Epsolar: Instruction Manual

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☆ Design patent NO.


EPSOLAR 201130028317.3

LS1024 / LS1524 / LS2024


—— Solar Charge Controller

INSTRUCTION
MANUAL

Thank you very much for selecting our product!


This manual offers important information and suggestions
with respect to installation, use and troubleshooting, etc.
Please read this manual carefully before using the product
and pay attention to the safety recommendations in it.
LandStar
LS1024 / LS1524 / LS2024
—— Solar Charge Controller

Specification Summary

Nominal system voltage 12 / 24VDC*


Maximum PV input voltage 50V
Nominal charge / discharge current
LS1024 10A
LS1524 15A
LS2024 20A
* The controller will recognize the system rated voltage when start up. If
the battery voltage is lower than 18V, it will recognize the system as 12V.
If the battery voltage is greater than 18V, it will recognize the system as
24V.
Contents
1 Important Safety Information ................................... 1
2 General Information ................................................. 2

2.1 Product Overview ....................................... 2

2.2 Product Features ......................................... 3

3 Installation Instructions ............................................ 4

3.1 General Installation Notes .......................... 4

3.3 Wiring ........................................................ 6

4 Operation................................................................ 10

4.1 PWM Technology (Series Pulse Width

Modulation) .................................................... 10

4.2 Battery Charging Information ................... 10

4.3 LED Indicators ......................................... 12

4.4 Setting Operation ...................................... 14

5 Protection, Troubleshooting and Maintenance ........ 15

5.1 Protection ................................................. 15

5.2 Troubleshooting........................................ 16

5.3 Maintenance ............................................. 18

6 Warranty ................................................................ 19
7 Technical specifications ......................................... 20
Annex: Mechanical dimensions ................................. 23
1 Important Safety Information

Save These Instructions


This manual contains important safety, installation and operating instructions

The following symbols are used throughout this manual to indicate


potentially dangerous conditions or mark important safety instructions,
please take care when meeting these symbols.

WARNING: Indicates a potentially dangerous


condition. Use extreme caution when
performing this task.

CAUTION: Indicates a critical procedure for


safe and proper operation of the controller.

NOTE: Indicates a procedure or function that


is important for the safe and proper operation
of the controller.

General Safety Information

 Read all of the instructions and cautions in the manual before beginning
installation.
 There are no user serviceable parts inside the controller. Do not
disassemble or attempt to repair it.
 Install external fuses/breakers as required.
 Disconnect the solar module and fuse/breakers near to battery before
installing or adjusting the controller.
 Do not allow water to enter the controller.
 Confirm that power connections are tightened to avoid excessive heating
from loose connection.
1
2 General Information
2.1 Product Overview

Thank you for selecting LandStar series solar system controller that adopts
the most advanced digital technique and operates fully automatically. The
Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) battery charging can greatly increase the
lifetime of battery. It has various unique functions and quite easy to use, such
as:
12/24VDC automatic recognition of system voltage
High efficient Series PWM charging, increase the battery lifetime and
improve the solar system performance
Use MOSFET as electronic switch, without any mechanical switch
 Gel, Sealed and Flooded battery type option
Adopt temperature compensation, correct the charging and discharging
parameters automatically and improve the battery lifetime
Electronic protection: Overheating, over charging, over discharging,
overload, and short circuit
Reverse protection: any combination of solar module and battery

The controller is for off-grid solar system, and protects the battery from
being over charged by the solar module and over discharged by the loads.
The charging process has been optimized for long battery life and improved
system performance. The comprehensive self-diagnostics and electronic
protection functions can prevent damage from installation mistakes or
system faults.
Though the controller is easy to operate and use, please take your time to
read this manual and become familiar with it. This will help you make full
use of all the functions and improve your solar PV system.

2
2.2 Product Features

Figure 2-1 Land Star characteristics

1 –Temperature Sensor
Measure ambient temperature and make temperature compensation for
charging and discharging.
2 – Charging status LED indicator
A LED indicator that shows charging status and also indicates when battery
voltage is higher than over voltage disconnect voltage.
3 – Battery status LED indicator
A LED indicator that shows battery status.
4 –Flooded battery indicator
The indicator will be on when select Flooded battery.
5 –Gel battery indicator
The indicator will be on when select Gel battery.
6 –Sealed battery indicator
The indicator will be on when select Sealed lead acid battery.
7 –Load status indicator
Display the load status.
8 –Setting button
Control the load ON / OFF and select the battery type.

3
9 –Solar Module Terminals
Connect solar modules.
10 –Battery Terminals
Connect batteries.
11 –Load Terminals
Connect loads.

3 Installation Instructions
3.1 General Installation Notes

Read through the entire installation section first before beginning installation.
Be very careful when working with batteries. Wear eye protection. Have
fresh water available to wash and clean any contact with battery acid.
Uses insulated tools and avoid placing metal objects near the batteries.
Explosive battery gasses may be present during charging. Be certain there
is sufficient ventilation to release the gasses.
Avoid direct sunlight and do not install in locations where water can enter
the controller.
Loose power connections and/or corroded wires may result in resistive
connections that melt wire insulation, burn surrounding materials, or even
cause fire. Ensure tight connections and use cable clamps to secure cables
and prevent them from swaying in mobile applications.
Use with Gel, Sealed or Flooded batteries only.
Battery connection may be wired to one battery or a bank of batteries. The
following instructions refer to a singular battery, but it is implied that the
battery connection can be made to either one battery or a group of
batteries in a battery bank.
 Select the system cables according to 3.5A/mm2 current density.

3.2 Mounting

NOTE: When mounting the controller, ensure free air


through the controller heat sink fins. There should be at
least 6 inches (150 mm) of clearance above and below the
controller to allow for cooling. If mounted in an
enclosure, ventilation is highly recommended.
4
WARNING: Risk of explosion! Never install the
controller in a sealed enclose with flooded batteries! Do
not install in a confined area where battery gassed can
accumulate.

Step 1: Choose Mounting Location


Locate the controller on a vertical surface protected from direct sun, high
temperature, and water. And make sure good ventilation.
Step 2: Check for clearance
Place the controller in the location where it will be mounted. Verify that
there is sufficient room to run wires and that there is sufficient room above
and below the controller for air flow.

150mm(5.9inches) Warm air

150mm(5.9inches) Cool air

Figure 3-1 Mounting and cooling

Step 3: Mark Holes


Use a pencil or pen to mark the four (4) mounting hole locations on the
mounting surface.
Step 4: Drill Holes
Remove the controller and drill 4mm holes in the marked locations.
Step 5: Secure Controller
Place the controller on the surface and align the mounting holes with the
drilled holes in step 4.
Secure the controller in place using the mounting screws.
5
3.3 Wiring

NOTE: A recommended connection order has been


provided for maximum safety during installation.

NOTE: The controller is a common positive ground


controller.

CAUTION: Don’t connect the loads with surge power


exceeding the ratings of the controller.

CAUTION: For mobile applications, be sure to secure


all wiring. Use cable clamps to prevent cables from
swaying when the vehicle is in motion. Unsecured
cables create loose and resistive connections which may
lead to excessive heating and/or fire.

Step1: Battery Wiring

WARNING: Risk of explosion or fire! Never short


circuit battery positive (+) and negative (-) or cables

Fuse
150mm(5.9inches)
MAX

Battery

Figure 3-2 Battery connecting


6
Before battery is connected, make sure that battery voltage is greater than 6V
so as to start up the controller. If system is 24V, make sure battery voltage is
not less than 18V. System voltage can only be automatically recognized
when controller start up for the first time.
When install fuse, make sure that the biggest distance between the fuse
holder and the positive terminal of battery is 150mm. Do not insert a fuse at
this time. Confirm the connection correct and turn on the power.

Step 2: Load Wiring

The controller loads can be connected to such electrical equipments as lights,


pumps, motors and others. Controller offers power to loads through the
battery voltage.

Fuse
Load

Figure 3-3 Load Wiring


Connect the positive (+) and negative (-) of loads to controller load terminals
as shown in Figure 3-3. The load terminal may exist voltage, connect
carefully to avoid short circuit.

An in-line fuse holder should be wired in series in the load positive (+) or
negative (-) wire as show in Figure 3-3. Do not insert a fuse at this time.
Confirm the connection correct and turn on the power.

7
If wiring the load connection to a load distribution panel, each load circuit
should be fused separately. The total load draw should not exceed the load
rated current of controller.

Step 3: Solar wiring

WARNING: Risk of electric shock! Exercise caution


when handling solar wiring. The solar module(s) high
voltage output can cause severe shock or injury. Be
careful operation when installing solar wiring.

The controller can accept12V, 24V nominal off-grid solar module(s).


Grid-tie solar module(s) may be used if the open circuit voltage of solar
module doesn’t exceed the Maximum PV input voltage of the controller.
The solar module(s) work voltage must be equal to or greater than the
system voltage.
Solar Module

Figure 3-4 Solar wiring

8
Step 4: Confirm Wiring
Double-check the wiring in step1 through 3. Confirm correct polarity at each
connection. Verify that all six terminals are tightened.

Solar Module

Load

Fuse

Fuse
150mm(5.9inches)
MAX

Battery

Figure 3-5 System wiring review

Step 5: Confirm power on

When battery power is applied and the controller starts up, the battery LED
indicator will be green.
If the controller doesn't start up, or the battery status LED error exists, please
refer to section 5 for troubleshooting.

9
4 Operation
4.1 PWM Technology (Series Pulse Width Modulation)

The controller adopts the advanced series pulse width modulation (PWM)
charging mode. With range of 0 to 100%, it can charge the battery quickly
and stably under any condition of solar photovoltaic system.
PWM charging mode use automatic conversion duty ratio pulses current to
charge the battery. The battery can be fully charged safety and rapidly with
the pulse current. Intermissions make some oxygen and hydrogen generated
by chemical reaction chemically combined again and absorbed. It can
eliminate concentration polarization and ohm polarization naturally and
reduce the internal pressure of the battery so that the battery can absorb more
power. Pulse current charging mode makes battery have more time to react,
which reduces the gassing volume and makes battery improve the
acceptance rate of charging current.

4.2 Battery Charging Information

Figure 4-1 PWM Charging mode

·
Bulk Charge
In this stage, the battery voltage has not yet reached boost voltage and 100%
of available solar power is used to charge the battery.

·
Boost Charge
When the battery has recharged to the Boost voltage setpoint, constant-
current regulation is used to prevent heating and excessive battery gassing.
The Boost stage remains 120 minutes and then goes to Float Charge.

10
·
Float Charge
After the battery is fully charged in Boost voltage stage, the controller
reduces the battery voltage to Float voltage set point. When the battery is
fully recharged, there will be no more chemical reactions and all the charge
current transmits into heat and gas at this time. Then the controller reduces
the voltage to the floating stage, charging with a smaller voltage and current.
It will reduce the temperature of battery and prevent the gassing, also
charging the battery slightly at the same time. The purpose of Float stage is
to offset the power consumption caused by self consumption and small loads
in the whole system, while maintaining full battery storage capacity.
In Float stage, loads can continue to draw power from the battery. In the
event that the system load(s) exceed the solar charge current, the controller
will no longer be able to maintain the battery at the Float setpoint. Should
the battery voltage remains below the boost reconnect charging voltage, the
controller will exit Float stage and return to Bulk charge.

·
Equalize Charge

WARNING: Risk of explosion!


Equalizing flooded battery can produce explosive
gases, so well ventilation of battery box is necessary

NOTE: Equipment damage!


Equalization may increase battery voltage to the level
damaging to sensitive DC loads. Ensure that all load
allowable input voltages are greater than the equalizing
charging set point voltage.

NOTE: Equipment damage!


Over-charging and excessive gas precipitation may
damage the battery plates and activate material
shedding on them. Too high an equalizing charge or for
too long may cause damage. Please carefully review the
specific requirements of the battery used in the system.

11
Certain types of batteries benefit from periodic equalizing charge, which can
stir the electrolyte, balance battery voltage and complete chemical reaction.
Equalizing charge increases the battery voltage, higher than the standard
complement voltage, which gasifies the battery electrolyte.
If the battery is being over discharged, the solar controller will automatically
turn to equalize charging stage, and the equalize stage remain 120mins.
Equalize charge and boost charge are not carried out constantly in a full
charge process to avoid too much gas precipitation or overheating of battery.

4.3 LED Indicators

Charging Status LED indicator Battery Status LED indicator

Figure 4-2 LED indicators

 Charging Status indicator

GREEN ON whenever sunlight is available for battery charging,


GREEN FAST FLASHING when battery over voltage.
Please refer to section 5 for troubleshooting.

Charging Status LED indicator Table 4-1

Color Indicator Charging Status

Green On Solid Charging

Green Fast Flashing Battery over voltage

12
Battery Status indicator

GREEN ON when battery voltage in normal range


GREEN SLOWLY FLASHING when battery full
ORANGE ON when battery under voltage
RED ON when battery over discharged
Please refer to section 5 for troubleshooting.

Battery status LED indicator Table 4-2

Color Indicator Battery Status

Green On solid Normal


Green Slowly Flashing Full
Orange On solid Under voltage
Red On solid Over discharged

 Load status indicator

When the load current is 1.25times of rated current for 60 seconds, or


the load current is 1.5 times of rated current for 5 seconds (overload); or load
current is more than 3.5 times of rated current(Short Circuit) ,the load
status indictor will be red and flashing. Please refer to section 5 for trouble
shooting.

Load status indicator Table 4-3


Color indictor Load status

Red flashing Overload or short circuit

 Overheating protection indicator

When heat sink of the controller exceeds 85 ℃, the controller will


automatically cut input and output circuit, Sealed, Gel, Flooded indicator
will be red and flashing simultaneously. Please refer to section 5 for trouble
shooting.

Overheating protection indicator Table 4-4


Color indictor System status

Sealed、Gel、Flooded flashing Controller


Red simultaneously overheating

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4.4 Setting Operation

Sealed Setting indicator Load Status LED indicator

Gel
Setting indicator

Flooded
Setting Indicator
Setting button

Figure 4-3 Setting operation indicating

·Load Work Mode Setting


When the controller is powered on, press the setting button to control the
load output. Press the button once, the ON/OFF status will be changed
corresponding.

·Battery Type Setting


Press the setting button for more than 5 seconds, the original battery
type indicator will be flashing. Then press the setting button to choose
Sealed, Gel, and Flooded battery type. The setting is finished till the digital
tube stop flashing.

Battery type selection Table4-5

Battery type LED indicator


Sealed lead acid battery Sealed
Gel battery Gel
Flooded battery Flooded

14
5 Protection, Troubleshooting and
Maintenance
5.1 Protection

·
PV Array Short Circuit

If PV array short circuit occurs, clear it to resume normal operation.

·
Load Overload

If the load current exceeds the maximum load current rating, the controller
will disconnect the load. Overloading must be cleared up through reapply
power or pressing the setting button.

·
Load Short Circuit

Fully protected against load wiring short-circuit. After one automatic load
reconnect attempt, the fault must be cleared by reapply power or pressing the
setting switch.

·
PV Reverse Polarity

Fully protection against PV reverse polarity, no damage to the controller will


result. Correct the miswire to resume normal operation.

·
Battery Reverse Polarity

Fully protection against battery reverse polarity, no damage to the controller


will result. Correct the miswire to resume normal operation.

·
Damaged Local Temperature Sensor

If the temperature sensor short-circuited or damaged, the controller will be


charging or discharging at the default temperature 25℃ to prevent the
battery damaged from overcharging or over discharged.

·
Overheating Protection

If the temperature of the controller heat sink exceeds 85C, the controller
will automatically start the overheating protection.

·
High Voltage Transients
PV is protected against high voltage transients. In lightning prone areas,
additional external suppression is recommended.

15
5.2 Troubleshooting
Trouble Shooting Table 5-1

Faults Possible reasons Troubleshooting

Charging LED PV Check that PV and battery


indicator off array wire connections are correct
during daytime disconnection and tight.
when sunshine
falls on PV
modules
properly.
Green charging Battery voltage Check if battery voltage
LED indicator higher than over over high. Disconnect the
fast flashing voltage disconnect solar module
voltage(OVD)

Battery Battery under Load output is normal,


LED indicators voltage charging LED indicator will
orange return to green
automatically when fully
charged.
Battery LED Battery The controller cut off the
indicators RED over discharged output automatically, LED
color and loads indicator will return to
not working. green automatically when
fully charged.
Load status Over load or short Overload: reduce the load
indictor red and circuit and press the button once,
flashing the controller will resume
to work after 3s;
Short circuit: when the first
short-circuit occurs, the
controller will
automatically resume to
work after 10s; when a
second short-circuit occurs,
press the button, the
controller will resume to
work after 3s.

16
Sealed、Gel、 Too high When heat sink of the
Flooded temperature of controller exceeds 85 ℃,
indicator flashing controller the controller will
simultaneously automatically cut input and
output circuit. When the
temperature below 75℃,
the controller will resume
to work

Notes: No LED indicator.


Measure battery voltage with multimeter.
Min.6V can start up the controller.

Notes: No charging status LED indicator with normal


connection. Measure the input voltage of solar module,
the input voltage must be higher than battery voltage!

17
5.3 Maintenance

The following inspections and maintenance tasks are recommended at least


two times per year for best controller performance.

 Check that the controller is securely mounted in a clean and dry


environment.

 Check that the air flow and ventilation around the controller is not blocked.
Clear all dirt or fragments on the heat sink.

 Check all the naked wires to make sure insulation is not damaged for
serious solarization, frictional wear, dryness, insects or rats etc. Maintain or
replace the wires if necessary.

 Tighten all the terminals. Inspect for loose, broken, or burnt wire
connections.

 Check and confirm that LED digital tube is consistent with required. Pay
attention to any troubleshooting or error indication .Take necessary
corrective action.

 Confirm that all the system components are ground connected tightly and
correctly.

 Confirm that all the terminals have no corrosion, insulation damaged, high
temperature or burnt/discolored sign, tighten terminal screws to the
suggested torque.

 Inspect for dirt, insects and corrosion, and clear up.


 Check and confirm that lightning arrester is in good condition. Replace a
new one in time to avoid damaging of the controller and even other
equipments.

Notes: Dangerous with electric shock!


Make sure that all power source of controller is cut
off when operate above processes, and then make
inspection or other operations!

18
6 Warranty
The LandStar charge controller is warranted to be free from defects for a
period of Two (2) years from the date of shipment to the original end user.
We will, at its option, repair or replace any such defective products.

• Claim procedure

Before requesting warranty service, check the Operation Manual to be


certain that there is a problem with the controller. Return the defective
product to us with shipping charges prepaid if problem cannot be solved.
Provide proof of date and place of purchase. To obtain rapid service under
this warranty, the returned products must include the model, serial number
and detailed reason for the failure, the module type and size, type of batteries
and system loads. This information is critical to a rapid disposition of your
warranty claim.

•This warranty does not apply under the following conditions


1. Damage by accident, negligence, abuse or improper use.
2. PV or load current exceeding the ratings of product.
3. Unauthorized product modification or attempted repair.
4. Damaged occurring during shipment.
5. Damage results from acts of nature such as lightning, weather extremes.
6. Irreclaimable mechanical damage.

19
7 Technical specifications
Electrical Parameters Table 7-1

Description Parameter

Nominal System Voltage 12 / 24VDC Auto

Maximum Battery Voltage 32V

LS1024 10A
Rated Battery Current LS1524 15A
LS2024 20A

Charge Circuit Voltage Drop ≤0.26V

Discharge Circuit Voltage Drop ≤0.15V

Self-consumption ≤6mA

Temperature Compensation Coefficient Table7-2

Description Parameter
Temperature Compensation
-5mV/℃/2V(25℃ ref)
Coefficient(TEMPCO)*

* Compensation of equalize, boost, float and low voltage disconnect voltage.

20
Battery Voltage Parameters (temperature at 25℃) Table 7-3

Charging Parameters
Battery
charging Sealed Gel Flooded
setting
Over Voltage
Disconnect 16V; x2/24V 16V; x2/24V 16V; x2/24V
Voltage
Charging
15.5V;x2/24V 15.5V;x2/24V 15.5V;x2/24V
Limit Voltage
Over Voltage
Reconnect 15V; x2/24V 15V; x2/24V 15V; x2/24V
Voltage
Equalize
Charging 14.6V;x2/24V ------- 14.8V;x2/24V
Voltage
Boost
Charging 14.2V;x2/24V 14.4V;x2/24V 14.6V;x2/24V
Voltage
Float
Charging 13.8V;x2/24V 13.8V;x2/24V 13.8V;x2/24V
Voltage
Boost
Reconnect
13.2V;x2/24V 13.2V;x2/24V 13.2V;x2/24V
Charging
Voltage
Low Voltage
Reconnect 12.6V;x2/24V 12.6V;x2/24V 12.6V;x2/24V
Voltage
Under
Voltage
Warning 12.2V;x2/24V 12.2V;x2/24V 12.2V;x2/24V
Reconnect
Voltage
Under
Voltage
12V; x2/24V 12V; x2/24V 12V; x2/24V
Warning
Voltage
Low Voltage
Disconnect 11.1V;x2/24V 11.1V;x2/24V 11.1V;x2/24V
Voltage
Discharging
10.8V;x2/24V 10.8V;x2/24V 10.8V;x2/24V
Limit Voltage
Equalize
2 hours ------- 2 hours
Duration
Boost
2 hours 2 hours 2 hours
Duration

21
Environmental parameters Table 7-4
Environmental parameters Parameter
Working temperature -35℃ ~ +55℃
Storage temperature -35℃ ~ +80℃
Humidity ≤95% N.C.
Enclosure IP30

LS1024 Mechanical parameters Table 7-5


Mechanical Parameter Parameter
Overall dimension 140(5.51)x65(2.56)x34(1.34) mm/inches
Mounting dimension 130(5.12) x 45(1.77) mm/inches
Mounting hole size Φ4.5
Terminal 4mm2
Net weight 0.15kg

LS1524 & LS2024 Mechanical Parameters Table 7-6


Mechanical
Parameter
Parameter
Overall dimension 144(5.67)x75.8(2.98)x45(1.77) mm/inches
Mounting dimension 135(5.31)x55(2.16) mm/inches
Mounting hole size Φ4.5
Terminal 10mm2
Net weight 0.25kg

Final interpretation right of the manual belongs to our company.


Any changes without prior notice!

22
Annex: Mechanical dimensions

34.2(1.34)
mm(inches)

64.9(2.56)
45(1.77)
130(5.12)
140(5.51)

Figure1-1 LS1024 Dimensions 45(1.77)


75.8(2.98)
55(2.16)

135(5.31)
144(5.67)

Figure1-2 LS1524 & LS2024 Dimensions

23
Version number: V3.2
BEIJING EPSOLAR TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.

Tel:+86-10-82894112 / 82894962

Fax:+86-10-82894882

E-mail:[email protected]

Website: www.epsolarpv.com

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