Dakota Lithium Dashboard User manual

CE, Rohs, ISO9001:2015
USER MANUAL
RENEWABLE POWER
[email protected]

Contents
1. .......................................................................................................................2
1.1
1.2 Liability Exclusion
.. ...3
.......................................................................................................................................................................3
3.1 PWM Introduction
3.2 Four Charging Stages..............................................................................................................................................................4
3.3 Charging Voltage.......................................................................................................................................................................5
4. Optional Component...............................................................................................................................................................5
5. ...............................................................................................................................................6
....................................................................................................................................................6
7. ...............................................................................................................................................7
7.1 Installation Notes
7.2 Mounting Location Requirements
7.3 Connection.............................................................................................................................................8
7.4 Grounding
8.Operation........................ ........................................................................................................................9
8.1 LCD Display
8.1.1 Status Description
8.1.2 Fault indication........................ .......................................................................................................10
8.2 Key function
8.2.1 Browse interface
8.2.2 Static display
8.2.3 Selecting battery type
8.3 Bluetooth ....................... ....................................................................................................................11
8.4 LED Display.................. .......................................................................................................................12
9.Protection, Troubleshooting and Maintenance..............................................................................12
9.1 Protection
9.2 Troubleshooting................................. ............13
9.3 Maintenance
...................................................... ............1
10.1 Electrical Parameters
10.2 Charging Parameters...................................... ........ ....1
Safety instructions and waiver of liability
Safety Instructions
Pruduct Overview
Dimensions
6 Structure
Installation
.....................................................................................
10.Technical Data ................................................................... 4
................................................................... .... 5
2. ..................................................................................................................................................................
3. PWM Technology
..
..
..
..
1

1. Safety instructions and waiver of liability
WARNING: Indicates a potentially dangerous condition. Use extreme caution when
performing this task.
Thanks for selecting the Dakota Lithium Dashboard solar charge controller.
Please take the time to read this user manual, as it will help you to take full advantage of the controller
when combined with your solar charging system.
This manual gives important recommendations for installing, use, and so on. Please read carefully and pay
attention to all safety recommendations.
1.2
The manufacturer shall not be liable for damages, especially on the battery, caused by use other
than as intended or as mentioned in this manual or if the recommendations of the battery
manufacturer are neglected. The manufacturer shall not be liable if there has been service or
repair carried out by any unauthorized person, unusual use, wrong installation, or bad system
design.
Liability Exclusion
1.1 Safety Instructions
The following symbols are used throughout this manual to indicate potentially dangerous conditions or
mark important safety instructions. Please take care you see these symbols.
CAUTION:
1) There are no user serviceable parts inside the controller. Do not disassemble or attempt
to repair the controller.
2) Keep children away from batteries and the charge controller.
CAUTION: Indicates a critical procedure for safe and proper operation of the controller.
2

Smart PWM technology, high efficiency
Backlit LCD displaying system operating information and error codes
LCD display design, read operating data and working condition easily.
LED Bar for easy to read charge state and battery information
7 Battery Type Compatible: Lithium-ion, LiFePO4, LTO, Gel, AGM, WET, and Calcium
Waterproof design, suitable for indoor or outdoor use
Supports Android and iOS mobile phone APP, utilizing the wireless monitoring function
Uses high performance, ultra-low power consumption Bluetooth dedicated chip
Bluetooth 4.2 and BLE technology, communication distance up to 10m
Real-time automatic fault alarm
External temperature sensor optional, automatic temperature compensation
Built-in temperature sensor, when the temperature exceeds the set value, the charging current will
lower followed by the decrease of temperature, so as to control the controller's temperature rise
Four stages of charging: Fast, boost, equalization, float
With current-limiting charging mode, when the power of solar panel is over-sized and charging current
exceeds the rated current( ≤60% of rated current), the controller will lower the charging power, which
enables the system to work under the rated charging current
Perfect EMC & thermal design
Full automatic electronic protect function
The Dakota Lithium Dashboard is a fully automatic battery charger which converts power from
photovoltaic(PV) array to a regulated battery voltage, widely used in yacht, RV, and household solar
energy systems and other fields.
It comes with a number of outstanding features, such as:
2. Overview
3. PWM Technology
3
3.1 PWM Introduction
The Dakota Lithium Dashboard utilizes pulse width modulation (PWM) technology for battery charging.
The characteristic of the solar controller is to adjust the working voltage of solar panels intelligently, so
that the solar panels always work at the maximum power point of V-A characteristic curve. Battery
charging is based on the current process, so controlling the current will control the battery voltage.
The charging mode of PWM solar controller has three stages: boost, equalization, and float charging,
the battery is required to be controlled by specified voltage regulation set points for boost, float,
and equalization charging stages.
The charge controller uses automatic duty cycle conversion, creating pulses of current to charge the
battery. The duty cycle is proportional to the difference between the sensed battery voltage and the
specified voltage regulation set point. Once the battery reaches the specified voltage range, pulse current
charging mode allows the battery to react and allows for an acceptable rate of charge for the battery level.

3.2 Four Charging Stages
The Dashboard has a 4-stage battery charging algorithm for rapid, efficient, and safe battery
charging. Lithium batteries do not follow this process. 'Boost Charge' is the only stage needed for
lithium.
Fast Charge
In this stage, the battery voltage has not yet reached boost voltage and 100% of available solar power is used
to recharge the battery.
Boost Charge
When the battery has recharged to the Boost voltage setpoint, constant-voltage regulation is used to prevent
heating and excessive battery gassing. The Boost stage remains 120 minutes and then goes to Float
Charge. Every time the controller is powered on, if it detects neither over discharge nor over
voltage, the charging will enter into boost charging stage.
Float Charge
After the Boost voltage stage, the controller will reduce the battery voltage to the float voltage setpoint.
When the battery is fully recharged, there will be no more chemical reactions and all the charge current
transmits into heat and gas at this time. Then the controller reduces the voltage to the floating stage,
charging with a smaller voltage and current. It will reduce the temperature of the battery and prevent
gassing, while also charging the battery slightly at the same time. The purpose of float stage is to
offset the power consumption caused by self consumption and small loads in the whole system, while
maintaining full battery storage capacity.
Equalization Charge
Certain types of batteries benefit from a periodic equalizing charge, which can stir the electrolyte,
balance battery voltage, and complete chemical reaction. Equalizing charge increases the battery voltage,
higher than the standard complement voltage, which gasifies the battery electrolyte. If it detects that the
battery is being over discharged, the solar controller will automatically turn the battery to the
equalization charging stage, and the equalization charging will be active for 120 minutes. Equalizing
charge and boost charge are not carried out constantly in a full charge process in order to avoid too much
gas precipitation or overheating of battery.
4
Only for WET or Calcium batteries drained below 12.1V will automatically run this stage
and bring the internal cells as an equal state and fully complement the loss of capacity.
Lithium-ion, LiFePO4, LTO, Gel and AGM do not undergo this stage.
WARNING: Risk of explosion!
Equalizing flooded battery can produce explosive gases, so well ventilation of
battery box is necessary.
WARNING: Incorrect battery type setting may damage your battery.
U(V)
Fa st
Ch arge
Boost
Ch arge
Float
Ch arge
Eq ualize
Ch arge
Ni ght
TIME
Float
Bo ost
Equalization
Night

4. Optional Component
The Dakota Lithium Dashboard is shipped with a temperature sensor of 80mm in length. If you need
other components you will need to purchase them separately.
Temperature Sensor
Measures the temperature at the battery and uses this data for accurate temperature compensation.
The sensor is supplied with a 3m cable length that connects to the charge controller. The temperature
sensor connected via interface 6.
If the external temperature sensor is not connected or damaged, the internal temperature will be
used for temperature compensation during charging.
5
Battery Type
Fast Voltage
Boost Voltage *1
Equalization Voltage *2
Float Voltage
Under Voltage Recharging
Low Voltage Disconnect
Over Voltage Protection
AGM GEL WET LiFePO4 Li-ion LTO
9.0V~14.0V, Current = Rated Charge Current
14.4V 14.1V 14.7V 14.9V 14.4V 12.6V 14.0V
N/A N/A 15.0V 15.0V N/A N/A N/A
13.6V 13.6V 13.6V 13.6V N/A N/A N/A
12.5V 12.5V 12.5V 12.5V 14.2V 12.4V 13.8V
11.0V 10.8V 11.0V 11.0V 10.4V 9.0V 10.0V
15.8V 15.8V 15.8V 15.8V 14.6V 12.8V 14.2V
Calcium
*1. For LiFePO4, Li-ion and LTO battery, the constant voltage time is 1 Hour.
For AGM, GEL, WET and Calcium battery, the maximum constant voltage time is 2 Hours,
If charging current < 0.5A and holds for 1min, the charging state will end.
*2. Only WET and Calcium batteries have equalization charging stage, 2 hours maximum.
Conditions for entering the equalization charging stage: If the battery voltage discharge below 12.1V or without
equalization charging stage for 30 days.
3.3 Charging Voltage

6
6. Buttons, Indicators, and Terminals
① Backlit LCD
—Displays system operating
information
② Solar panel indicator
—Indicates the working state
of solar panel
③ Battery indicator
—Indicates the working state
of battery
④ Key:
Set and view the operating
parameters
⑤ Battery capacity indicator
—Displays current capacity of
battery
⑥ Temperature Sensor Port
—Collects temperature
information, Temperature
compensation. To connect -
press down the on top square
and insert wire. Repeat for the
second.
⑦ Solar module terminals
—Connected solar modules.
⑧ Battery terminals—
Connect the battery.
①
②
③
④
⑤
⑥⑦
⑧
5. Dimensions(mm)
104
144
134 528
52
Φ4

7. Installation
7.1 Installation Notes
⑴ The solar charge controller may only be used in PV systems in accordance with this user manual and
the specifications of other modules manufacturers. No energy source other than a solar generator may
be connected to the solar charge controller.
⑵ Before wiring installation and adjustment of controller, Always disconnect the solar modules
and insurance or circuit breaker of battery terminal.
⑶ Only to comply with the range of the battery charge controller.
⑷ Batteries store a large amount of energy, never short circuit a battery under any circumstances.
We strongly recommend connecting a fuse directly to the battery to avoid any short circuit at the
battery wiring.
⑸ Batteries can produce flammable gases. Avoid making sparks near the batteries. Make sure that
the battery room is ventilated.
⑹ Use insulated tools and avoid placing metal objects near the batteries.
⑺ Be very careful when working with batteries. Wear eye protection. Have fresh water available to wash
and clean any contact with battery acid.
⑻ Avoid touching or short circuiting wires or terminals. Be aware that the voltages on special terminals
or wires can be as much as twice the battery voltage. Use isolated tools, stand on dry ground, and keep
your hands dry.
⑼ Refer to the technical specifications for max wire sizes on the controller and for the maximum
amperage going through wires.
⑽ After installation check that all connections are tight line, avoid heat accumulation caused by virtual
access danger.
CAUTION: Please read all instructions and precautions in the manual before installing!
It is recommended to remove the acrylic protective film covering the LCD screen before
installation.
7.2Mounting Location Requirements
Do not subject the solar charge controller to direct sunshine or other sources of heat. Protect the
solar charge controller from dirt and moisture. Mount upright on the wall on a non-flammable
substrate. Maintain a minimum clearance of 15cm below and around the device to ensure
unhindered air circulation. Mount the solar charge controller as close as possible to the batteries.
Mark the position of the solar charge controller fastening holes on the wall, drill 2 holes and
insert dowels, fasten the solar charge controller to the wall with the cable openings facing
downwards.
>15CM
>15CM
COOL AIR
WARM AIR
7

Solar PV modules create current whenever light strikes them. The current created varies with the
light intensity, but even in the case of low levels of light, full voltage is given by the modules. So,
protect the solar modules from incident light during installation. Never touch uninsulated cable
ends, use only insulated tools, and make sure that the wire diameter is in accordance with the
expected currents of solar charge controller. Connections must always be made in the sequence
described below.
7.3 Connection
8
WARNING: Risk of electric shock! Exercise caution when handing solar wiring. The solar PV
array can produce open-circuit voltages in excess of 100V when in sunlight. Pay more
attention to it.
WARNING: Risk of explosion! Once the battery's positive and negative terminals or leads that
connect to the two terminals get short-circuited, a fire or explosion will occur. Always be
careful in operation.
1st step: Connect the battery
Connect the battery connection cable with the correct polarity to the battery terminals on the solar charge
controller (with the battery symbol). If the polarity is correct, the LCD on the controller will begin to show.
2nd step: Connect the solar module
Ensure that the solar module is protected from incident light. Ensure that the solar module does not exceed
the maximum permissible input current. Connect the solar module connection cable to the correct polarity of
the solar terminals on the solar charge controller (with the solar module symbol).
3rd step: Final work
Tighten all cables connected to the controller and remove all the debris around the controller (leaving a space
of approx. 15 cm).
CAUTION: For common-negative system, such as motorhome, it is recommended to use a
common-negative controller; but if in the common-negative system, some common-positive
equipment are used, and the positive electrode is grounded, the controller may be damaged.
Fusing is a recommendation in PV systems to provide a safety measure for connections going
from panel to controller and controller to battery. Remember to always use the recommended
wire gauge sized based on the PV system and the controller.
7.4 Grounding
Be aware that the negative terminals of controller are connected together and therefore have the same
electrical potential. If any grounding is required, always do this on the negative wires.
Cable total length one-way distance
Cable wires(AWG)
<3m
14~12AWG
3m~6m
12~10AWG
!
controller or between the controller and the battery, larger wires can be used to reduce the
voltage drop and improve performance.
The wire size is only for reference. If there is a long distance between the PV array and the
①
②
③
④

9
8.1 LCD Display
8.1.1 Status Description
Icon Status
Daytime
Battery connected
Battery capacity
Battery voltage
The total charge ampere hours
Battery type
Bluetooth function
Bluetooth connected
Setting icon(Not used)
Charging current
Battery state of charge(in %)
Temperature
Fault indication, see 8.1.2
!The total charge ampere hours are off after power failure。
8. Operation

displayed. Short press the
Normal Sequencing Display
Status Icon Description
Low voltage
Over voltage
Battery level shows empty, fault icon display,
battery frame flashes, the LCD screen displays E1
Battery level shows full, fault icon display,
battery frame flashes, the LCD screen displays E2
fault icon display, icon ℃ flashing,
the LCD screen displays E3
Over temperature
E1
E2
E3
8.1.2 Fault indication
10
8.2 Key function
8.2.1Browse interface
Short pressing the key will browse in sequence through the following display parameters: Battery
Voltage, Charging Current, Battery Temperature, Battery Capacity and Charged Capacity (Amp-hour).
8.2.2 Static display
Press the key for 1s, the LCD screen will lock the interface. Press the key again for 1s, the LCD interface
will unlock and start scrolling.
8.2.3 Selecting battery type
The Dakota Lithium Dashboard provides 7 battery types for selection: Lithium-ion, LiFePO4, LTO, Gel, AGM,
WET, and Calcium Battery. LiFePO4 is the correct battery type for Dakota Lithium batteries.
Short press the key to go into battery selection mode. Press the key until the desired battery is
key again the battery type will be saved. If the key is not pressed during the
battery type flashing, the selected battery type will not be saved.
WARNING: Incorrect battery type setting may damage your battery. Please check your battery
manufacturer's specifications to when selecting battery type.

and
When choosing Liquid, GEL, or AGM for battery type, the parameters of boost, equalization float
charge voltage can be set by mobile phone APP. The range of parameters is as follows. The
following voltage parameters are 25℃/12V system parameters.
Boost
Charging Voltage Range
Default charging voltage
Charging stage
14.0~14.8V
14.5V
14.0~15.0V
14.8V
13.0~14.5V
13.7V
Float
Equalization
8.3.2 Charging Voltage Parameters(Li )
When choosing lithium battery type, the overcharge target and overcharge recovery voltage of
lithium battery can be set by mobile phone APP.
Lithium overcharge target(CVT) voltage range: 10.0-17.0V
Lithium overcharge recovery(CVR) voltage setting range: 9.2-16.8V
thium
(Overcharge Recovery Voltage+1.5V)≥Lithium Overcharge Protection Voltage≥(Overcharge
Recovery Voltage+0.2V)
Mobile App does not support parameters beyond this range.
Warning: The required accuracy of BMS shall be at least 0.2V. If the deviation is higher than
0.2V, the manufacturer will assume no liability for any system malfunction caused by this.
11
8.3 Bluetooth
If the solar charge controller has this icon , it means that the controller has Bluetooth communication function.
If the Android phone is connected successfully, this icon
will be displayed.
AGM, GEL, Liquid and Lithium are the four battery types can be set via Bluetooth mobile phone APP, and
the charge voltage can be set.
!Please refer to Bluetooth APP instructions for detailed operation of mobile APP.
8.3.1 Charging Voltage Parameters(Liquid, GEL, AGM)

8.4 LED Display
Solar LED
Solar LED
(Red)
Battery LED
Battery LED
(Blue)
Battery Capacity LED
Soc1
Soc2
Soc3
Soc4
LED
Status
Function
On
On
Soc1 On
Soc2 On
Soc3 On
Battery capacity < 20%
20% < Batter y capacity < 50%
50% < Batter y capacity < 90%
Off
Flash(0.2s/0.2s)
Soc1 Flash(0.2s/0.2s, Red)
Soc4 Flash(0.2s/0.2s, Green)
Flash(0.2/0.2s)
Night
Solar panel is correctly connected,
but not charging
Battery is normal
Charging
Low voltage protection
Over voltage protection
Over temperature
Battery Capacity
LED
(Red, Orange,
Green, Green)
> 9Battery capacity 0%
Soc4 On
Battery can't
be charged
dur ing daytime
PV panel fault or reverse
connection Check panels and connection wires
Faults Reason Troubleshooting
Battery voltage is too low
After the temperature decreases,
the controller will work normally
Battery voltage is too high
Over temperature
Check if other sources overcharge the battery.
If not, controller is damaged.
Charging battery.
9.1 Troubleshooting
E1
E2
E3
9. Protection, Troubleshooting and maintenance
12

PV Short Circuit
PV Reverse Polarity
PV Over Current When the charging current of the PV array exceeds the controller's
rated current, it will be charged at the rated current.
When PV short circuit occurs, the controller will stop charging.
Remove it to star t normal operation.
Full protection against PV reverse polarity, no damage to the
controller. Correct the connection to start normal operation.
Prevents the battery from discharging to the PV array at night.
Full protection against battery reverse polarity, no damage to the
controller. Correct the connection to start normal operation.
If there are other energy sources to charge the battery, the battery
voltage may exceed the rated data, the controller will stop charging to
protect the battery from overcharging damage.
When battery voltage drops to the setting voltage point of Low Voltage
Disconnect ,the controller will alarm.
The controller detects the internal temperature through internal sensor,
when the temperature exceeds the setting value, the charging current
will lower down followed by the decrease of temperature, so as to
control the controller’s temperature rise, when the internal
temperature exceeds the setting over temperature protection
threshold, the controller stops working and restores after the
temperature is lowered.
Make sure the air-flow is not blocked around the controller. Clear up any dirt and fragments on radiator.
Check all the naked wires to make sure insulation is not damaged. Repair or replace damaged
wires if necessary.
Tighten all the terminals. Inspect for loose, broken, or burnt wire connections.
Check and confirm that LCD is consistent. Pay attention to any troubleshooting or error indication .Take
corrective action if necessary.
Confirm that all the system components are ground connected tightly and correctly.
Confirm that all the terminals have no corrosion, insulation damage high temperature, or burnt/
discolored sign, tighten terminal screws to the suggested torque.
Check for dirt, nesting insects, and corrosion. Clean up as needed.
Protection Description
Battery Reverse Polarity
Night Reverse Charging
Battery Over voltage
Battery Over discharge
Over Temperature
Protection
9.2 Protection
9.3 Maintenance
The following inspections and maintenance tasks are recommended at least two times
per year for best performance.
13

Dakota Lithium Dashboard
12V
300W
25V
40V
-4.17mV/K per cell (Boost, Equalization)，
-3.33mV/K per cell (Float)
<10mA
Bluetooth
Common Negative
144 * 104 * 28mm
180g
Vertical Wall Mounting
134 * 52mm
φ4mm
10AWG(4mm²)
-20 ~ +55℃
-25 ~ +80℃
0 ~ 100%RH
IP65
4000m
Spark-free Protection.
Reverse polarity solar and battery connection.
Reverse current from batter y to solar panel protection
at night
Over temperature protection with derating charging
current
Transient overvoltage protection at solar input and battery
output protects against surge voltage
Item
System Voltage
Max Charging Power
Max volt on Bat. Terminal
Max volt on PV Terminal
Temp. Compensation
Self consumption
Communication
Grounding
Dimensions
Weight
Mounting
Mounting dimensions
Mounting hole size
Maximum Terminals Wire Size
Ambient temperature
Storage temperature
Ambient humidity
Protection degree
Max Altitude
10, Technical Data
14
Electrical Protection
and Feature
10.1 Electrical Parameters

Battery Type
Fast Voltage
Boost Voltage *1
Equalization Voltage *2
Float Voltage
Under Voltage Recharging
Low Voltage Disconnect
Over Voltage Protection
Battery Type
Fast Voltage
Boost Voltage *1
Equalization Voltage *2
Float Voltage
Under Voltage Recharging
Low Voltage Disconnect
Over Voltage Protection
AGM GEL WET LiFePO4 Li-ion LTO
9.0V~14.0V, Current = Rated Charge Current
14.4V 14.1V 14.7V 14.9V 14.4V 12.6V 14.0V
N/A N/A 15.0V 15.0V N/A N/A N/A
13.6V 13.6V 13.6V 13.6V N/A N/A N/A
12.5V 12.5V 12.5V 12.5V
14.2V 12.4V 13.8V
11.0V 10.8V 11.0V 11.0V 10.4V 9.0V 10.0V
15.8V 15.8V 15.8V 15.8V 14.6V 12.8V 14.2V
Calcium
AGM
9.0V~14.0V, Current = Rated Charge Current
14.0~14.8V
N/A
13.0~14.5V
12.5V
10.8~11.8V
15.8V
GEL
14.0~14.8V
N/A
13.0~14.5V
12.5V
10.8~11.8V
15.8V
Liquid
14.0~14.8V
14.0~15.0V
13.0~14.5V
12.5V
10.8~11.8V
15.8V
Lithium
10.0~17.0V
N/A
N/A
9.2~16.8V
8.0~15.0V
10.2~17.2V
*1. For LiFePO4, Li-ion, LTO and Lithium battery, the constant voltage time is 1 Hour.
For Liquid, AGM, GEL, WET and Calcium battery, the maximum constant voltage time is 2 Hours,
If charging current < 0.5A and holds for 1min, the charging state will end.
*2. Only Liquid, WET and Calcium batteries have equalization charging stage, 2 hours maximum.
Conditions for entering the equalization charging stage: If the battery voltage discharge below 12.1V or without
equalization charging stage for 30 days.
*3. This parameters are in the 12V system at 25℃.
10.2 Charging Parameters
10.2.1 Default batter y Parameters
10.2.2 Battery Parameters can be set