Owner's manual

ManualsBrandsSpecialty Concepts ManualsPower suppliersSC2

SPECIALTY CONCEPTS MODEL 2

(

SC2

)

Photovoltaic Battery Charge Controller

Installation And Operation Manual

SPECIALTY CONCEPTS, INC.

8954 Mason Ave.

Chatsworth, CA 91311 USA

MODELS: SC2-12, SC2-24, SC2-36, SC2-48 Copyright 10 / 1997 Specialty Concepts, Inc.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The SPECIALTY CONCEPTS CHARGER MODEL 2 (SC2) is a versatile, industrial quality

charge controller for the efficient use of photovoltaic energy and the protection of expensive

batteries. It is available for 12, 24, 36, and 48 volt systems with models for 30 amps of charge

current (optional 50 amps available for 12 and 24 volt units).

The SC2 consists of a series-relay battery charge controller in a wall mount chassis and a

system status light. The “CHARGE MODE” light indicates the charging condition. The SC2 is

housed in an anodized aluminum chassis and has a terminal block that accepts up to 10

gauge wire. A terminal adapter kit is included to increase wire size to #6.

FEATURES

CHARGE REGULATION

• 30 amp charge current, 12, 24, 36 or 48 volt

• 50 amp charge current (option), 12 or 24 volt

• Two-step, series charging, 12 and 24 volt

• Single step, series charging, 36 and 48 volt

• Adjustable charging set-points (option)

• Temperature compensation (option)

DESIGN FEATURES

• Reverse polarity protection

• Reverse leakage protection

• Lightning protection

• Input noise suppression

• Remote battery voltage sense

MONITORING

• Charging light

• Analog volt/amp meters (option)

MOUNTING OPTIONS

• Indoor wall mount

• Outdoor enclosure available

(accessory)

Summary of content (19 pages)

PAGE 1
SPECIALTY CONCEPTS MODEL 2 (SC2) Photovoltaic Battery Charge Controller Installation And Operation Manual SPECIALTY CONCEPTS, INC. 8954 Mason Ave. Chatsworth, CA 91311 USA MODELS: SC2-12, SC2-24, SC2-36, SC2-48 Copyright 10 / 1997 Specialty Concepts, Inc. GENERAL DESCRIPTION The SPECIALTY CONCEPTS CHARGER MODEL 2 (SC2) is a versatile, industrial quality charge controller for the efficient use of photovoltaic energy and the protection of expensive batteries.
PAGE 2
SPECIFICATIONS PARAMETERS UNITS NOMINAL VOLTAGES 12 v 24 v 36 v 48 v Charge Current, Continuous (1) (Amps) 30 30 30 30 Charge Current, Max (60 seconds) (2) (Amps) 39 39 39 39 Load Current, Continuous (3) (Amps) 30 30 30 30 Load Current, Max (60 seconds) (2) (Amps) 39 39 39 39 Array Voltage, Max Voc (Volts) 22 44 66 88 Operating Voltage @ Battery, Minimum (Volts) 8.5 17.0 25.5 34.
PAGE 3
RELATED SYSTEM EQUIPMENT The SC2 charge controller is an integral part of a solar electric power system that includes a PV solar array and a battery. These items should be installed according to the instructions provided by the equipment supplier.
PAGE 4
INSTALLATION WARNINGS / CAUTIONS: WARNING: Electricity, even low voltage electricity, can be dangerous. Installation should be performed by a licensed electrical contractor or other qualified personnel only. It is recommended that the requirements of all applicable local electrical codes (or U.S. National Electrical Code in the absence of local codes) be followed. WARNING: Follow all safety precautions of the battery manufacturer and the National Electrical Code.
PAGE 5
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS: 1. LOCATION: - A suitable location must be found for mounting the SC2. The unit should be mounted on a vertical surface and be as close as possible to the batteries to avoid errors in battery voltage reading. DO NOT block the ventilation holes on the top and bottom of the SC2. On units with the temperature compensation option, the sensor wire is 10 feet long and should reach the battery bank if possible.
PAGE 6
11. BATTERY VOLTAGE SENSE CONNECTIONS: - The factory has installed two jumpers onto the terminal block. They connect the "BATTERY VOLTAGE SENSE" (positive and negative) terminal to their respective "BATTERY" terminals. These jumpers should remain in place if the SC2 is located within 5-10 feet of the batteries and if large enough wire is used to minimize voltage drops to less than 2%.
PAGE 7
16. OPERATION: - Operation of the charge controller is now fully automatic. If the battery voltage is below the Full Charge Termination Set-point (see SPECIFICATIONS) and power is available from the array and the Power Connect Sequence (above) was followed, the SC2 should start up charging. Duing float charging (12 or 24 volt units) it is normal for the unit to feel warm. This is due to power dissipation of the voltage regulated float circuit. 17.
PAGE 8
FIGURE 1 SPECIALTY CONCEPTS CHARGE CONTROLLER MODEL 2 SOLAR ARRAY PANEL SPECIALTY CONCEPTS CHARGER MODEL 2 BATT SENSE (-) + BATT (-) 30 amp fuse (or 50 amp with P-Option) ARRAY (-) LOAD (-) Temperature compensation (Optional) + LOAD (+) ARRAY (+) BATT (+) BATTERY BATT SENSE (+) Fuse: Rated for load + Jumpers: This jumper and the jumper on the negative terminal, should remain as shown unless a Battery Voltage Sense Connection is needed.
PAGE 9
OPERATION The SC2 uses a two-step control circuit to regulate the charging of storage batteries by monitoring battery and array voltage. The charge regulator is fully automatic, and there are no user adjustment or operations to perform. If the controller is supplied with the adjustable setpoint option (T option), the charge termination set-point may be adjusted. REVERSE CURRENT PROTECTION - The SC2 is designed to minimize losses from the battery at night.
PAGE 10
OPTIONS NOTE : Options cannot be added to units after production. Some of the features and functions described in this manual are not included on all of the units. Check the model number and voltage/current ratings of your unit and compare with the specifications and option descriptions to determine what your particular model's capabilities are.
PAGE 11
OPTION F - VOLT / AMP METERS: These meters monitor the battery voltage and charging current of the system. The battery voltage meter is an expanded scale meter with red, yellow and green indication of state of charge. These are 5% meters and are intended to give an indication of system status, but are not designed to give highly accurate readings of voltage and current. The Specialty Concepts Digital Monitor (DM3) is available if higher accuracy is required.
PAGE 12
TROUBLE SHOOTING: GENERAL NOTES IF THE CONTROLLER IS NEWLY INSTALLED, CHECK THESE THINGS FIRST: 1) Re-check system wiring to insure proper installation and polarity. 2) Check all system fuses and circuit breakers. Before replacing a blown fuse, locate and correct the cause. 3) Check to be sure that there is a connection (voltage input) to the "BATTERY VOLTAGE SENSE" terminals from the battery.
PAGE 13
PROBLEM DESCRIPTIONS BATTERY UNDER CHARGED CONTROLLER NOT CHARGING AT ALL, ALWAYS IN THE FLOAT MODE ("CHARGE MODE" LIGHT OFF) Check to see that the controller is receiving voltage (at least about nominal system voltage) from the battery and the solar panels. If it is, momentarily disconnect the panels, using a solar panel disconnect switch if available, then reconnect. The controller should reset into the full charge mode ("CHARGE MODE" light on). If it does not reset, the controller may be defective.
PAGE 14
BATTERY OVERCHARGING CONTROLLER ALWAYS IN FULL CHARGE ("CHARGE MODE" LIGHT ON) See General Note #6 above: The battery may not be reaching the charge termination set point. See General Note #3 above: No voltage at the BATTERY VOLTAGE SENSE terminals tells the controller that the battery voltage is low and needs to be charged more. Install a connection from battery to "BATTERY VOLTAGE SENSE" terminals to resolve.
PAGE 15
TROUBLE SHOOTING: SYSTEM BATTERY PROBLEMS: - Refer to this section to help diagnose potential problems based on battery observations.
PAGE 16
SOLAR PANEL PROBLEMS: - Refer to this section to help diagnose potential problems based on panel performance. CASE PANELS SEE NOTE(S) 1 → Less charge than expected See Panel note 1 Panel Note 1 - The panels should generate a charge close to their rated load current as presented in their specifications. To reach this level assumes that all conditions are ideal. If the panel performance as measured at the panel inputs on the SC3/30 controller is much lower, consider the following potential problems.
PAGE 17
FIELD TEST PROCEDURE: SC2 The following procedure provides a basic field test to check the operation of a SC2. Test equipment required: digital multimeter. Conditions: Sunny or bright overcast if possible This procedure assumes that the system panels and battery are installed and operational, or at least capable of generating close to the system nominal voltage. Open circuit voltage required from the panels for these tests is at least 11.0 volts for a 12 volt system (22.0 volts for a 24 volt system).
PAGE 18
BENCH TEST PROCEDURE: SC2 The following procedure provides a basic bench test to check the operation and calibration of a SC2. Equipment required: digital multimeter 0-30 volt 500 ma power supply (for 12 and 24 volt controllers) 0-60 volt 500 ma power supply (for 36 and 48 volt controllers) 1) Connect the power supply negative to the controller "BATTERY NEGATIVE (-)" terminal. Connect the power supply (+) to the controller "BATTERY POSITIVE (+)" terminal and to the controller "SOLAR PANEL (+)" terminal.
PAGE 19
LIMITED FIVE YEAR WARRANTY SPECIALTY CONCEPTS, INC. 1. Specialty Concepts, Inc. warrants all its products for a period of five (5) years from the date of shipment from its factory. This warranty is valid against defects in materials and workmanship for the five (5) year warranty period. It is not valid against defects resulting from, but not limited to: A. Misuse and/or abuse, neglect or accident. B. Exceeding the unit's design limits. C.