Xantrex Technology C35, C40, C60 owner manual Charge Control Mode, Three-Stage Battery Charging

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Introduction

Important: The C-Series controller cannot operate in more than one function at the same time. If several functions are required in a system, a dedicated controller must be used for each function.

Charge Control Mode

In the Charge Control mode, the C-Seriescontrols how the batteries are charged by the DC source (solar, wind, or hydro). It uses a 3-stage charging protocol to maintain battery voltage at bulk and/or float levels.

When charging, the C-Seriescontroller monitors the batteries and depending on how it is wired will regulate the PV current (as a PV Charge Controller) or divert excess energy from PV, hydro, or wind to a DC load (as a Diversion Controller) and allows the battery to charge according to user-defined settings based on the amount of DC power available.

When the C-Seriesoperates in the Charge Control mode, it provides:

•three-stage charging of battery voltage,

•automatic temperature compensation (if the BTS is used), and

•automatic or manual equalization charging.

Three-Stage Battery Charging

The three-stage charging process results in faster charging compared to on-off relay type or constant voltage solid-state regulators. Faster recharging increases the performance of the system by storing more of the PV array’s limited output. The final float voltage setting reduces battery gassing, minimizes watering requirements and ensures complete battery recharging. The C-Serieswill use this protocol in either PV Charge Control mode or in Diversion Control mode. It does not charge the batteries when in Load Control mode. Battery voltage and current vary during the three-stage charging process as follows.

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Contents Series Multifunction DC Controller Page Series Multifunction DC Controller About Xantrex TrademarksDisclaimer Date and RevisionPurpose ScopeAudience OrganizationConventions Used Following conventions are used in this guideAbbreviations and Acronyms Related InformationPage Important Safety Instructions General Safety InstructionsBattery Safety Information Viii Rev DBattery Safety Information Page Contents Xii Rev D Troubleshooting SpecificationsOperation BatteriesWarranty and Product Information Diversion LoadsFigures Xvi Rev D Tables Xviii Introduction Features 1C-Series Multifunction DC Charge ControllersCharge Control Mode Load Control ModeOperating Modes Charge Control Mode Three-Stage Battery ChargingStage Battery Charging Process Bulk StageLoad Control Mode Battery Temperature CompensationManual or Auto Equalization Charge Controller Functions Photovoltaic Charge ControllerDiversion Controller Automatic PV Array Night DisconnectDiversion Loads 4Diversion ControllerLoad Controller Low Voltage Disconnect Low Voltage ReconnectOptional Accessories 6Decal Displaying Load Control Voltage SettingsInstallation Pre-Installation Removing the Top CoverRemoving Knockouts 2C-Series Dimensions and Knockout Locations Not to Scale Mounting the Controller To mount the C-Series controller3Mounting the C-Series Multifunction DC Controller Configuring the C-SeriesController Jumper Settings1Factory Default Settings for C-Series Controllers 5Circuit Board ComponentsOperating Mode Jumper Voltage Jumper8EQ/LVR Jumper and Reset Switch Adjusting the C-Series Voltage Settings 9Bulk and Float Charge Potentiometers potsAdjusting the C-Series Voltage Settings Setting Voltage Parameters for Load Control Mode 11Potentiometers with Decal for LVR and LVD Settings12LVR and LVD Settings for Load Control Mode Setting Voltage Parameters Diversion Control Mode Setting Voltage Parameters for Alkaline Batteries14Voltage Settings with R46 Resistor Clipped Using a Digital Voltmeter to Adjust Voltage Settings To test and adjust the voltage setting using a DVMTo set the Bulk voltage to 14.4 volts To set Bulk voltage to 28.2 volts15Test Points for Adjusting Voltage Using a DVM To set Bulk voltage to 56.4 volts16Manual Equalization Settings Equalization Charging17Front Panel LED and Reset Switch Location Manual Equalization18Auto Equalization Settings Automatic EqualizationTemperature Compensation Terminating the Equalization ProcessTemperature Compensation Based on Battery Type Automatic Battery Temperature CompensationLead-Acid Type Batteries 2Variances in Charging Voltage based on Battery Temperature Manual Battery Temperature Compensation Grounding 20Grounding the C-SeriesChassisWiring DC Terminal Connector LocationsTerminal Torque Requirements Current RatingMinimum Recommended Wire Gauge Surge ProtectionC35 and C40 Models C60 Models3Minimum Wire Size Over-current ProtectionLong-distance wire runs Maximum One-way Distance and Wire Size4One-Way Wire Distance and Wire Size Distance in Feet metersPV Charge Control Mode Wiring To connect the C-Seriescontroller as a charge controller23PV Charge Control Mode Wiring Diversion Control Mode Wiring To connect the C-Seriesas a diversion load controller24Diversion Control Mode Wiring DC Load Control Mode Wiring To connect the C-Series controller as a DC load controller25Load Control Mode Wiring Installing Optional Accessories Installing a Digital DisplayInstalling the Battery Temperature Sensor To install the BTSReinstalling the Faceplate To reinstall the faceplace on the C-Series controllerOperation 1C-Series Status LED and Reset Button Location Basic OperationLED Status Indicator 2C-Series Front Pa el Label1Battery Voltage LED Indicators Charge Control or Diversion Control Indications GreenBlinking Green Solid GreenEqualization Mode Indication Red/green Load Control Indications RedBlinking Red Solid RedError Mode Indication Orange Over-temperature ConditionOver-Current Condition Reconnecting to Loads Low-voltage Disconnect ConditionReset Switch 3Reset SwitchPage 4Troubleshooting PV Charge Control Troubleshooting 1PV Charge Control ProblemsPV Charge Control Troubleshooting Diversion Control Troubleshooting 2Diversion Control ProblemsDiversion Control Troubleshooting Load Control Troubleshooting 3Load Control ProblemsASpecifications Electrical Specifications Table A-1Electrical SpecificationsFeatures and Options Specifications Table A-2Features and Options SpecificationsEnvironmental Specifications Table A-3Environmental SpecificationsBBatteries Battery Types Maintenance-Free BatteriesAutomotive Batteries Deep-Cycle BatteriesSealed Batteries Battery Sizing NiCad and NiFe BatteriesEqualization Charging Rev D Equalization Setpoints Non-Sealed Batteries Only Table B-1Typical Bulk and Float Setpoints for BatteriesPage CDiversion Loads Power Dissipation Diversion Load TypesDiversion Load Types Page Warranty and Product Information WarrantyDisclaimer ProductReturn Material Authorization Policy ExclusionsReturn Procedure Out of Warranty ServiceInformation About Your System Serial Number on DC end Purchased From Purchase DatePage Index Index Page Xantrex Technology Inc

C35, C60, C40 specifications

Xantrex Technology is a renowned name in the field of renewable energy solutions, particularly known for its robust line of solar charge controllers. Among its flagship products are the C-Series models: C40, C60, and C35. These charge controllers are specifically designed to optimize the use of solar panels, ensuring efficient energy conversion and battery management for off-grid renewable energy systems.

The C40 model stands out with its impressive 40-amp rating, making it suitable for larger solar installations. It features advanced microprocessor technology, enabling precise control over battery charging and discharging processes. This model supports multiple battery types, including flooded lead-acid, gel, and sealed batteries, allowing users to customize their energy systems according to their specific requirements. One of the key characteristics of the C40 is its easy-to-read LCD display, which provides real-time information on system performance, battery voltage, and charging status.

Moving to the C60, this model offers a higher capacity, rated at 60 amps. The C60 is designed for larger applications, such as RVs, boats, and remote cabins, where higher power requirements are common. It shares many features with the C40 but is equipped with additional capabilities to enhance its versatility. One notable characteristic is the built-in load control, which allows users to manage power distribution to connected devices intelligently. The C60 also incorporates a temperature sensor that adjusts charging parameters according to the battery’s temperature, protecting it from overcharging and extending its lifespan.

The C35, while a bit smaller with a 35-amp rating, is designed to cater to medium-sized applications. It offers similar functionalities as its counterparts, including support for multiple battery types and an intuitive LCD display. The C35 is an ideal solution for homeowners and small businesses looking for reliable performance without the need for extensive power management.

All three models feature a durable design, built to withstand the rigors of outdoor use. With a focus on user-friendly operation, these charge controllers come equipped with straightforward installation processes, making them accessible to both seasoned professionals and newcomers to solar energy. Additionally, their capability to integrate with various solar panel systems makes them a flexible choice for diverse renewable energy applications. With Xantrex’s C-Series charge controllers, users can reap the benefits of solar energy while ensuring their battery systems remain healthy and efficient.
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