MPPT

Cactus
Cactus Registered Users Posts: 1
Hi just purchased a 300 Watt Solar Blanket. The controller is not designed for my lithium batteries. I been told I should purchase MPPT but I'm not sure the Amp's required. Or where to purchase a good quality MPPT. Appreciate any advise. Thanks. It my first solar experience.

Comments

  • Wheelman55
    Wheelman55 Registered Users Posts: 233 ✭✭✭
    Here’s a good quality PWM controller. I use their smaller 180 watt system with my LiFeP04 battery. 

    Off-Grid in Terlingua, TX
    5,000 watt array - 14 CS 370 watt modules. HZLA horizontal tracker. Schneider: XW6048NA+, Mini PDP, MPPT 80-600, SCP. 390ah LiFeP04 battery bank - 3 Discover AES 42-48-6650 48 volt 130ah LiFePO4 batteries
  • mcgivor
    mcgivor Solar Expert Posts: 3,854 ✭✭✭✭✭✭
    The problem with most inexpensive controllers is they have generic algorithms tailored primarily for lead acid battery variants, whilst they may work with some lithium  batteries with an integrated BMS, they won't work with all. You need to know the exact chemistry and series cell count as cell voltage differs between them, significantly enough to cause damage including toxic fumes or spontaneous combination.

    Morningstar has controllers which are infinitely adjustable via software, both PWM and MPPT, which can be tailored to the battery's needs but as mentioned above you need to know what cells you have.
    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.
  • mike95490
    mike95490 Solar Expert Posts: 9,583 ✭✭✭✭✭
    The charge controller has to be compatible with your battery.   The voltage setpoints need to match what the battery is designed for.
    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 ,