Commander Series RENOGY 60A Maximum Power Point Tracking Solar Charge Controller 0 2775 E. Philadelphia St., Ontario, CA 91761 1-800-330-8678 Version 2.
Important Safety Instructions Please save these instructions. This manual contains important safety, installation, and operating instructions for the charge controller. The following symbols are used throughout the manual to indicate potentially dangerous conditions or important safety information. WARNING: Indicates a potentially dangerous condition. Use extreme caution when performing this task.
Battery Safety Use only sealed lead-acid, flooded, or gel batteries which must be deep cycle. Explosive battery gases may be present while charging. Be certain there is enough ventilation to release the gases. Be careful when working with large lead acid batteries. Wear eye protection and have fresh water available in case there is contact with the battery acid. Carefully read battery manuals before operation.
Table of Contents General Information .................................................................................................................................... 4 Additional Components .............................................................................................................................. 8 Optional Components ................................................................................................................................. 8 Identification of Parts ............
General Information The RENOGY Commander MPPT controller is suitable for off-grid solar applications. It protects the battery from being over-charged by the solar modules and over-discharged by the loads. The controller features a smart tracking algorithm that maximizes the energy from the solar PV module(s) and charge the battery. The MPPT Charge Controller charging process has been optimized for long battery life and improved system performance.
generated in the solar panels is the same power that is transmitted into the battery bank. Power is the product of Voltage (V) x Amperage (A). Therefore, assuming 100% efficiency: Power In = Power Out Volts In * Amps In = Volts out * Amps out Although MPPT controllers are not 100% efficient, they are very close at about 92-95% efficient. Therefore, when the user has a solar system whose Vmp is greater than the battery bank voltage, then that potential difference is proportional to the current boost.
Four Charging Stages The Commander MPPT charge controller has a 4-stage battery charging algorithm for a rapid, efficient, and safe battery charging. They include: Bulk Charge, Boost Charge, Float Charge, and Equalization*. Bulk Charge: This algorithm is used for day to day charging. It uses 100% of available solar power to recharge the battery and is equivalent to constant current.
chemical reactions and all the charge current would turn into heat or gas. Because of this, the charge controller will reduce the voltage charge to smaller quantity, while lightly charging the battery. The purpose for this is to offset the power consumption while maintaining a full battery storage capacity.
Additional Components Remote Temperature Sensor (TS-R): Measures the temperature at the battery and uses this data for very accurate temperature compensation. It is not polarity sensitive. Remote Battery Voltage Sensor (RBVS): Measures battery voltage accurately. The voltage detected at the battery terminals on the controller may differ from the real battery voltage due to the connection and cable resistance. Therefore, this sensor, though not required, is recommended for best performance.
Identification of Parts 3 2 4 5 6 1 7 Top View 12 13 14 11 10 9 7 8 7 7 7 Front View (Hatch Removed) 9
Key Parts 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Grounding Bolt LCD Display Battery LED PV LED Fault LED Navigation Buttons RS-485 port—monitor controller through PC and update firmware RTC Battery Slot—model is CR2032 Remote Temperature Sensor Port—optional accessory to remotely monitor battery temperature 10. Remote Battery Voltage Sensor Port—Provides accurate battery voltage measurement 11. Reserved Port—Reserved port for future development. Special accessory currently not sold. 12.
1. PV Actual Power ≤ controller rated charge power, the controller charge battery at the actual maximum power point. 2. PV Actual Power ≤ controller rated charge power, the controller charges the battery at the rated power. WARNING: The Commander will be damaged if the PV array is 3X greater than the actual operating power of the controller. WARNING: The Commander’s reverse polarity is no longer warranted if the PV array size is 1.5X greater than the rated power of the controller.
CAUTION: Do not over-torque or over tighten the screw terminals. This could potentially break the piece that holds the wire to the charge controller. CAUTION: Refer to the technical specifications for max wire sizes on the controller and for the maximum amperage going through wires. You are now ready to begin connecting your battery to your charge controller.
1 2 Computer connection 1 2 13
Battery remote sensor (Polarity Sensitive) 1 2 3 4 14
Temperature sensor (Not Polarity Sensitive) 1 3 2 4 15
Mounting Recommendations NOTE: The Commander MPPT 60 controller requires at least 6 inches(150mm) of clearance above and below for proper air flow. Ventilation is highly recommended if mounted in an enclosure. WARNING: Never install the controller in a sealed enclosure with flooded batteries. Gas can accumulate and there is a risk of explosion. 1. Choose Mounting Location—place the controller on a vertical surface protected from direct sunlight, high temperatures, and water.
Operation After connecting the battery to the charge controller, the controller will turn on automatically. The user will be prompted by an initialization screen, followed by the charge controller’s rated parameters, and finally the default monitoring screen. Rated Parameters Rat.Volt Charg.Cur Disc.Curr 48.0V 60.0A 60.
NOTE: The values found in your controller are default values and will not necessarily match the ones listed. The values on this table are to show the user what the different screens are used for. NOTE: You do NOT have to program the control. These parameters are for extra features. Once you connect the battery the settings are automatically synced. 1. Monitoring Use the menu keys to maneuver through the screens and 0.00A 12.65V 0.
Generated Energy 55 kWh/D PV Power 0.0 W Indicates the amount of energy that has been generated for the day in terms of kilowatt-hours per day. The PV power indicates how much power the PV modules have generated. Total Generated 55 kWh/D Indicates the total amount of energy generated and in kilowatt-hours per day. Batt Temp 25.0 °C Temp Coefficient -3mV / °C / 2V Local Temperature 23.4 oC Indicates the batteries temperature as well as the temperature compensation.
The Alarm Log will display any kind of faults or warnings that the charge controller experienced while having the solar system connected. As in the previous Log, users can cycle through how many alarm logs are available and observe the data. <1>Work Log <2> Alarm Log OK Alarm Log Query From 2015-01-23 To 2015-02-01 Total: 0 3. Clock Set Press OK + to highlight the month in the clock set menu and use the to change the parameter. Press OK - keys to confirm and save the settings.
NOTE: In some models, users might be prompted to enter a password. Simply put “0” all the way through and press OK. 5. Control Para Set Use the Menu Press OK keys to maneuver through the screens and to highlight the parameter and use the parameter. Press OK + - ESC to access the keys to change the to confirm and save the settings. Batt Type SEALED Batt AH 10 AH Choose between SEALED, FLOODED, GEL, or USER for Battery type.
Boost Rect Vol 13.2 V Low Volt Rect 12.6 V Parameters for Boost Voltage Reconnect and Boost Under-Voltage Reconnect. Under Volt Rect 12.2 V Under Volt Warn 12.0 V Parameters for under voltage reconnect and under voltage warning. Low Volt Dis 11.1 V Discharge Limit 10.6 V Parameters for low voltage disconnect and the discharging limit. Equalize Time 120 min Boost Time 120 min Parameters for the equalization duration time and the boost duration time. Batt. Manag. Char.SOC 100% Disc.
6. Sys Password Use the Menu OK Press keys to maneuver through the screens and to highlight the parameter and use the parameter. Press OK + - ESC to access the keys to change the to confirm and save the settings. Sys Password Ori.PSW: 000000 NewPSW: 000000 Setting a password for the controller prohibits the user from programming the controller unless the password is set. NOTE: Default Password is “000000” if it prompts the user to enter a password before they set one. 7.
System Status Icons PV BATTERY SYSTEM Day/ PV Charging Battery Charging System Normal Night/ PV Not Charging Battery Level Full System Fault Battery Over Discharge LED Indicators Charging LED Indicator Status Charging Green (Blinking) Not Charging Green (Off) Battery LED Indicator Green (Solid) Green (Slow Blinking) Orange (Solid) Status Normal Battery Full Under voltage warning 24
Low voltage disconnect Red (Solid) Battery over temperature Red (Blinking) Green (Fast Blinking) High voltage disconnect Fault LED Indicator Red (Off) Red (Blinking) Status Normal Current is abnormal Charging overcurrent PV Overvoltage The following LED indicators must be occurring at the same time for the Charging LED and Battery LED Charging LED Status Battery LED System Voltage Error Green (Blinking) Red (Blinking) Green (Blinking) Orange (Blinking) Controller Over Temperature Commander P
Battery Reverse Polarity The controller will not operate if the battery wires are switched. Wire them correctly to resume normal controller operation. Over-Temperature If the temperature of the controller heat sink exceeds 85OC, the controller will automatically start the protection and recover once conditions are below 75OC System Status Troubleshooting Description Charging LED off during daylight.
Maintenance WARNING: Risk of Electric Shock! Make sure that all power is turned off before touching the terminals on the charge controller. For best controller performance, it is recommended that these tasks be performed from time to time. 1. Check that controller is mounted in a clean, dry, and ventilated area. 2. Check wiring going into the charge controller and make sure there is no wire damage or wear. 3. Tighten all terminals and inspect any loose, broken, or burnt up connections. 4.
Series: Total Amperage = Isc1 = Isc2 = 5.75A * 1.56 Fuse = minimum of 5.75 * 1.56 = 8.97 = 9A fuse Parallel Total Amperage = Isc1 + Isc2 = (5.75A + 5.75A) * 1.56 Fuse = minimum of 11.5 * 1.56 = 17.94 = 18A fuse Technical Specifications Electrical Parameters Model Commander 60A MPPT Nominal system voltage Rated Battery Current Max. Input Short Current Battery Voltage Range Max Solar Input Voltage MPPT Voltage Range Max.
Float voltage Boost return voltage Low voltage reconnect Under voltage recover Under voltage warning Low Voltage Disconnect Discharging Limit Voltage Equalize duration Boost duration 13.8V 13.2V 12.6V 13.8V 13.2V 12.6V 13.8V 13.2V 12.6V 9~17V 9~17V 9~17V 12.2V 12.2V 12.2V 9~17V 12V 12V 12V 9~17V 11.1V 11.1V 11.1V 9~17V 10.6V 10.6V 10.6V 9~17V 120min 120min —— 120min 120min 120min 0~180min 10~180min NOTE: The following rules MUST be obliged when setting custom parameters.
the over-voltage condition is remedied ultimately reducing the voltage to a user defined charging voltage. Equalization Voltage—equalization voltage is a corrective over-charge of the battery. The user should consult their battery manufacturer regarding specific battery equalization capacity. This parameter sets the equalization voltage to set the battery at when it reaches the equalization state. Boost Voltage—users should check with their battery manufacturer for proper charging parameters.
Mechanical Parameters Model Commander 60A MPPT Overall Dimension Mounting Max Terminal Net Weight Mounting Holes 449mm x 208mm x 107mm | 17.7in x 8.2in x 4.2in 430mm x 180mm | 16.9in x 7.1in 2 AWG 5.5 kg | 12.1 lbs. Φ10 Environment Parameters Model LCD Temperature Working Temperature Storage Temperature Humidity Enclosure Altitude Commander 60A MPPT -20°C to +70°C | -4oF to 158oF -25°C to +55°C | -13oF to 131oF -30°C to +85°C | -22oF to 185oF ≤95% N.C.
2. Solar MPPT Voltage (36V, 54V, 72V) / System Voltage (24V) 3.
4. Solar MPPT Voltage (72V, 90V, 108V) / System Voltage (48V) PC Software The Commander MPPT charge controller has a special feature where users are able to remotely monitor the status of their charge controller through the USB connection cable provided. Remote monitoring can be applied to more than one Commander MPPT charge controller with their unique identification numbers. Simply plug the USB into your PC and follow the downloadable instructions.
Globe Monitoring Real Time Monitoring 34
Control Parameter Load Configuration 35
Dimensions Renogy reserves the right to change the contents of this manual without notice.
