FLEXmax Extreme Charge Controller Owner’s Manual
About OutBack Power Technologies OutBack Power Technologies is a leader in advanced energy conversion technology. OutBack products include true sine wave inverter/chargers, maximum power point tracking charge controllers, and system communication components, as well as circuit breakers, batteries, accessories, and assembled systems.
Table of Contents Introduction ................................................................................................................................................................. 5 Audience................................................................................................................................................................................................... 5 Features ......................................................................................................
Table of Contents Graph Screens ................................................................................................................................................................................. 34 Programming the FLEXmax Extreme ............................................................................................................... 35 Menu Structure in the MATE3 ...........................................................................................................................
Table of Contents Equalize ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 72 Battery Temperature Compensation....................................................................................................................................... 72 FLEXnet DC Battery Monitor (FN-DC) ......................................................................................
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Introduction Thank you for purchasing a FLEXmax Extreme Series Charge Controller. These charge controllers offer an efficient, safe, multi-stage recharging process that prolongs battery life and assures peak performance from a PV array. Audience This manual is intended for use by anyone required to install and operate this equipment. Be sure to review this manual carefully to identify any potential safety risks before proceeding.
Introduction Components and Accessories Table 1 Components Included 1 x FM Extreme-150VDC 2 x Mounting Bracket 1 x Silicone Grease Package 2 x Ferrite Clamp, EMI Suppression (install on HUB/DEVICE port and RTS port; see page 16) WARNING: Shock Hazard This unit is not provided with a GFDI device. This charge controller must be used with an external GFDI device as required by Article 690 of the National Electrical Code for the installation location.
Installation Standards and Requirements All installations must comply with national and local electrical codes. Professional installation is recommended. A FLEXmax Extreme charge controller operating in unventilated or in other conditions where the ambient temperature exceeds 45°C (113°F) will have a derated power output. See page 65 for more information. If damaged or malfunctioning, the FLEXmax Extreme should only be serviced by qualified personnel.
Installation Mounting the Charge Controller The FLEXmax Extreme must be mounted upright on a wall or similar flat upright mounting surface. It must be mounted at least 36” (91.4 cm) above the ground or floor. No other mounting positions are allowed. Installation in shade is recommended. Clearance requirements are a minimum of 6“ (15.2 cm) above and below the controller. Two mounting methods are available. The first method uses keyhole slots on the back of the controller for hanging directly on a wall.
Installation The second mounting method uses brackets on the top and bottom of the controller. This method is useful when mounting the controller next to an OutBack inverter system, as the conduit openings will align. It is also useful for mounting without making advance measurements. The FLEXmax Extreme controller comes with two identical brackets. To mount using brackets: 1. Using two ¼” hex head lag screws, mount the lower bracket with the tabs facing upward.
Installation Installing the Fan An optional fan is available for the FLEXmax Extreme to provide additional cooling. The fan is mounted on the bottom of the charge controller. The total unit height with the fan attached is shown below. See page 65 for information on the fan’s effects on unit performance. To install the optional cooling fan: 1. Place the fan against the base of the FLEXmax Extreme. The fan is equipped with two locking tabs. Two of the heat sink fins have holes which receive the tabs.
Installation Installing the AXS Card An optional AXS Card enables Ethernet access to the FLEXmax Extreme using the Modbus protocol. (The AXS Card is identical in function to the OutBack AXS Port product. See the AXS Port SunSpec Modbus Interface Owner’s Manual for more information. NOTE: The AXS Port product is not interchangeable with the AXS Card and cannot be used in this compartment. To install the AXS Card: 1. Remove the factory-installed blank compartment cover from the FLEXmax Extreme.
Installation Wiring This section provides instructions on installing PV array wiring into the charge controller. See page 69 for more notes on PV array sizing. All wiring must comply with local and national codes. Grounding This product is intended to be installed as part of a permanently grounded electrical system. This is shown in the wiring diagrams in this book. Grounding methods must comply with local and national codes.
Installation The largest PV array must have a rated short-circuit current of 64 amps or less under STC (Standard Test Conditions). The output current limit of the FLEXmax Extreme is 80 amps. DC battery overcurrent protection must be used as part of the installation. OutBack offers both circuit breakers and fuses for overcurrent protection. Physical Requirements and Conduit IMPORTANT: Conduit hubs must connect to the conduit before connecting to the FLEXmax Extreme.
Installation NOTE: Ground Fault and system-specific wiring not shown Figure 8 Wiring Diagram – Single Charge Controller with PV Array NOTE: Ground Fault and system-specific wiring not shown Figure 9 14 Wiring Diagram – Single Charge Controller (Positive-Ground) 900-0150-01-00 Rev A
Installation NOTE: Ground Fault and system-specific wiring not shown Figure 10 Wiring Diagram – Charge Controller with PV Array and Inverter CAUTION: Equipment Damage The FLEXmax Extreme can be used in a positive-ground system with one OutBack inverter as shown above. It cannot be used in a positive-ground system with multiple OutBack inverters. For other devices or configurations, see page 74.
Installation Accessory Terminals and Ports HUB/System Display Port Remote Temperature Sensor (RTS) Port Fan Connector AXS Card (optional) Accessory Terminal Block Figure 11 Wiring Compartment HUB/Display Port This is an RJ-45 port for a CAT5 cable to connect OutBack system displays or communications managers. A ferrite clamp (see page 6) should be installed on this cable inside the compartment.
Installation AUX Terminals The AUX (Auxiliary) output is a small power supply that provides a 12 Vdc output current to an isolated load. The AUX output can respond to many criteria and control many functions. These include cooling fans, vent fans, load diversion, fault alarms, and automatic generator control. The AUX can only control one function at a time. and are the + and – terminals for the AUX output. These terminals are colored gray (–) and Terminals brown (+) for easy reference.
Installation Battery Sense Terminals The remote Battery Sense terminals are used for accurate voltage monitoring. These terminals connect directly to the batteries. Using the controller’s main battery cables for voltage sensing is less accurate. This is due to voltage rise caused by charging currents on the battery conductors. and are the – and + terminals for the Battery Sense function. These terminals are colored Terminals black (-) and red (+) for easy reference. A twisted-pair cable is recommended.
Installation The terminals detect electrical continuity. These contacts remain closed as long as the GFDI bonding switch remains closed. If a ground-fault event occurs, both the GFDI switch and the GFDI contacts will open. The External Fault circuit will detect the loss of continuity and will shut down the charge controller. If multiple charge controllers are in use, they can be paralleled so that all controllers use a common GFDI.
Installation continuity. The External Fault circuit will detect this loss immediately and shut down the the controller. The red Fault LED indicator will illuminate. See pages 24, 32, and 61. Other possible uses for the External Fault terminals include devices such as arc fault protection, or an Emergency Power Off (EPO) switch for a fast manual shutdown. Any device with normally open contacts can work with this function.
Installation Power Up IMPORTANT: The charge controller automatically senses the nominal battery voltage upon connection. Once set, it retains the nominal voltage setting. Following any type of shutdown or disconnect, it will return to operation automatically. The PV array voltage is automatically detected upon connection. The PV array voltage must never exceed 150 Voc.
Installation charge inappropriately (or not at all). Normally the nominal system voltage is retained. If the FLEXmax Extreme is disconnected from the batteries or otherwise loses power, upon a new power-up it will continue using the nominal voltage and settings determined previously. If it is necessary to change the nominal voltage: 1. 2. Reset the FLEXmax Extreme to factory default settings as described below.
Status and Information LED Indicators Charging Indicator — Blue LED Status Indicator — Green/Red (or Amber) LED AUX Indicator — Yellow LED Fault Indicator — Red LED Figure 19 LED Indicators The FLEXmax Extreme charge controller has no graphical display. It is equipped with four LED indicators that show the charge controller’s condition. The top LED, the Charge indicator, is blue. It illuminates when more than 10 watts of PV power is available. It is solid when bulk or equalization charging.
Operation NOTE: The Status indicator turns red if the battery voltage falls below 1.91 Vpc. The red color shows an urgent condition, indicating that the batteries are discharged. A red flash means the batteries have fallen below 1.75 Vpc, a critically low voltage. These patterns will appear regardless of the charging stage. If it appears, the Status indicator cannot show the stage, although it may still be shown by the blue Charge indicator.
Operation Modes of Operation The FLEXmax Extreme goes through many states during its operation. Figure 20 shows an example of the various stages of battery charging and several states when the controller is not charging. (The graph in Figure 20 shows a typical day of charging with a nominal 24-volt system. Charging is described in detail on page 71.) The MATE3 system display has five “mode” messages which represent all states of operation. The following sections use the names displayed by the MATE3.
Operation Absorb The MATE3 displays this message for the Absorption stage of a three-stage cycle. In this stage, the FLEXmax Extreme regulates the battery voltage at the Absorb Voltage set point. Absorption is a constant-voltage, variable-current charging stage. It usually involves a tapering current flow. However, it may deliver no current and still display Absorb if another source maintains the batteries above the Absorb Voltage set point.
Operation Floating The MATE3 displays this message for the Float stage of a three-stage charging cycle. In this stage, the FLEXmax Extreme regulates the battery voltage at the Float Voltage set point. This stage is temperature-compensated. (See page 72.) Float is a constant-voltage, variable-current charging stage. It usually involves a minimal (maintenance) current flow. However, it may deliver no current and still display Float if another source maintains the batteries above the Float Voltage.
Operation Silent The MATE3 displays the operating mode as Silent if the charge controller has stopped charging. This message represents a variety of conditions, many of which are common. For example, Silent is shown at night or any period of insufficient light. Table 4 lists the indicators and the PV open-circuit voltage which show specific Silent conditions. In these cases, no indicators will be illuminated. However, Silent may also appear in the event of an error shutdown.
Operation MATE3 System Display and Controller Battery Status Indicators (x3) Charger Indicator Charge Controller Soft Key Figure 26 Display and LED Status Indicators The MATE3 System Display and Controller is a display which allows the user to read the operating mode, measurements, and any status messages from the FLEXmax Extreme charge controller. It can also change the charge controller’s settings when the default settings are not enough.
Operation Charge Controller Soft Key The MATE3 is equipped with a series of “soft” keys with varying functions. From the Home screen, the far left key is designated as the Charge Controller soft key any time a charge controller is connected. Pressing it will enter the Status menu for the charge controller. (See page 30.) Status Screen Modes of Operation: Bulk Absorb Float EQ Silent See page 25 for a description of modes. See page 71 for a description of battery charging.
Operation Stats Screen From the Charge Controller screen, the soft key proceeds to the Charge Controller Stats screen. This screen shows data which has been accumulated since the system went online, or since the last reset. Screen Items: The items under Maximum are not incremental. They are updated only if a higher value is measured. VOC displays the highest measured Voc value. (See the VOC reading on page 30 for the current Voc.) Battery displays the highest measured battery voltage.
Operation Error Screen From the Charge Controller Stats screen, the soft key proceeds to the Charge Controller Error screen. This screen displays fault conditions for the FLEXmax Extreme. If an item displays Y, the error is active. Some errors accompany a controller shutdown; others simply report status. Screen Items: VOC Too High The PV array Voc has exceeded 145 Vdc and has shut down. This error can clear automatically. (See the Troubleshooting guide on page 61.
Operation DataLog Screen From the Charge Controller Error screen, the soft key proceeds to the Charge Controller Datalog screen. This screen shows accumulated daily amp-hour and watt-hour statistics, as well as maximum current, wattage, and maximum and minimum voltage figures. These maintain a continuous daily log, up to 128 days, which can be recalled. One day can be displayed at a time.
Operation Graph Screens The soft key brings up the following screens which plot various types of data over time. The first screen shows changes in PV wattage over time. This axis shows date and time in 6-hour increments. This axis shows PV wattage. Figure 33 Output Graph The soft key brings up a screen showing changes in battery voltage over time. This axis shows date and time in 6-hour increments. This axis shows battery voltage.
Programming the FLEXmax Extreme Menu Structure in the MATE3 Figure 36 shows the MATE3 menu structure for adjusting the charge controller settings. The Main Menu shown below is accessed with the LOCK button and a password. Use the MATE3’s control wheel to move up and down between menus (or options within a menu). Use the center button on the control wheel to make a selection. (See the MATE3 manual for more information.) Some menus may not be accessible if the user access levels are restricted.
MATE3 Screens Charge Controller Settings Charge Controller menu options include the following: Charger -------------------------------------------------------------- > MPPT ----------------------------------------------------------------- > Temperature Compensation---------------------------------- > Battery Equalize -------------------------------------------------- > Grid-Tie Mode ---------------------------------------------------- > Auxiliary Output -------------------------------------------------- >
MATE3 Screens MPPT The charge controller uses a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm which manipulates the output of the PV array to harvest maximum wattage. Although this function is automatic, this menu allows the user to adjust many of its parameters for special applications. See page 73. Set Points: MPPT Mode – Selects between Auto (which allows automatic MPPT) and U-Pick (which limits the maximum power point tracking to a specified voltage).
MATE3 Screens Temperature Compensation The Temperature Compensation screen allows the user to control the Absorbing and Float voltage limits during charging when using a Remote Temperature Sensor (RTS). The RTS adjusts charging voltage depending on battery temperature. See page 72 for an explanation of compensation. Set Points: Figure 39 Mode – Selects between Limited (which uses the upper and lower voltage settings below) and Wide (which uses the entire range of compensation).
MATE3 Screens Grid-Tie Mode IMPORTANT: This mode requires a grid-interactive inverter model (also known as grid-tie enabled). Not all inverters are grid-interactive. Also, the inverter’s SELL mode must be enabled. If the system is connected to an inverter that is not grid-interactive or not enabled, Grid-Tie mode will not function. This mode also requires both the inverter and the charge controller to be connected to the HUB for communication.
MATE3 Screens Auxiliary Mode Screens The nine options appear in the following order when the wheel is drawn clockwise. The Vent Fan option appears first if the charge controller is set at factory default values; otherwise, it will tend to display the last option selected. Table 6 Mode Name AUX Mode Functions Function/Purpose Vent Fan Set Points Aux Polarity Enable Voltage Not Available Enable Voltage Active High: Activates the output when the voltage exceeds the set point.
MATE3 Screens Table 6 Mode Name AUX Mode Functions Function/Purpose Error Output Set Points Aux Polarity Low Battery Voltage Active Low only. Deactivates the output when the voltage drops below the set point for a set amount of time. Threshold voltage Active High: Activates for a set amount of time when the voltage drops below the set point for a set amount of time. Function: This mode responds to two emergency conditions: low battery or failure to charge.
MATE3 Screens Table 6 Mode Name AUX Mode Functions Function/Purpose Set Points Relative voltage Diversion: Relay Hold time Function: When the battery voltage increases, the AUX output changes state. The response is relative to the charger’s present stage of operation. The voltage must exceed the charger setting (Absorb, Float, or EQ) by the value of the Relative voltage. This condition must last for the Delay time for the AUX to respond.
MATE3 Screens Table 6 Mode Name AUX Mode Functions Function/Purpose Set Points Disconnect Low Battery Disconnect Aux Polarity Not Available Re-Connect Function: Disconnect Delay When the battery voltage falls below the Disconnect voltage following the Disconnect Delay, the AUX output activates. When the battery voltage rises above the Re-Connect voltage, the AUX deactivates. Purpose: This mode is intended to turn off “extra” or noncritical loads when the batteries are low.
MATE3 Screens Figure 43 44 Wiring Diagram for Diversion Load and AUX Wiring 900-0150-01-00 Rev A
MATE3 Screens Restart Mode This setting allows the user to choose between continuous maximum power point (MPP) tracking, or occasional restarts of the sweeping process. A restart means the controller abandons the existing maximum power point value it was using and “re-sweeps”, or begins gathering new power point data. (See page 70 for more information on MPP tracking.) ReStart Mode has three options available: Mode 0 – Initial sweep only and then continuous MPP tracking. ReStart is disabled.
MATE3 Screens To access the Reset to Factory Defaults menu: 1. Access the main menu as shown on page 35. 2. Select the Settings menu. (This option may be highlighted by default.) 3. Select Charge Controller in the device Settings menu. 4. Select the Reset to Factory Defaults menu. 5. Use the soft keys to select No or Yes. If is selected, the screen returns to the Charge Controller menu. No changes will be made to any settings.
MATE3 Screens Device Data Logs Users of the MATE3 can create Device Data Logs for the FLEXmax Extreme charge controller. The Data Logs can then be uploaded and saved to an SD card. Saving Data Logs for the FLEXmax Extreme To create a data log for the FLEXmax Extreme: 1. Access the Main Menu as shown on page 35. 2. Select the Device Data Logs menu. 3. Select FLEXmax Charge Controller menu. 4. Select Upload and Save Data Log on the FM Charge Controller Data Log menu. 5.
MATE3 Screens Data Log File Format Information generated by this function will be saved on the SD card in a generic .csv file format, which can be read by most spreadsheet programs. Data Logging example: NOTE: This header line is NOT included in the download. Date AH Kwh Max Amps Max Watts Absorb Time Float Time Min Battery V Max Battery V MAX Voc 6/13/11 0 0 1.2 29 0:00 0:00 24.1 29.1 122 6/12/11 38 0.9 5.5 143 0:00 0:00 24.1 29 122 6/11/11 32 0.8 5.
MATE/MATE2 Screens The MATE and MATE2 system displays can be used for monitoring FLEXmax Extreme activity. Not all information shown in the MATE3 is equally available in the MATE. Summary Screens The Summary screens show real-time and accumulated system information. The FLEXmax Extreme Summary screen appears at the bottom of the screen order. If a FLEXnet DC is installed in the system, the following summary screens will be available.
MATE/MATE2 Screens Status Screens To view the status screens of a FLEXmax Extreme using a MATE, follow the illustration below. Changes to FLEXmax Extreme settings cannot be made when viewing these screens on a MATE.
MATE/MATE2 Screens METER Screens MAIN-----------------1:35:04p Navigation for STATUS/CC/METER SUM returns to the CC/PAGE1 screen. moves to the next menu item in the diagram. moves to the previous menu item in the diagram. returns to the first CC/METER screen for the port shown. directs the MATE to read the next device (port) on the HUB.
MATE/MATE2 Screens SETPT Screens Navigation for STATUS/CC/SETPT MAIN-----------------1:35:04p returns to the CC/PAGE1 screen. SUM moves to the next menu item in the diagram. moves to the previous menu item in the diagram. returns to the first CC/SETPT screen for the port shown. directs the MATE to read the next device (port) on the HUB.
MATE/MATE2 Screens LOG Screens MAIN-----------------1:35:04p Navigation for STATUS/CC/LOGS SUM returns to the CC/PG2 screen. moves to the next menu item in the diagram. moves to the previous menu item in the diagram. returns to the 1st CC/LOG1 screen for the port shown. directs the MATE to read the next device (port) on the HUB. displays log information from one day earlier. Logs can be displayed from as far as 128 days in the past.
MATE/MATE2 Screens STAT Screens Navigation for STATUS/CC/STAT MAIN----------------1:35:04p STATUS--------------choose device returns to the CC/PAGE2 screen. moves to the next menu item in the diagram. moves to the previous menu item in the diagram. returns to the CC/STAT/PAGE2 screen for the port shown, with the exception of the “end of the cc stats” menu. From the “end” menu, the soft key returns to the 1st CC/STAT screen.
MATE/MATE2 Screens Advanced Menus The Advanced menus available in the MATE or MATE2 system display allow the following options: Change the settings of the FLEXmax Extreme battery charger, with the following exception: The MATE and MATE2 system display cannot adjust the rate of temperature compensation (the “slope”); see page 38 Change the parameters of the MPPT process Change the settings of the equalization process Calibrate the FLEXmax meters Change the settings of the Auxiliary output
MATE/MATE2 Screens CHGR Menu Navigation for ADV/CC/CHGR moves to the next menu item in the diagram. increases the value of the selection. decreases the value of the selection. directs the MATE to read the next device (port) on the HUB. returns to the CC/PAGE1 screen. returns to the CC/CHGR screen. exits the Advanced menus and returns to the main menu (see page 55).
MATE/MATE2 Screens CC ADVANCED Menu CC/Advanced The ADVANCED screens include a series of settings which are located in a variety of places in the MATE3. These include the MATE3 Charger screen (see page 36), the MPPT screen (see page 37), the Temperature Compensation screen (see page 38), the Grid-Tie Mode screen (see page 39), the Auxiliary Output screen (see page 39), the Restart Mode screen (see page 45) , and the Navigation for ADV/CC/ADVANCED Calibrate screen (see page 45.
MATE/MATE2 Screens EQ Menu Navigation for ADV/CC/EQ moves to the next menu item in the diagram. increases the value of the selection. decreases the value of the selection. directs the MATE to read the next device (port) on the HUB. returns to the CC/EQ screen. returns to the choose device screen. exits the Advanced menus and returns to the main menu (see page 55).
MATE/MATE2 Screens AUX Menu Navigation for ADV/CC/AUX moves to the next menu item in the diagram. increases the value of the selection. decreases the value of the selection. directs the MATE to read the next device (port) on the HUB. returns to the CC/PAGE2 screen. returns to the choose device screen. exits the Advanced menus and returns to the main menu (see page 55).
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Troubleshooting IMPORTANT: Check the OutBack customer and user forum at www.outbackpower.com/forum/ for more FLEXmax Extreme information. A MATE3, or other OutBack system display, may be required for many of the troubleshooting steps in Table 7. Table 7 Troubleshooting Symptom Remedy Unit does not power up upon initial connection (no LED indicators or MATE3 operation) Unit powers up but does not operate. PV voltage is present but drops to a few volts when connected. Check PV wiring.
Troubleshooting Table 7 Symptom Unit in equalization cycle but not achieving expected results Troubleshooting Remedy Check equalization settings using the system display. (See pages 38 and 72). The default settings are not sufficient for many batteries and may need to be adjusted. The cycle will begin when the Equalization Voltage set point has been reached. A small array or cloudy weather will delay the equalization cycle. Running too many battery loads will also delay the cycle.
Specifications Electrical and Mechanical Specifications Table 8 Electrical and Mechanical Specifications for Model FM Extreme-150VDC Specification Value Maximum Continuous Output Current 80 amps Maximum Input Current (short-circuit) 64 amps Nominal Battery System Voltage 12, 24, 36, 48 or 60 Vdc (adjustable) PV Open-Circuit Voltage 145 Vdc temperature corrected Voc (operational maximum) Operating Voltage Range Low 10.
Specifications Regulatory Specifications This product is certified to the following standards: UL1741 — Inverters, Converters, Controllers and Interconnection System Equipment for Use With Distributed Energy Resources — Issue: 2010/1/28 Ed: 2 CSA C22.2 — General Use Power Supplies, No. 107.
Specifications Temperature Range and Derating AMPERES 45°C 55°C 71 A 53 A DEGREES CELSIUS With fan Figure 61 Without fan Temperature Range In standard installations, the FLEXmax Extreme can operate at its full 80-amp capacity at ambient temperatures up to 45°C (113°F). Above this temperature, its output is derated as shown in Figure 61. At 60°C (140°F), the output is derated to a maximum of 53 Adc. The controller is not rated for operation above this temperature.
Specifications Default Settings and Ranges The settings in this table are as displayed in the MATE3 system display for a 12-volt system. Table 10 FLEXmax Settings (MATE3) Mode Menu Item Absorb Voltage (Absorb) Time Default 13.8 Vdc Range: 12.
Specifications Table 10 FLEXmax Settings (MATE3) Mode Menu Item Diversion:Solid St Relative Voltage Hysteresis Hold Delay Low Batt Disconnect Disconnect Reconnect Disconnect Delay Vent Fan Enable Voltage PV Trigger Active Enable Voltage Hold Time Error Output Low Battery Voltage Night Light Active Threshold ON Time Hysteresis Time ON 900-0150-01-00 Rev A Default Default 13.6 Vdc Range: 10 to 80 seconds Default14.
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Applications Array Design Sizing Guidelines Below is a list of maximum array wattages for the FLEXmax Extreme for various nominal voltage batteries. This should be used for sizing an array. Note that every PV module is different. The specifications for every model should be consulted before designing or assembling a PV array.
Applications Weather Conditions Cooler climates can cause the Voc to rise above the array’s rated Voc. In climates that observe temperatures less than approximately -15°C (5°F), a Voc greater than 125 Vdc is not recommended.
Applications Three-Stage Battery Charging The FLEXmax Extreme charge controller is a sophisticated, multi-stage battery charger that uses several regulation stages to allow fast recharging of the battery system while ensuring a long battery life. This process can be used with both sealed and non-sealed batteries. The FLEXmax Extreme is a “buck” converter which turns higher PV voltages into the lower charging voltages used by batteries (with correspondingly higher currents).
Applications Float stage. The charger will also also exit Absorbing if the Absorb End Amps setting is reached, regardless of the timer. This resets the timer to zero. (See page 36.) This stage is temperature compensated. Float This is the third stage of charging. It is a constant-voltage stage. The batteries are maintained at the Float set point. This stage is not timed. The FLEXmax Extreme will continue to maintain Float as long as PV energy is available.
Applications The FLEXmax Extreme controller, when equipped with the Remote Temperature Sensor (RTS), will compensate for temperature. The RTS is attached to a single battery near the center of the bank. When charging, the RTS will increase or decrease the charge voltage by 5 mV per degree Celsius per battery cell. This setting affects the Absorbing and Float set points. Equalization is not compensated in the FLEXmax Extreme. There can be side effects to temperature compensation.
Applications Positive-Ground Systems The FLEXmax Extreme can be used in a positive-ground system. However, due to internal grounding paths between the controller and other devices, positive grounding allows only certain combinations of devices in the configuration. These combinations are dependent upon whether or not the system is networked together or the devices stand alone. CAUTION: Equipment Damage A system requiring positive grounding should only use the configurations specified in this section.
Applications Grid-Interactive Settings When using an OutBack inverter, FLEXmax Extreme, HUB Communications Manager, and system display, set the Grid-Tie Mode menu to Y in the system display. This mode allows the inverter to manage the charge controller’s Float setting. It ensures the controller always keeps the battery above the sell voltage of the inverter. (See page 39.
Applications MPPT Menu To adjust the range limits: 1. In the MATE3, navigate to the MPPT menu. (See page 35. See page 37 for more information about the items on this page. ) 2. Select the MPPT Mode menu item. Set it to U-Pick. 3. Select the U-Pick VOC menu item. Set it to a percentage value that is appropriate to the charging source. 4. Select the MPP Range Minimum menu item. Set it to Full.
Applications Definitions The following is a list of initials, terms, and definitions used with this product.
Applications Table 13 Terms and Definitions Term Definition PWM Pulse-Width Modulation PV Photovoltaic RTS Remote Temperature Sensor; accessory that measures battery temperature for charging SK Soft Key; a key with programming that varies with screen Slope A selectable rate of battery temperature compensation Sweep Part of the MPPT process; the controller is attempting to locate the Vmp System display Remote interface device (such as the MATE, MATE2, or MATE3), used for monitoring, programm
Index Error................................................................................30, 32, 61, 62 A Absorbing .................................................................................. 26, 71 Accessory Terminal Block ........................................................... 16 Advanced Generator Start (AGS) ............................... 43, 59, 77 AGS ..............................................See Advanced Generator Start AIC Rating ...................................................
Indect Index Power Up.................................................................................... 21 Status ........................................................................................... 23 Logging ............................................................................................. 47 Low Light .......................................................................................... 28 O Open-Circuit Voltage .............................................................
Index Accessory Terminal Block..................................................... 16 AUX............................................................................................... 17 Battery Sense ............................................................................ 18 External Fault ............................................................................ 18 Three-Stage Battery Charging ........................................... 25, 71 Three-Stage Charging .................................
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