• In case of insufficient solar power and/or high current consumption, the lead battery should be subject to occasional full charging using a mains supply charger.

Overvoltage Protection:

• The 12 V solar controllers protect themselves against a connection of excessive battery voltage rates or will be switched off in case of defective additional charging systems (chargers, generators, or similar systems), with a switching threshold of 15.0-16.0 V, depending on the battery type.

Overvoltage Limitation:

• Sensitive consumers are protected through a limitation of the charging voltage to the max. 15.0 V during all modes of charging.

Overload/Overheating Protection Solar Controller:

• The solar controller is equipped with double electronic protection against overload and with automatic protection against adverse installation conditions (e.g. insufficient ventilation, excessive ambient temperatures) by gradual reduction of the charging capacity.
• Voltage Measurement: The voltage rates at the solar controller might be falsified by losses at the charging cables. Never use the controller without a battery.

Operation with switched off LiFePO4 main battery:

• In case the battery is disconnected from the solar charging controller by the (prescribed) BMS, the latter will, as long as the solar power is adequate, provide the set voltage at its output terminals according to the characteristic line of charging. Consumer units continue to be supplied by the solar charging controller as long as they have not been separately disconnected from the BMS and the solar power is adequate.
• Whether a battery disconnected by the BMS will switch back on by itself and can therefore continue to be automatically charged by the solar charging controller depends on the type of battery and its BMS.
• The charge of the starter battery continues to be retained if there is sufficient solar power.
• In case of unattended operation, the battery might be discharged due to too many consumers and a lack of solar power.
• We recommend an (undervoltage) protection for the battery employing the following appliances:
• Votronic Battery Protector 40 (Power rating 12 V / 40 A) Order No. 3075 or
• Votronic Battery Protector 100 (Power rating 12 V / 100 A) Order No. 3078

Table 1: For Main Battery I: How to set the correct charging program for the battery type (design, lead or lithium-iron-phosphate technology)

• Before start-up, imperatively set the correct characteristic line of charging being suitable for the battery to avoid battery damage!
• Set the slide switch (“BOARD Battery”) to the desired position for the battery I (board battery) using a small screwdriver.
• Either select Lead Battery or Lithium LiFePO4 Battery using switch “1”. After that, select the desired characteristic line of charging using the switches “2”, “3” and “4”, as indicated in the tables:

Charging programs for lead batteries :

If not specified divergently by the battery manufacturer, the suitable charging program for the battery type (design, technology) can be determined utilizing the following description and the technical data (voltage rates U1 and U2, nominal temperature, and dwell times U1).

Note: The possible parallel/floating operation with consumers being connected to the battery is also automatically considered by all charging programs.

| a) “Lead Acid/AGM1”: Charging program for acid/lead-acid batteries as well as AGM 14.4 V : For charging and trickle charge of supply (board) batteries. Ensures short charging times, high charging factor, and acid mixing for open standard batteries and closed, low-maintenance, maintenance-free “non-solid electrolyte”, “lead-acid”, drive, lighting, solar, and heavy-duty batteries. Also suitable for recently developed batteries (low- antimonous, batteries with silver-alloy, calcium/calcium, or similar) and batteries with low and very low water consumption, as well as

AGM batteries with the indication 14.4 V.

Characteristic line of charging IU1oU2 Acid/AGM:

U1 Main/Full Charging: 14.40 V             +20 °C             1.5-5 h

U2 Full/Trickle/Storage Charging: 13.50 V             +20 °C             Continuous

Safety mode at excess temperature of the battery:             12.80 V

+50 °C

| b) “AGM2”: Charging program for AGM/Fleece batteries 14.7 V :

Adapted to closed, gas-tight AGM (absorbed glass mat) batteries and batteries in lead-fleece technology, Lead Crystal, VRLA, requiring a particularly high- level U1 for full charging.

ATTENTION: It is highly recommended to check the specification sheet of the battery concerning the high charging voltage U1 14.7 V.

Unsuitable batteries might age prematurely due to loss of electrolyte!

Some manufacturers of AGM/fleece batteries are also prescribing a 14.4 V charging program for charging! In these cases, please set “Lead Acid/AGM1” (14.4 V / 13.45 V).

Characteristic Line AGM/Fleece IU1oU2:

U1 Main/Full Charging: 14.70 V (!)        +20 °C             1.5-5 h

U2 Full/Trickle/Storage Charging: 13.50 V             +20 °C             Continuous Safety mode at excess temperature of the battery:            12.80 V           > +50 °C

| c) “Gel”: Charging program for gel/dryfit batteries:

Adapted to closed, gas-tight Gel batteries with determined electrolytes, which are generally requiring a higher charging voltage level and longer dwell times U1 to achieve short charging times with particularly high capacity storage and to avoid total discharge, e.g. EXIDE, Sonnenschein dryfit- Start, Dryfit-Sport-Line, DETA Gel Battery Funline, Bosch AS Gel Batteries Va/Z, AS Gel Drive Batteries, AS Gel lighting batteries.

If not being specified divergently by the battery manufacturer, also recommended for

batteries in round cell technology.

EXIDE, DETA, VARTA Characteristic Line Gel IU1oU2:

U1 Main/Full Charging: 14.40 V             +20 °C             6-12 h

U2 Full/Trickle/Storage Charging: 13.80 V             +20 °C             Continuous

Safety mode at excess temperature of the battery:             12.80 V

+50 °C

Charging Programs for LiFePO4-Batteries:

·      The charging regulations of the battery manufacturer are absolutely to be observed!

·      An operation of the unit at a LiFePO4 battery without a BMS B attery M anagement S ystem and equalization charging of the cells (balancing) as well as safety circuit is not admissible!

·      A battery temperature sensor must be installed at the battery (screw to the negative pole) and connected to the unit. It serves as protection for the battery!

·      If possible, the battery temperature must be kept above 0 °C.

Note: The possible parallel/floating operation with consumers being connected to the battery is also automatically considered by all charging programs.

| d) “LiFePO4 13.9 V”: Charging program IU1oU2
U1  Main/Full Charging: 13.90 V            0.5-1 h

U2  Full/Trickle/Storage Charging:                                      13.90 V            Continuous

| e) “LiFePO4 14.2 V”: Charging program IU1oU2
U1  Main/Full Charging: 14.20 V            0.5-1 h

U2  Full/Trickle/Storage Charging:                                      13.60 V            Continuous

|

f) “LiFePO4 14.4 V”: Charging program IU1oU2

U1  Main/Full Charging: 14.40 V            0.3-1 h

U2  Full/Trickle/Storage Charging:                                      13.80 V            Continuous

| g) “LiFePO4 14.6 V”: Charging program IU1oU2
U1  Main/Full Charging: 14.60 V            0.3-1 h

U2  Full/Trickle/Storage Charging:                                      13.60 V            Continuous

| h) “LiFePO4 13.2 V”: Hibernation characteristic matched to all common LiFePO4 batteries. Battery is kept at approx. 50 – 80%.
Holding voltage:  13.20 V  Continuous

Slide Switches (CI-Bus address switching):

• The fourth slide switch is required for parallel operation of several CI-BUS solar controllers on one CI-BUS line. The setting is made by the system integrator and has no significance for operation without a CI-BUS connection.
• 4. slide switch leave standard on “OFF” (bottom, see figure on the left)!
• Further actions at the unit are not required during normal automatic mode.

Declaration of Conformity:

• Under the provisions of the statutory requirements and the relevant directives, Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016, Electromagnetic Compatibility Regulations 2016, The Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations 2012 this product complies with the following standards or normative documents: BS EN55014-1; BS EN61000-6-1; BS EN61000-4-2; BS EN61000-4-3; BS EN61000-4-4; BS EN62368-1; BS EN50498, BS EN IEC 63000.

Charging Voltage Rates and Temperature Compensation of Main/Leisure Battery:

TS = With Temperature Sensor (Terminals „TS TS“). Mandatory for LiFePO4 batteries!

Functions at the Main/Leisure Battery “12 V”

• If solar power is missing (at night), the readiness for service of the controller will be indicated by short flashing of the LED (light-emitting diode) “Batt. Low”.
• As soon as sufficient solar power is available, a lighting LED “Bulk” indicates proper control functions of the solar controller.
• This always ensures the most favorable operating point for the interaction between solar panels, wiring, and the battery.

1. Gentle pre-charge of deep discharged batteries up to 10 V (11 V for LiFePO4) (with max. 50% solar regulator power).
2. Maximum charging current (Bulk/I-Phase) in the lower and middle voltage range of the battery until the beginning of the U1 phase (Absorb). MPP control active.
3. The solar controller monitors the charging time and charging current and then automatically switches to the following U1 phase (Absorb).
4. During the following U1 phase (Absorb), the battery voltage is kept constant at a high level, the battery determines the charging current itself based on its state of charge, and the high battery capacity is charged, the “Bulk” and “Absorb” LEDs light up. An already full battery is briefly held in the U1 phase, a (partially) discharged battery for full and cell equalization charging (maintenance) correspondingly longer.
5. During the U2 phase (Float), the battery is kept at its charge level. Only the compensating recharging current determined by the battery flows to keep it fully charged. This phase is not limited in time, the LEDs “Bulk”, “Absorb” and “Absorb” light up. In contrast to conventional controllers, the MPP control ensures lower panel loads and temperatures, especially here. Additional consumers can be better supplied and the solar power is now almost completely available to the consumers.

• A switch back to the bulk phase or absorb phase takes place if the battery has been loaded for a longer time or if the solar controller switches back to standby mode after sunset.
• When using a temperature sensor for the lead-acid battery, the voltage values for temperature compensation automatically shift slightly up for cold or down for warm.
• For LiFePO4 batteries, this results in valuable battery protection, especially below 0°C.

Charging Process (Characteristic Line of Charging IU1oU2) at the Main/Leisure Battery “12 V”:

Technical Data

Declaration of Conformity

• Under the provisions of Directives 2014/35/EU, 2014/30/EU, and 2009/19/EC, this product complies with the following standards or normative documents:
• EN55014-1; EN55022 B; EN61000-6-1; EN61000-4-2; EN61000-4-3; EN61000-4-4; EN62368-1; EN50498.
• The product must not be disposed of in the household waste.
• The product is RoHS compliant. It complies with the directive 2015/863/EU for the Reduction of Hazardous Substances in electrical and electronic equipment.

Recycling:

• At the end of its useful life, you can send us this device for professional disposal:
• You can find more information about this on our website at www.votronic.de/recycling

Delivery Scope:| Available Accessories:|
---|---|---
·         MPP Solar Controller

·         Operating Manual

| –          Temperature Sensor 825

–          LCD Solar Computer S

–          Cable set for connection of the solar controller to EBL

| Order No. 2001

Order No. 1250

Order No. 2007

• Subject to misprints, errors, and technical modification without notice.
• All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed in whole or part without the express written consent of the manufacturer. Copyright VOTRONIC 02/2023.
• Made in Germany by VOTRONIC Elektronik-Systeme GmbH, Johann-Friedrich-Diehm-Str. 2, 36341 Lauterbach/GERMANY
• Phone: +49 (0)6641/91173-0 Fax: +49 (0)6641/91173-10 E-Mail: info@votronic.de Internet: www.votronic.de

Documents / Resources

| VOTRONIC MPP 170 CI Solar Controller [pdf] Owner's Manual
MPP 170 CI Solar Controller, MPP 170 CI, Solar Controller, Controller
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References

• VOTRONIC | PASSION FOR ELECTRONICS
• Recycling | VOTRONIC

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