PIKA B801 REcharge User manual

Pika B801 REcharge™
Off-grid Charge Controller
Operation Manual

OperationManual
B801BidirectionalREbus™BatteryChargeController
Revision Table
Revision
Date
Changes
1.0
03/19/2015
Initial Release

1
General Remarks
Congratulations! You have purchased the Pika Energy B801 Bidirectional REbus™Charge Controller, a
dependable, efficient component of your clean energy system. The B801 is the result of thePikateam’s
careful development and testing, building on decades of experience in the fields of power electronics
and renewable energy systems.
The B801 is a charge controller designed for high-efficiency bidirectional conversion between a REbus™
Microgrid and a 24V to 48V battery bank. This charge controller is equipped with a small fan to keep
things cool under extreme conditions. An illuminated display and intuitive system of menus enable you
to configure a variety of setpoints as well as view the energy output of every component of your
renewable energy system. The charge controller also serves as an information gateway, enabling
monitoring and control of your entire renewable energy system.
Unlike conventional charge controllers,whichonlyconnecttoonetypeofenergysource,Pika’sB801is
designed to operate as the hub for an expandable network of renewable energy devices, based on the
REbusTM renewable energy standard.
What is REbusTM?
The underlying technology behind Pika’s B801 charge controller is an innovative energy management
technologyor‘smartmicrogrid’calledREbus™.REbus™isaDCenergynetwork that enables customers
to build cost-effective, scalable renewable energy systems. The REbusTM network is designed to serve as
an open interconnection standard for networking next-generation energy technology – like Wi-Fi or USB
for green energy!
IMPORTANT! Only REbusTM compatible components may be used in connection with this charge
controller. Do not connect the output of a PV array or any other non-REbusTM electrical source to the
charge controller terminals. Serious property damage and/or personal injury may result.

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Contents
Revision Table ............................................................................................................................................... 0
General Remarks ........................................................................................................................................... 1
1 Regarding this Document ......................................................................................................................... 4
1.1 Symbols used in this document .......................................................................................................... 4
1.2 Data Label ........................................................................................................................................... 4
2 Important safety information and instructions ......................................................................................... 5
2.1 Appropriate Usage .............................................................................................................................. 5
2.2 Supported Battery Types .................................................................................................................... 5
3 Notes concerning installation and operation ............................................................................................ 6
3.1 Intended (normal) use ........................................................................................................................ 6
3.2 Pika Energy Factory Limited Warranty ................................................................................................ 6
3.3 Service ................................................................................................................................................. 6
4 The REbusTM Microgrid ............................................................................................................................... 7
4.1 Simple and Efficient Power Distribution and Management ............................................................... 7
4.2 Integrated Power Line Carrier (PLC) Communications ....................................................................... 7
4.3REbus™ControlProtocol(RCP) ........................................................................................................... 7
5DesigningaREbus™System ....................................................................................................................... 8
6. User Interface............................................................................................................................................ 8
6.1 Overview of User Interface ................................................................................................................. 8
6.2 LED Displays ........................................................................................................................................ 8
6.2.1Multicolor“REbus™”LED ............................................................................................................. 8
6.2.2Multicolor“Battery”LED ............................................................................................................. 8
6.2.3Blue“Wi-Fi”LED ........................................................................................................................... 9
6.3 LCD Display .......................................................................................................................................... 9
6.3.1REbus™SystemPage.................................................................................................................... 9
6.3.2 B801 Charge Controller Page ..................................................................................................... 10
6.3.3 Wi-Fi Status Page ....................................................................................................................... 14
6.3.4OtherREbus™DevicePages ...................................................................................................... 15
6.3.5 Background Illumination ............................................................................................................ 16
7 Operation ................................................................................................................................................. 16

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7.1 Installation ........................................................................................................................................ 16
7.2 Power Switch .................................................................................................................................... 16
7.3 Enable/Disable .................................................................................................................................. 16
7.4 Charging Stages ................................................................................................................................. 16
7.4.1 Terms ......................................................................................................................................... 16
7.4.2 Bulk............................................................................................................................................. 17
7.4.3 Absorption.................................................................................................................................. 17
7.4.4 Float ........................................................................................................................................... 17
7.4.5 Equalize ...................................................................................................................................... 17
7.5 Battery Voltage Limits ....................................................................................................................... 18
7.5.1 Low Battery Voltage ................................................................................................................... 18
7.5.2 Error Low Battery Voltage .......................................................................................................... 18
7.5.3 High Battery Voltage .................................................................................................................. 18
7.6 High Temperature Operation ............................................................................................................ 19
7.7 Configurations ................................................................................................................................... 19
8 Internet Compatibility .............................................................................................................................. 22
8.1 Wi-Fi Antenna ................................................................................................................................... 22
8.2 Configuring your Wi-Fi Connection ................................................................................................... 23
8.2.1 Scan-based network setup ......................................................................................................... 23
8.2.2 Add network setup ..................................................................................................................... 24
8.3 Wi-Fi Status Messages and Troubleshooting .................................................................................... 25
8.3.1 Connection states: ..................................................................................................................... 25
8.3.2 Connection state messages: ...................................................................................................... 26
8.4PikaaccountandtheREview™onlinemonitoringsystem ............................................................... 27
9 Maintenance ............................................................................................................................................ 28
9.1 Battery Maintenance ........................................................................................................................ 28
9.2 Handling Errors and Faults ................................................................................................................ 28
10 Troubleshooting Guide .......................................................................................................................... 28
11 Frequently Asked Questions .................................................................................................................. 30
12 Specifications ......................................................................................................................................... 31

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1 Regarding this Document
This manual contains important instructions for the B801 Charge controller that must be followed during
installation and maintenance of the charge controller. The B801 is designed with safety in mind, but as
with all electrical and electronic equipment, certain precautions must be observed when installing
and/or operating the B801. To reduce the risk of personal injury and to ensure the safe installation and
operation of the B801, you must carefully read and follow all instructions, cautions and warnings in this
user manual.
Store this manual so that it is always easily accessible.
1.1 Symbols used in this document
WARNING: This indicates a fact or feature very important for the safety of the user to
prevent injury or death and/or which can cause serious hardware damage if not
applied appropriately.
CAUTION: Presents information to prevent damage to this product
EARTH GROUND SYMBOL
1.2 Data Label
A permanently affixed label indicating the device specifications, serial number, and manufacturing date
is located on the bottom surface of the charge controller enclosure. Tampering with the label can void
warranty.

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2 Important safety information and instructions
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
This manual contains important instructions for model B801 that shall be followed during installation
and maintenance of the Pika B801 Charge controller.
WARNING: Before installing the Pika Energy B801 Charge controller, read all instructions and
caution markings in this manual and on the B801 as well as on other REbus™devices.
WARNING: Electrical installation in the United States shall be done in accordance with all local
electrical codes and/or the National Electrical Code (NEC), ANSI/NFPA 70.
WARNING: Electrical installation in Canada shall be done in accordance with all local electrical
codes and/or the Canadian Electrical Code.
2.1 Appropriate Usage
The B801 is a charge controller designed for high-efficiency bidirectional conversion between a REbus™
DC Microgrid and a 24V to 48V battery bank. Refer to the charge controller installation manual for
detailed information about the product and its intended use. The charge controller may only be
operated with REbus™ devices. Do not use the charge controller for purposes other than those
described here. Alternative uses, modifications to the charge controller or the installation of
components not expressly recommended or sold by the manufacturer void the warranty claims and
operating permission. Contact Pika Energy technical support if you need clarification regarding proper
use of the charge controller.
2.2 Supported Battery Types
The B801 is to be connected to a 24V to 48V battery bank, contact Pika support for information
regarding other battery voltages. Supported battery chemistries include: flooded lead acid, sealed lead
acid(“maintenancefree”),AGM, NiFe (Nickel-Iron), aqueous hybrid ion and lithium based chemistries.
Lithium-based chemistries including Li-ion, lithium polymer and lithium-iron phosphate may require
individual balancer circuits and special setpoint adjustments. Contact Pika Energy before using the B801
with Lithium-based battery chemistries.

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3 Notes concerning installation and operation
3.1 Intended (normal) use
Your charge controller is strictly constructed according to approved safety requirements. Improper use
may lead to lethal hazards for operators and/or damage to devices and property. Improper use or
modification of the B801 may result in serious property damage, personal injury or death.
REBUS™ INPUT ONLY! The B801 is designed to accept regulated direct current (DC) from REbusTM-
compatible devices (e.g. REbusTM-compatible wind turbine, REbusTM-compatible PV Link unit). DO NOT
CONNECT PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULES DIRECTLY TO THE REBUS™ INPUTS OF THE B801 CHARGE
CONTROLLER. DOING SO WILL VOID THE WARRANTY AND MAY DAMAGE THE CHARGE CONTROLLER.
Any use other than the specified intended use shall not be deemed intended or normal use, and may
result in property damage, personal injury or death. Pika is not liable for damage or injuries caused by
unintended use.
Damage caused by unintended use is at the sole risk of the operator.
“Intendeduse”shallalsoincludeadherencetotheoperatingandinstallationinstructions.
Your trained and authorized installer must obtain all necessary permits and agreements from your local
government and your utility company for a legal and code-compliant installation of your REbus™Smart
Microgrid system. See the User Manual for more detail.
3.2 Pika Energy Factory Limited Warranty
The Pika limited warranty covers defects in workmanship and materials of the Pika B801 Charge
Controller for a period of five (5) years from the date of original purchase of such charge controller at
point of sale to the originally-installed end user location. Contact Pika Energy Support for warranty
claim information.
3.3 Service
WARNING: Do not attempt to repair the B801 Charge Controller. The charge controller contains
no user-serviceable parts.
If the Pika B801 malfunctions or fails in any way, first contact Pika customer service at 1 [phone]
for troubleshooting help. See the Warranty section for details on terms and conditions for repair or
replacement under warranty. You must obtain an RMA (Returned Merchandise Authorization) number
prior to returning the unit. Obtain the assistance of a skilled and qualified installer to safely disconnect
the charge controller for shipment.
Technical Support Information:
Support department hours: 9AM to 5PM EST, Monday – Friday (excluding holidays)
Phone: [phone] United States Language: English
Email: [e-mail]

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4 The REbusTM Microgrid
The REbusTM Microgrid is the underlying technology that allows for the efficient and robust
interconnection of different types of renewable energy products. This section is informational only and
not required knowledge for operation of your Pika B801 Charge controller.
4.1 Simple and Efficient Power Distribution and Management
The REbusTM Microgrid architecture was designed with renewable energy in mind. A clean-sheet
approach to power distribution resulted in the most practical and efficient interconnection technology
available. The REbusTM Microgrid operates at variable voltage in a defined band, between +/- 180-200 V
relative to ground which simultaneously allows for efficient power transmission, reduced shock hazard,
and simplified electronics for a bidirectional converter such as the B801. The variable voltage
communicates energy availability to the attached REbus™ devices, which allows for prioritized energy
storage and load shedding. The REbusTM Microgrid is designed to support many different types of
renewable energy sources and power converters, as well as accommodating future 380VDC REbusTM
Microgrid loads that are presently in development.
4.2 Integrated Power Line Carrier (PLC) Communications
The REbus™ Microgrid standard also specifies an optional power line carrier communication technology
that enables devices on the same REbus™Microgrid to communicate with one another. The B801 uses
this capability to gather information about your system such as the status and energy production of your
Pika T701 Wind Turbine or your solar array, which connects to the REbus™ Microgrid through the Pika
S2001 PV Link.
4.3 REbus™ Control Protocol (RCP)
REbus™ Control Protocol (RCP) is a communications protocol developed specifically for the transfer of
data between REbus™-compatible power converters and data management products. RCP is an open-
standard protocol which enables independent developers to interface with REbus™ products and create
software and applications to enhance user experience. Please visit the Pika Energy website to learn
more about RCP and the software applications that are currently available.