DOMETIC SCE320 Power and Control Solar Charger Instruction Manual

: July 15, 2024
: Dometic

DOMETIC SCE320 Power and Control Solar Charger

Product Information

Specifications

Model: SUNCONTROL2
Models Available: SCE320, SCE360
Maximum Input: Up to 350W
Maximum Charge: 25A
Supported Battery Technologies: GEL, AGM, Wet, LiFePO4

Product Usage Instructions

Safety Instructions
Ensure to read and follow all safety instructions provided in the manual before using the solar charger.
Package Contents
Check the package contents to ensure all components are included before starting the installation process.
Description
The SUNCONTROL2 is an automatic solar regulator featuring MPPT technology for maximum efficiency of photovoltaic modules. It utilizes the MPPT algorithm to optimize power output, providing up to 25% more performance compared to PWM technology.
Main Features
- Charges up to two batteries: one service battery (B1) and one starter battery (B2)
- Priority charging to the service battery
- Compatible with various battery technologies
Operations
The SUNCONTROL2 will start charging the batteries when the connected Solar Panels deliver a voltage 1V higher than the batteries’ voltage to be recharged and when the battery voltage is higher than 8V. It features up to 6 charging phases, including desulphation and maintenance phases for optimal battery recharging.
LED Indicators
The LED indicators provide visual feedback on the status of the charging process. Refer to the manual for details on interpreting the LED indicators.
Fuse Replacement
If a fuse needs replacement, follow the instructions provided in the manual carefully to ensure safe and proper replacement.

SUNCONTROL2
SCE320, SCE360

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PROPER DISPOSAL!
This electronic product is subject to the European Directive 2012/19/EU. Complying with local waste disposal regulations, do not dispose of old products with normal household waste. The proper disposal of products that can no longer be used prevents potential negative consequences for the environment and for the population.

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Child Safety: Keep the device Out of Reach.
Carefully check the integrity of the device and connectors.
To avoid overheating and possible ﬁres do not install the device in a sealed environment, Always choose a well-ventilated area.
Do not place the device on highly ﬂammable surfaces or environments (eg: paper, cloth, etc.).
Do not cover the cooling slits on the side and the fan on the top.
Do not install the device near ﬂooded batteries: they produce ﬂammable, corrosive, and explosive gas while working, and it can damage the product.
protect the device from sunlight or direct sources of heat.
To avoid malfunctions, DO NOT install and use the device in very humid environments, in contact with water splashes, various liquids, or exposed to rain.
To avoid the risk of electric shock and/or ﬁre, the vehicle’s fuel system must be in good condition.
In case of damaged connecting cables or inadequate sections, immediately replace them with suitable cables as speciﬁed by this manual or by a qualiﬁed electrician.
In case of anomalies in the conformity of the product do not use it! it is strictly forbidden to open the device. Repairs may only be carried out by qualiﬁed technical personnel using original spare parts.
Keep the instruction manual near the device for easy access to the essential safety, use, and maintenance information.
The information contained in this manual may be changed without notice. NDS Energy s.r.l. reserves the right to make changes and improvements to the product at any time without notice and without obligation to apply these changes to the devices previously distributed.
The images of the products are purely indicative and may therefore not be fully representative of the characteristics of the product, differing in color, size, or accessories

PACKAGE CONTENTS

Check the contents of the package:

1 x SUNCONTROL2
1 x Replacement fuse
Wall mounting screws

DESCRIPTION

SUNCONTROL2, the automatic solar regulator with MPPT technology pushes the efficiency of photovoltaic modules to the maximum: more energy, and less space.
The MPPT algorithm always uses the “maximum power peak” delivered by the panel, with a significantly higher performance than the PWM technology (up to 25% more)
SUNCONTROL2 available in two models SCE 320 and SCE 360, manages (depending on the model), up to 350W input, with a maximum charge of 25A. The new microprocessor, equipped with OPTICHARGE firmware, performs up to 6 charging phases, including desulphation and maintenance phases, for optimal recharging of the onboard batteries.
SUNCONTROL2 is compatible with the following battery technologies: GEL, AGM, Wet, and LiFePO4 and both the leisure batteries and the starter battery can be recharged.
The state of charge (SoC) of both connected batteries is immediately visible on top of the device thanks to the two multicolored LEDs.
The system works with a 12V nominal voltage and it is possible to connect two photovoltaic panels, on separate inputs, with a maximum power of 180Wp (depending on the model).
The Dip Switch selector, located next to the power connections, allows you to select the output charge curve in a simple and fast way.
The touch screen display DTB01 (optional) with new management software, allows you to view the charge information and set the various settings with the new communication protocol NDS.

MAIN FEATURES

MPPT technology (+25% performances)
Charging curve selection: GEL, AGM, Wet, and LiFePO4
New Firmware OPTICHARGE
Up to 6 charging phases
Starting battery charge
Desulphation curve
Independent inputs for 2 solar panels
SoC Quick view with status LEDs
Touchscreen Display (Optional)

OPERATIONS

SUNCONTROL2 charges up to two batteries: one service battery (B1) and one starter battery (B2), with priority charging to the service battery.
SUNCONTROL2 will start charging the batteries if the following conditions are satisﬁed:
1. The connected Solar Panels deliver a voltage 1V higher than the voltage of the batteries to be recharged.
2. Battery voltage higher than 8V.
The Leisure Battery will be charged with the selected curve.
The Starting Battery will be charged if the following conditions are satisﬁed:
- Leisure battery charged between 80% and 100%.
- Starting battery with voltage under 12.5V.

Every charging phase has a maximum run time, except the maintenance phase, which constantly monitors the state of charge and, if necessary, delivers an impulse current to keep the battery 100% charged.

NOTE
If the photovoltaic panels interrupt the power supply (during night, shadowed solar panel, etc. …) the system goes into Stand-By mode: LEDs off and self- consumption to the minimum (<2mA).

STRUCTURE

FRONTAL CONNECTION

N-BUS NETWORK AND CONTROLLERS

N-BUS devices can be networked for optimal operation of the entire NDS energy system. To start setting up your new energy system, simply connect two or more N-BUS devices with the optional data cable, available in various lengths (BC03M, BC06M, or BC 10M). Furthermore, with N-BUS, you can use a single controller to monitor and control all NDS devices.
Manage the SUNCONTROL2 and all N-BUS devices with a single touch screen full-color display (DTB01), or with the mobile app for smartphones, if there is at least one NDS device with Bluetooth in the network. Bluetooth devices are e.g. SUNCONTROL2 (models with Bluetooth) and TEMPRA Lithium Battery (all models). The mobile app can also be used to update all connected N-BUS devices if there is a Master device, such as TEMPRA Lithium Battery.

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NOTE
A Bluetooth N-BUS device is required to use the Mobile App, such as TEMPRA Battery or SUNCONTROL2 models SCE 320B, and SCE 360B. The Mobile App does not work with the SCE 320, SCE 360, or the earlier SC320M and SC350M models.

INSTALLATION

Place the SUNCONTROL2 on the chosen surface and secure the entire device using the ﬁxing holes integrated into the shell with the supplied screws or equivalent (Fig.1).

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All electrical and setup connections are on the front, it is not necessary to disassemble the plastic shells, except for the protection fuse replacement.
On the front side, after the power connections, there’s a Dip Switch for the charging curve selection, it’s important to select the correct curve according to the type of battery supplied, for the selection of the correct curve please refer to the chapter “Charging curve selection”.

CAUTION

For electrical connections, use cables of appropriate cross-section: from 6 mm2.
In case of a long stay, it is advisable to disconnect the negative cable from the device to completely neutralize any residual consumption that may inadvertently discharge the leisure battery.

BASIC CONNECTION

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CHARGING CURVE SELECTION

The Dip Switches, located next to the power connections, allow you to select the proper charging curve for the installed services battery, use the table to set the correct curve for your battery. The Dip Switches affect the B1 charging curve (leisure battery), not B2 (starter battery). The B2 charging curve is preset to curve N°1 (GEL – Desulphation OFF).

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NOTE

The default setting is Curve 1 for GEL batteries – desulphation OFF.
To safeguard the battery, with an ambient temperature below 0°C, the LiFePO4 charge curve will not be started.

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B1 – PHASE DISCUSSION

PULSE CHARGE| With a voltage between 8V and 10.5V, a current between 1A and 2A will be delivered, every 5 seconds. Timeout 4 hours.
RECONDITIONING| With a voltage between 10.5V and 12.0V, an approximately 2A constant current will be delivered. Timeout 8 hours.
BULK CHARGE| With voltage between 12V and Vmax (Maximum voltage of the selected charging curve), will be delivered a constant current of 20A model SCE 320 and 25A model SCE 360.
ABSORPTION CHARGE| With battery voltage equal to Vmax (Maximum voltage of the selected charging curve), will be delivered a constant voltage equal to the selected curve Vmax. The delivered current will decrease as the battery state of charge increases till about 3A. Timeout 6 hours.
---|---
DESULPHATION| An approximately 2A constant current will be delivered, allowing the battery voltage to rise independently to the maximum value of 15.8V. This phase ends with the achievement of 15.8V. Timeout 2 hours.
MAINTENANCE| This phase keeps a constant voltage related to the selected charging curve (Vmaint). This phase has a 4-hour timeout for the LiFePO4 charging curve with maintenance ON (curve N°7), while for the other curves, there’s no time limit. If during the maintenance phase, the voltage falls below 13.15V for the LiFePO4 curve and 12.65V Wet curve, and 12.8V and for the other curves, the charge will be restarted from the first phase. Timeout 4 hours.
B2 – PHASE DISCUSSION
PULSE CHARGE| With voltage between 8V and 10.5V, a variable current between 1A and 2A, every 5 seconds. Timeout 4 hours.
RECONDITIONING| With a voltage between 10.5V and 12.0V, an approximately 2A constant current will be delivered. Timeout 8 hours.
BULK CHARGE| With battery voltage between 12V and 14,4V, will be delivered a 5A constant current.
ABSORPTION CHARGE| With a battery voltage, 14,4V will be delivered at a 14,4V constant voltage. The delivered current will decrease as the battery state of charge increases till about 3A. Timeout 6 hours.
MAINTENANCE| This phase keeps a constant voltage of 13.5V. Timeout 8 hours.

LED INDICATORS

The two LEDs on the upper part of the device, marked B1 and B2, allow you to quickly understand the charge status of the connected battery.
Each LED can emit different colors referred to a precise state of charge of the battery, the table below explains the relationship between the LED color and the battery state of charge.

SIGNAL	MEANING
Red LED	Charging
Orange LED	Reconditioning
Green LED	Fully charged/Maintenance

CAUTION
A fast ﬂashing of both LEDs (with the solar panel active) shows an error due to the internal fuse breaking, or services battery voltage below 6V.

FUSE REPLACEMENT

If the protective fuse on the SUNCONTROL2 electronic board is damaged, it can be replaced with the original replacement fuse (supplied) or with a common 25A (for SCE320) or 30A (for SCE360) automotive fuse.

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Follow these steps to reach the fuse:

Remove SUNCONTROL2 from its housing.
Rotate the device to reveal the screws on the bottom of the device.
Unscrew the 4 screws.
Remove the front shell of SUNCONTROL2 to access the fuse.
Replace the fuse.

TECHNICAL FEATURES

DESCRIPTION	SCE320	SCE360

INPUTS
Maximum input Voltage solar panels (open circuit voltage)| 29,5V| 29,5V
Solar Panel Input Connections| 2| 2
Solar Panel input Maximum Power Supported| 50W – 160W| 50W – 200W
OUTPUT B1
Battery nominal voltage| 12V| 12V
Charging current maximum output| 20A| 25A
Minimum battery capacity required Lead-acid| 60Ah| 80Ah
Minimum battery capacity required LiFePO4| 40Ah| 50Ah
Maximum battery voltage required| 8V| 8V
Charging curve selector/Curve number| Yes/8| Yes/8
Temperature-regulated fan speed| No| Yes
Temperature-regulated charging (by temperature sensor for B1 battery – optional)| Yes/-30mV/°C| Yes/-30mV/°C
OUTPUT B2

Battery nominal voltage| 12V| 12V
Charging current maximum output| 5A| 5A
Minimum battery capacity required Lead-acid/LiFePO4| ****

15Ah/10Ah

| ****

15Ah/10Ah

Minimum/maximum voltage starting charge| ****

8V – 12,5V

| ****

8V – 12,5V

Maximum charging voltage| 14,4V| 14,4V
Temperature-regulated fan speed| ****

No

| ****

Yes

Maximum charging timeout| 8h| 8h
GENERAL

Charging algorithm OPTICHARGE| Yes| Yes
Stand-by self-consumption| <2mA| <2mA
Display connection| Yes| Yes
Internal protection fuse| 25A| 30A
Reverse polarity protection| Yes| Yes
Night-time discharge protection| Yes| Yes
Overload protection| Yes| Yes
Overheating protection (output power reduction)| Yes| Yes
Size (mm)| 123 x 108 x 50| 123 x 108 x 50
Weight (cables excluded)| 400g| 420g
Working temperature| -20°C/+50°C| -20°C/+50°C
Ambient humidity| <90% no condensation| <90% no condensation

Maximum altitude

| 3000m

maximum nominal output up to 2000m)

| 3000m

(maximum nominal output up to 2000m)

WIRING DIAGRAMS SAMPLES

Simple connection, with solar panels, bus display (optional).

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Connection with solar panels, bus display (optional), and original control unit.

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Connection with solar panels, display bus (optional), original control unit, and TEMPRA lithium battery.

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F.A.Q

Refer to the FAQ section below for commonly asked questions and answers.

Q: What battery technologies are compatible with SUNCONTROL2?

A: SUNCONTROL2 is compatible with GEL, AGM, Wet, and LiFePO4 battery technologies.

Q: How many batteries can SUNCONTROL2 charge simultaneously?

A: SUNCONTROL2 can charge up to two batteries: one service battery (B1) and one starter battery (B2).

Q: What happens if the solar panels lose power?

A: In case of power loss from the solar panels, the system goes into StandBy mode with minimal self-consumption.

Q: About solar panels, what’s the maximum voltage supported by SUNCONTROL2?

A: The maximum supported voltage is 29,5V.

Q: Is it possible to connect one 200W solar panel only, on a single SUNCONTROL2 connection?

A: It’s possible to connect just one bigger solar panel (200W), for example on SUNCONTROL2 Pin N°5, but you must connect Pin N°5 and Pin N°6. For the connection bridge, please use, at least, a 6 mm2 cross-size cable.

Q: Is it normal to have a battery voltage (with solar regulator working) over 15V?

A: It’s normal when the device is in desulphation mode. It is possible to turn OFF the desulphation by selecting the proper charging curve: look at the chapter “Charging curve selection”.

DECLARATION OF EU CONFORMITY

DECLARATION OF EU CONFORMITY – SUN CONTROL 2

Company: NDS Energy s.r.l.
Address: Via Giovanni Pascoli, 96/98 65010 – Cappelle sul Tavo (PE) Italy

Declares under its responsibility that the product:

Commercial Name: SUN CONTROL2
Models:
- SCE320, SCE360,
- SC320M, SC350M
- SCE320B, SCE360B

To which this declaration refers, complies with the provisions of the Directive of the Council of the European Union concerning the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) Directive 2014/30/EC, demonstrated by the observance of the following norms:

EN55014-1:2017+A11:2020
EN55014-2:2015
EN IEC 61000-3-2:2019
EN61000-3-3:2013+A1:2019
EN IEC 61000-6-1:2019
EN IEC 61000-6-2:2019
EN IEC 61000-6-3:2021

It also complies with Directive 2014/53/EU (RED) for wireless communications equipment, demonstrated by compliance with the standard:

EN 300220

For models with BLE connectivity: SCE320B and SCE360B, the radio equipment directive (RED) 2014/53/UE applies to compliance with the following regulations:

EN62368-1:2020+A11:2020
ETSI EN 301489-1 V2.2.3 (2019-11)
ETSI EN 301489-17 V3.2.4 (2020-09)
EN 300328 v2.2.2 (2019-07)
EN50663:2017

compliance for radiated emissions and electromagnetic immunity on vehicles is demonstrated in compliance with the directive:

ECE R10

compliance with the restriction on the use of hazardous substances is demonstrated by compliance with directive 2011/65/EU (ROHS2).

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WARRANTY

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Contact Information

NDS ENERGY S.r.l.
Via G. Pascoli, 96/98 65010 Cappelle sul Tavo (PE) Italy
email: customer@ndsenergy.it
tel: +39 085 4470396
fax: +39 085 9112263

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A complete list of Dometic companies, which comprise the Dometic Group, can be found in the public filings of DOMETIC GROUP AB Hemvamsgatan 75 SE-77754 Solna Sweden.