Rev 1.0 25.07.07 PL20N Reference Manual 5
Features
The PL series of solar controllers are exceptionally
versatile. They give the user unparalleled capability
to adjust the function of the controller and to
monitor the performance of the energy system.
To cater for both non technical and technical users,
the PL has four preset programs which can be used
without needing to understand the details of its
operation. For those with a good understanding of
power regulation, there is another program, which
allows all the settings to be adjusted if required.
Once the program has been selected, it is
possible to disable any further adjustment. This
prevents unauthorised adjustment of settings.
Although the PL is primarily a device to control the
charging of batteries from solar electric (photovoltaic)
panels, it can also be used with other energy sources
such as wind, microhydro and fuel driven generators.
The PL can support a variety of regulation
methods. It supports slow speed switching and
fixed frequency pulse width modulation (PWM)
control in series and shunt modes.
Low battery voltage load disconnection is
provided, as are an alarm, facility to control the
charging of a second battery bank, control for a
back up generator and an event controller which
can be used to control lights, pumping, waste
energy use and other timer functions.
A temperature sensor can be added to correct
the regulation voltages for battery temperature.
There is an input for measuring external voltages.
A serial interface is provided for accessories
including remote shunt adapters (XLS) and an
RS232 adapter to communicate with a computer/
modem (XLI).
Using external current shunts attached to the
XLS allows the controller to see other current
flows in the system.
The PL can control larger systems by adding
external switch blocks attached to the serial bus
The XLI allows remote monitoring and
adjustment. Custom settings can be stored on a
computer and uploaded into the PL controller.
Data from the PL can be downloaded into the
computer and displayed easily.
Overload Protection
The PL has over current protection on both the
load and charge switches.
If the user accidently short circuits the load or
the charge connections, then the switch will turn
off very quickly before any damage is done to the
switch.
If the user overloads the load switch, then the
load switch will disconnect after a period of
time to protect itself from overheating. It will
reconnect automatically once the switch cools
If the charge input is overloaded, then the
controller will turn the charge switch off, as
required to reduce the average current to the
rated charge current of the PL
For details see section x.x.
Thermal Protection
The PL has a temperature sensor on the circuit
board. The function of this sensor is to tell the
PL how hot it’s own circuit board is so that it can
reduce the charge current (the major heating
source) in order to protect against overheating.
Menus
The PL has a simple main menu. This is described
in the user guide and provides most the the
information required for normal use.
Behind each of the main menu screens are sub
menus. These are entered by doing a long push
in the main menu. They allow access to more
information and control of more advanced
features.
The following pages describe each submenu in
detail.
1
