Dometic Go Power! 30 AMP RVC MPPT User manual

30 AMP RVC MPPT
SOLAR CONTROLLER
User Manual
GP-RVC-30-MPPT
© 2021 Go Power!
Worldwide Technical Support and Product Information gpelectric.com
Go Power! | Dometic
201-710 Redbrick Street Victoria, BC, V8T 5J3
Tel: [phone]
MAN_GP-RVC-30-MPPT_RevA

Congratulations on purchasing your Go Power! GP-RVC-30-MPPT Solar Controller!
Record the unit’s model and serial number below. It is much easier and quicker to record this information now at the pre-installation stage.
Model Number:
Serial Number:
Date of Install:
Battery Bank Information: (size, install date, battery type)
Product Packaging
Please safely store the packing the product was delivered in or recycle the packaging components as outlined below:
LDPE
Low Density
Polyetheylene
CFB
3
4
7
CFB
3
4
7
CFB
3
4
7
CFB
3
4
7
CFB
3
4
7
Corrugated berboard
main box
Plastic
foam protection
Plastic
accessories bag
www.earth911.com/recycling-center-search-guides
Local recycling centers can be found here:
Corrugated
Recycles
www.corrugated.org

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1. SAFETY.............................................................................................................4
2. INTRODUCTION................................................................................................5
3. APPERANCE .....................................................................................................6
4. MAXIMUM POWER POINT TECHNOLOGY .........................................................7
5. CHARGING STAGES ..........................................................................................9
6. DUAL BATTERY CHARGING.............................................................................11
7. PRODUCT DIMENSIONS..................................................................................12
8. SPECIFICATIONS.............................................................................................13
9. LED INDICATORS............................................................................................14
10. INSTALLATION..............................................................................................15
11. RV-C INSTANCE NUMBER .............................................................................17
12. RV-C REMOTE...............................................................................................18
13. LIMITED WARRANTY ....................................................................................19
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CONTENTS

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Important safety information is contained throughout this manual that should be carefully observed and followed. This
information is presented using the following format:
The
information is categorized in two ways:
Warning: Bodily harm could occur if instructions are not explicitly followed. If there are any doubts about the procedure or
conditions, please call GoPower! technical support before doing anything.
Caution: Damage to property could occur if instructions are not followed properly.
The following symbols are used to indicate the type of hazard.
GENERAL SAFETY
• Read entire manual before installation
• Any voltage above 30 VDC should be considered dangerous. Make sure power is disconnected before touching terminals
that exceed this voltage.
• There are no parts inside the controller that need to be maintained or repaired. The controller shall never be disassembled
• Unless otherwise specied, all terminal blocks should be re-tightened at least every 6 months to prevent possible re caused
by connections that have vibrated loose.
• Ensure all connections are tight and secure. Loose connections may generate sparks and heat. Be sure to check connections
one week after installation to ensure they are still tight.
SOLAR CONTROLLER SAFETY
• Always connect the battery BEFORE connecting the solar array to prevent damage to the controller. If the battery wires need
to be disconnected, the solar array wires should rst be disconnected.
• To prevent damage to the controller, ensure the solar array voltage does not exceed the maximum voltage of the solar
controller. See specications table below to determine the limit for your controller.
BATTERY SAFETY
• Ensure the battery type is set correctly in the controller settings to avoid possible explosion or re
• Read manual for battery and observe safety precautions before connecting the battery to the controller
• Only use deep cycle batteries that are intended for energy storage applications
Warning / Caution: Result
Description of condition leading to result
SYMBOL MEANING SYMBOL MEANING
General Warning Hot Surface
Risk of Shock Risk of Fire
Risk of Electrocution Risk of Chemicals
Risk of Explosion Risk of Eye Injury
SYMBOL
1. SAFETY

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2.1 OVERVIEW
The 30A RV-C MPPT solar controller is an advanced dual bank controller with RV-C communication for smart RV systems.
As an MPPT Solar controller it continuously monitors the solar panel’s generating power and tracks the maximum power
point, enabling the system to charge the battery with maximum power all the time. It is designed to be used in off-grid
solar photovoltaic systems to coordinate operation of the solar panel, battery, functioning as the core control unit in off-grid
photovoltaic systems.
With comprehensive electronic fault self-detecting functions and powerful electronic protection functions built inside the
controller, component damage caused by installation errors or system failures can be avoided.
This product features an optional LCD remote which displays the operating status and allows the control of congurable
parameters. Users can conveniently check parameters using the buttons and modify control parameters to cater to different
system requirements. The optional remote also includes Bluetooth communication that allows a smart phone to be conveniently
used to perform all the same tasks that the LCD remote can.
2.2 FEATURES
• Advanced multi-peak tracking technology. When the solar panel is shadowed or part of the panel fails resulting in multiple
peaks on the I-V curve, the controller is still able to accurately track the maximum power point
• Built-in maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm signicantly increases energy utilization efciency of the
photovoltaic system, (up to 30% higher than traditional PWM charging)
• MPPT tracking efciency of up to 99.9%
• Power conversion efciency of up to 98%
• Lithium battery reset capability allows a BMS protected over discharged battery to be automatically recovered without
having to disconnect the battery
• Presets for multiple battery chemistries, including LiFePO4, Flooded, Gel and AGM
• Supports user customized charge parameters
• Current-limited charging mode. When the power of solar panel is too large and the charging current is higher than the rated
value, the controller automatically reduces the charging power so that the solar panel can operate at the rated charging
current.
• Features LED fault indicators, which can display abnormal information, helps users to quickly identify system faults.
• Historical data storage function is available
• Minimal derating up to the maximum operating temperature
• Dual-battery management
• Temperature compensation and automatic adjustment of charge parameters help to improve battery life.
•
2. INTRODUCTION

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NO. NAME NO. NAME
1-5 Instance Indicators 13 Connection Terminals (PV-)
6 LED Indicator (BAT2) 14 Connection Terminals (PV+)
7 LED Indicator (BAT1) 15 Port for external temperature sensor
8 LED Indicator (PV) 16 Canbus Communication Port
9 Connection Terminals (BAT2-) 17 RS485 Communication Port
10 Connection Terminals (BAT2+) 18 Setup Key
11 Connection Terminals (BAT1-) 19 Installation Hole
12 Connection Terminals (BAT1+)
3. APPEARANCE

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Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) is an advanced charging technology that more efciently harvests power from solar
panels in all conditions. It does this by continuously tracking the I-V curve of the solar array and modifying operating conditions
to maximize output power. The graph below shows the MPPT point compared to a traditional PWM charger, which always runs
the solar array at a voltage close to the battery voltage.
Due to differences in ambient temperature and light conditions, the maximum power point often changes. The MPPT controller
can adjust parameters according to quickly changing conditions to keep the system near to its maximum working point. The
whole process is fully automatic and does not require any adjustments or interference by users.
The graph below shows how the IV curve of a solar panel changes with varying sunlight conditions.
4. MAXIMUM POWER POINT TECHNOLOGY

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The graph below shows how the IV curve of a solar panel changes with varying temperatures.
In partially shaded conditions there can also be multiple peaks in the P-V curve that can confuse an MPPT algorithm. Shown in
the diagram below is a series string of solar panels.
A corresponding graph below shows lower maximum power points (LMPP) and the greater maxim power point (GMPP) that will
result in maximum energy transfer. The GP-RVC series has a smart algorithm that will always choose the right peak.
MAXIMUM POWER POINT TECHNOLOGY

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Maximum power point tracking is used to charge the batteries with the highest current possible, but this is only part of the
equation. A battery cannot be charged at maximum power all the time for safety reasons, so multiple stages are used.
These stages include: bulk, absorption, oat and, for some types of batteries, equalization as indicated below.
STAGE 1: BULK
In quick charge stage, the battery voltage has not yet reached the set value of full charge voltage (i.e. equalizing/boost charge
voltage) and the controller will perform MPPT charging, which will provide maximum solar energy to charge the battery. When
the battery voltage reaches the pre-set value, Stage 2 charge will start.
STAGE 2: ABSORPTION
When the battery voltage reaches the absorption voltage, the controller will perform constant voltage charging. This is no
longer MPPT charging, and the charging current will gradually decrease with time.
STAGE 3: FLOAT
Float charge is conducted following the absorption charge stage. The controller will reduce the charge current to a small
amount in order to reduce sulfates on the battery plates or to allow a lithium battery to balance it’s cells. If the load exceeds
this small current the battery voltage will start to decrease until it reaches the recharge voltage. When the battery voltage falls
below the recharge voltage, the controller will switch back to bulk charging.
5. CHARGING STAGES

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STAGE 4: EQUALIZE
Warning: Risk of explosion!
Equalizing vented lead-acid battery may generate explosive gases. So, the battery compartment
must be well ventilated.
Caution: Damage of device!
Equalization can increase the battery voltage to levels that may damage sensitive DC loads. It
is necessary to verify that the allowable input voltage of all system loads is greater than the
equalizing charge set value.
Caution: Damage of device!
Over charge and excessive gas evolution may damage the battery plates and cause active
substances on the battery plate to come off. Equalizing charge may cause damage if voltage is
too high or time is too long. Please carefully check the specic requirements of battery used in
the system.
Certain battery types benet from regular equalizing charge, which can stir electrolytes, balance battery voltage, and complete
the chemical reaction. The equalize charge increases the battery voltage above a standard voltage, causing vaporization of
battery electrolyte. By default, this happens every 30 days for ooded batteries.
RECHARGE
After the battery is completely charged the charging cycle completes and the battery is allowed to slowly discharge until it
reaches the charge return voltage at which point a new charge cycle is initiated.
CHARGE PARAMETERS FOR VARIOUS BATTERY TYPES
PARAMETER GEL AGM FLOODED LIFEPO4 CUSTOM
High Voltage Disconnect 16.0 / 32.0 V 16.0 / 32.0 V 16.0 / 32.0 V 14.6 / 29.2 V 8..32 V
Equalize Voltage - - 14.9 / 29.8 V - 8..32 V
Bulk-Absorption Voltage 14.1 / 28.2 V 14.4 / 28.8 V 14.4 / 28.8 V 14.4 / 28.8 V 8..32 V
Float Voltage 13.7 / 27.4 V 13.7 / 27.4 V 13.7 / 27.4 V 14.0 / 28.0 V 8..32 V
Recharge Voltage 13.2 / 26.4 V 8..32 V
Over-Discharge Return Voltage 12.8 / 25.2 V 12.8 / 25.2 V 12.8 / 25.2 V 12.2 / 24.4 V 8..32 V
Under-Voltage Warning Level 12.0 / 24.0 V 8..32 V
Over-Discharge Voltage 11.0 / 22.0 V 8..32 V
Discharge Limit Voltage 10.5 / 21.0 V 8..32 V
Over-Discharge Time Delay 5 seconds 0..120 seconds
Equalize Duration - - 120 minutes - 0..600 minutes
Absorption Duration 120 minutes 120 minutes 120 minutes 120 minutes 10..600 minutes
Equalize Interval - - 30 days - 0..250 days
Temperature Compensation Factor -24 mV/°C -24 mV/°C -24 mV/°C - 0..-30 mV/°C
CHARGING STAGES