3KW PWM MPPT Heater Charging Controller for Photovoltaic Solar Panels

Model: ACTii AC7392

EAN: 6931240073926 SKU: 739260731

• PWM controller for heaters with a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm from photovoltaic panels. The controller allows powering standard DHW electric boilers from solar panels.
• The controller is equipped with a temperature sensor, which allows stopping the boiler heating above the set temperature. It is possible to change the set temperature.
• Two displays - one shows the current DHW temperature, the second defaults to the current power or, when switched, the voltage from the panels and peak power.
• Built-in charge buffer. It allows for higher efficiency (up to 30%) and reduces interference caused by PWM regulation. Transistors with a large margin (will ensure long, trouble-free operation).
• The controller is powered by PV panels. There is no need to connect an external power supply. (The RJ45 socket can also be used to power the controller when there is no voltage from the panels).
• Large heatsink providing passive cooling, thanks to which there is no need to use a controller fan.
• The controller has thermal protection and active cooling depending on the temperature of the actuator and power.
• RS485 communication port allowing reading of operating parameters from a computer level.
• Heatsink and housing interior temperature monitoring. Built-in acoustic alarm.
• The controller can be turned off and on (plus and minus button).
• Relay output informing about the interruption of heater heating. It can be used to connect external devices.
• Made in EU.

Description

PWM controller for heaters with a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm from photovoltaic panels.

The controller allows powering standard DHW electric boilers from solar panels.

A photovoltaic panel works at maximum power only at the optimal voltage. Connecting a heater directly to a photovoltaic panel causes it to be overloaded, resulting in a voltage drop. At a reduced operating voltage, the panel produces even several times less electricity than at the optimal voltage. Using a charging controller eliminates this problem. Even on cloudy days, it will be possible to heat water in the boiler.

Built-in charge buffer, which allows for higher efficiency (up to 30%) and reduced interference caused by PWM regulation.

The controller is equipped with a temperature sensor, which allows stopping the boiler heating above the set temperature.

The device is equipped with an additional relay output (potential-free) allowing notification of external devices that water heating has been finished (set temperature reached) or that a device failure has occurred. This output allows connecting additional devices.

Specification

Parameters

Supply voltage: controller powered from PV Panels

Panel voltage: From 10V to 350V DC

Panel current: MAX 13A

Maximum heater power: 3kW

Maximum panel power: 3kW

Power consumption: 0.08 A

Temperature measurement accuracy 0.1 degree

Operating method

Configuration consists of setting the target temperature to be reached by the domestic hot water. This is done by pressing the MENU button until an intermittent sound appears from the controller. Then, the text "S.tE" appears on the top display, which means setting the target temperature. It is possible to reduce the operating start voltage of the controller, but this option is recommended when using an external power source. The start voltage can be reduced by holding the minus button until an intermittent signal appears from the buzzer. The default start voltage is 150V.

Turning the controller on and off:

The controller can be turned off by briefly pressing the MINUS button (voltage is no longer supplied to the heater).

Turning on is done by briefly pressing the PLUS button. By default, after switching on the power, the controller automatically starts working (supplying power to the heater using the maximum power point tracking MPPT algorithm) if the voltage exceeds the minimum value. The controller can work exclusively with photovoltaic installations; it cannot be used for wind turbines. Beyond the settings described above, the controller does not require additional operational activities. Adjustment of operating parameters happens automatically and depends on the capabilities of the panels and the load. The controller should be absolutely loaded ONLY with heaters used in boilers. Do not use air resistance heaters or other electronic devices.

Additional information

Temperature sensor cable length: approximately 100cm

What heater should I use AC or DC and what power?

Since the only parameter describing a heater is resistance, you can use an AC or DC heater.

The heater must be matched to the photovoltaic panels.

If your photovoltaic panels nominally provide 140V DC 7.14A 1000W, it would be most appropriate to use a 140V DC heater with a power of 1000W,

but you can also use a 230V AC or 110V AC heater. You only need to match the heater power to the PV panels. (we provide an online calculator to calculate the proper heater).

According to the above, (because the only parameter of a heater is its resistance, as well as current intensity) it is possible to match a 230V heater to work with PV panels of different voltage, using Ohm's law. 140V / 7.14A = 19.61 Ohm. Our heater must have 19.61 Ohm. For a 230V heater P=U*U/R. P=230*230/19.61=2697W. For 140V 7.14A PV panels, we can therefore use a 230V AC heater with a power of about 2700W.

Heaters can have two independent coils. One coil can be used to heat water from PV panels and the other from the 230V grid.

During normal operation, the display shows the following parameters: current power and DHW temperature. A blinking OUT LED signals power supply to the heater.

The device is equipped with an additional relay output (potential-free), allowing notification of external devices that

water heating has been finished (set temperature reached) or entry into emergency mode (actuator failure).

Set contents

Controller with charge buffer

Packaging

Manual

Temperature sensor

Cable connectors

Certificates and standards

CE, RoHS

Dimensions, Weight

Product dimensions: 130 x 140 x 120 mm (D x W x H)

Packaging dimensions: 140 x 150 x 140 mm (D x W x H)

Product weight: 930 g

Weight with packaging: 950 g

Download

• User Manual
• CE Declaration
• SAFETY COMPLIANCE