How charge controlers stop charging batteries.

[DSII]

I am using ICP Solar Technologies Sun Sei charge controlers CC-20000 D ( 20 amp ).
I have noticed that when the voltage of my battery banks reach the factory set level ( 14.1 V ) the charge controlers just short out the solar array which creats tremendous amounts of heat. I expected that the charge controler would instead open the circuit of the solar array. Do you think the out Back charge controlers also short the solar array, or open the circuit from the solar array?

[Mike90250]

I assume the heat is in the controller ? Solar PV Arrays get quite hot from baking in the sun.

Most relaible PWM controllers just disconnect the solar array. Maybe yours got set to diversion mode ?

[Walt_Solartown]

Hello Mike - here's a question I need help with: can a 24V panel be used in a 12volt off-grid system? In other words, can the charge controller take a 24V array and dial it down for 12V battery setup? My understanding is nominal voltage of the array needs to match the nominal voltage/wiring setup of the batteries.
Thanks and regards,
Walt

[Mike90250]

Hello Mike - here's a question I need help with: can a 24V panel be used in a 12volt off-grid system? In other words, can the charge controller take a 24V array and dial it down for 12V battery setup? My understanding is nominal voltage of the array needs to match the nominal voltage/wiring setup of the batteries.
Thanks and regards,
Walt

If that method is done, with a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) controller, you will loose (it just vanishes) about 50% of your panel wattage, a 24V 100W panel, would deliver about 50 w to a 12V battery.

If you use a MPPT controller (Morningstar makes a good 15A one) you get the benifit of 24V wires being smaller, and the controller with it's fancy electronics, converts all the power from 24V PV, to the battery at 12V , at the panel's label wattage, no losses (except about 1% in the controller).

[DSII]

I am using ICP Solar Technologies Sun Sei charge controlers CC-20000 D ( 20 amp ).
I have noticed that when the voltage of my battery banks reach the factory set level ( 14.1 V ) the charge controlers just short out the solar array which creats tremendous amounts of heat. I expected that the charge controler would instead open the circuit of the solar array. Do you think the out Back charge controlers also short the solar array, or open the circuit from the solar array?

I have solved the heat issue but the circuit breakers at the PV trip open and then must be reset. I have contacted IPC to see if the controler can be set to diversion mode. NOt sure what diversion mode is?

[DSII]

I have solved the heat issue but the circuit breakers at the PV trip open and then must be reset. I have contacted IPC to see if the controler can be set to diversion mode. NOt sure what diversion mode is?

MIKE90250,
I am thinking of buying an OUTBACK charge controler, has any one heard good things about them?

[Mike90250]

I would be much more likely to steer you toward the MorningStar MPPT 60A controller.
It powers up in stages, to be more efficient, has a web interface built in, and a very modern MPPT firmware. I've heard of outback MPPT getting stuck in a low power mode sometimes, and it's not nearly as efficient as the morningstar

[DSII]

RATS! THE OUT BACK PRODUCT LINE ( NON VENTED ) REALLY LOOKED GOOD ( WOULD KEEP SALT AIR OUT OF COMPONENTS ) I LIVE 5 MILES FROM THE OCEAN. BUT A WORKING DEPENDABLE CONTROLER IS BETTER. MAY BE I COULD USE A MorningStar MPPT 60A, THEN USE AN OUT BACK INVERTER ON THE INVERTER SIDE. I USUALLY LIKE TO BE A BRAND TYPE GUY BUT WORKING SYSTEM IS MORE IMPORTANT.
THANKKS FOR ALL YOUR HELP.
DALE LA ROY SMITH II

[Mike90250]

What is the load you are going to drive with the inverter ? Small loads I like the mornignstar Suresine 300/600 pure sine inverter.
I use a XW6048 to power a 240V well pump, and charge the batteries with a MS 60A MPPT controller.

[MarineLiner]

.... BUT WORKING SYSTEM IS MORE IMPORTANT.
THANKKS FOR ALL YOUR HELP.
DALE LA ROY SMITH II

[matrixone]

Mike, also I do you use a desulfater for your battery bank? I heard that desulfaters for acid lead batteries improve voltages and give more life to the batteries. I can use desulfaters for gelatin types? PLease provide brand and experience.

thanks

[Mike90250]

Mike, also I do you use a desulfater for your battery bank? I heard that desulfaters for acid lead batteries improve voltages and give more life to the batteries. I can use desulfaters for gelatin types? PLease provide brand and experience.

thanks

I've only had it on the batteries for a couple weeks, and I can't comment any further about it, other that it must consume about 10W or so, because it gets pretty toasty warm. Battery Life Saver De-Sulfator for 48V system is what I got