Fault Reseting Morningstar TriStar MPPT-45

dsiddens
dsiddens Registered Users Posts: 1 ✭
in Solar Beginners Corner #1
I looked back to a thread in 2011 about resetting the TriStar MPPT-45 and it seems that the way to do it is 1) disconnect panel input (or wait for night), 2) disconnect postitive battery connection rendering the controller electrically isolated.  OK, I did that. And when the positive was reconnected the remote meter was cleared of it's fault message.  Got it.

Because of the physical confines of our installation the above is difficult.  This installation is on a sailboat.  The controller and wires are difficult to access.  We have two panels mounted horizontally and two mounted on side rails which we remove during hurricane preparations. When the two panels are disconnected the TriStar goes to fault.  Reconnecting the panels does not clear the fault.  This necessitates the above procedure. 

Is there a simpler way to be able to remove two of four panels, reconnect panels and avoid the above?
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  • littleharbor2
    littleharbor2 Solar Expert Posts: 2,095 ✭✭✭✭✭
    #2
    Do you have any DC breakers on the string(s). How are the panels wired? All in series? Two strings? All parallel? This could make a difference. If you by chance the panels are series wired in two strings or all parallel wired you should be able to have the strings come into a small combiner box with DC breakers, allowing you to switch off the rail mounted panels before pulling. No guarantee this will stop the fault condition from happening but it might. Having the ability to shut down separate strings is a convenient way to test and troubleshoot your system anyway.

    2.1 Kw Suntech 175 mono, Classic 200, Trace SW 4024 ( 15 years old  but brand new out of sealed factory box Jan. 2015), Bogart Tri-metric,  460 Ah. 24 volt LiFePo4 battery bank. Plenty of Baja Sea of Cortez sunshine.

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  • mcgivor
    mcgivor Solar Expert Posts: 3,854 ✭✭✭✭✭✭
    #3
    Are all the panels in series or series parallel ? What panels are being used, VMP in particular ? What is the nominal battery voltage? Sorry details are important. 
    1500W, 6× Schutten 250W Poly panels , Schneider MPPT 60 150 CC, Schneider SW 2524 inverter, 400Ah LFP 24V nominal battery with Battery Bodyguard BMS 
    Second system 1890W  3 × 300W No name brand poly, 3×330 Sunsolar Poly panels, Morningstar TS 60 PWM controller, no name 2000W inverter 400Ah LFP 24V nominal battery with Daly BMS, used for water pumping and day time air conditioning.  
    5Kw Yanmar clone single cylinder air cooled diesel generator for rare emergency charging and welding.
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