12v batt voltage sensor/relay switch

notsobright
notsobright Solar Expert Posts: 247 ✭✭
in Off Grid Solar & Battery Systems #1
Im having trouble with the MS SSD controllers(s) they wont regulate correctly and charge @+15v frequently.

Ive designed my system and installation arround this controller so I dont want give up on the SSD and change everything just yet.

if I can get some type of device that will monitor battery voltage and switch a relay on/off @ certain parameters then I could use that to switch off the PV to the controller when I get this over voltage situation then back on when it drops a few tenths.

I need it to cut the PV off @ 14.5v and back on @ 14.0v

I wish this wasnt needed and it really shouldnt be needed but it is.


is there something that with switch on off my PV like this available?

thanks
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  • Cariboocoot
    Cariboocoot Banned Posts: 17,615 ✭✭✭
    #2
    Re: 12v batt voltage sensor/relay switch
    notsobright wrote: »
    I need it to cut the PV off @ 14.5v and back on @ 14.0v

    is there something that with switch on off my PV like this available?

    thanks

    Yes. It's called a charge controller.
    No I'm not being facetious; this is exactly what a PWM charge controller does. You should not have to put a secondary controller on your system. It sounds as those your CC is defective.
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  • bobdog
    bobdog Solar Expert Posts: 192 ✭✭
    #3
    Re: 12v batt voltage sensor/relay switch

    I would agree that it sounds defective. Have you contacted Morningstar? Is it still under warranty?
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  • notsobright
    notsobright Solar Expert Posts: 247 ✭✭
    #4
    Re: 12v batt voltage sensor/relay switch

    I agree.. defective, all four of them I have tried now in three seperate systems that shared no other components with each other including these controllers.

    see this post: http://forum.solar-electric.com/showpost.php?p=80889&postcount=11

    I still need something like I mention. if anyone knows of something like this please let me know.

    a "charge switch" basically...
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  • Cariboocoot
    Cariboocoot Banned Posts: 17,615 ✭✭✭
    #5
    Re: 12v batt voltage sensor/relay switch

    Voltage controlled switch perhaps? http://www.solar-electric.com/volconswit.html
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  • mike95490
    mike95490 Solar Expert Posts: 9,583 ✭✭✭✭✭
    #6
    Re: 12v batt voltage sensor/relay switch

    How long are the wire runs between your controller and the battery ? What gauge wire ? What sort of amps are there ? Does that controller have "remote voltage sense" terminals ?

    Something sounds so wrong, like a mis-read wire connection chart, or a bad fuse in a fuseholder. Maybe a bad wire under the insulation somewhere. MS usually has good stuff, and for the replacements to be duds, the controller isn't likely at fault.
    Powerfab top of pole PV mount | Listeroid 6/1 w/st5 gen head | XW6048 inverter/chgr | Iota 48V/15A charger | Morningstar 60A MPPT | 48V, 800A NiFe Battery (in series)| 15, Evergreen 205w "12V" PV array on pole | Midnight ePanel | Grundfos 10 SO5-9 with 3 wire Franklin Electric motor (1/2hp 240V 1ph ) on a timer for 3 hr noontime run - Runs off PV ||
    || Midnight Classic 200 | 10, Evergreen 200w in a 160VOC array ||
    || VEC1093 12V Charger | Maha C401 aa/aaa Charger | SureSine | Sunsaver MPPT 15A

    solar: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Solar
    gen: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Lister ,

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  • notsobright
    notsobright Solar Expert Posts: 247 ✭✭
    #7
    Re: 12v batt voltage sensor/relay switch
    Cariboocoot wrote: »
    Voltage controlled switch perhaps? http://www.solar-electric.com/volconswit.html

    that may work, Im not sure though anyone know? thanks

    mike90045 wrote: »
    How long are the wire runs between your controller and the battery ? What gauge wire ? What sort of amps are there ? Does that controller have "remote voltage sense" terminals ?

    Something sounds so wrong, like a mis-read wire connection chart, or a bad fuse in a fuseholder. Maybe a bad wire under the insulation somewhere. MS usually has good stuff, and for the replacements to be duds, the controller isn't likely at fault.

    offtopic but Im working directly with morningstar on this issue and all the variables you just mentioned have allready been eliminated thanks anyway but FWIW its not the same install that this happens, it has been three completely different systems that share none of the same components all installation by the book and then beyond the book (oversized wiring)


    get an SSD for yourself and test it.


    sure fire way to reproduce these problems is program the SSD to Concord/Lifeline AGM charging specs for both battery outputs, (batteries can be anything 12v) use Kyocera KC40 or KC130 PVs individually or any combination under 25a total and wait for the right cloud conditions.

    I will start a topic for this at some point but I want to find out exactly whats going on with it first.
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