Renogy PWM30LCD User manual

PWM30LCD
RENOGY 30A Pulse Width Modulation Solar Charge
Controller with LCD Manual
2775 E. Philadelphia St., Ontario CA, 91761
1-800-330-8678

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Contents
1. Product Information 2
2. Installation 3
3. Operation 4
3.1 Explanation of LCD Graphic Symbols 4
3.2 Explanation of Buttons 4
3.3 Parameter Review and Setting 5
3.3.1 Battery Voltage 5
3.3.2 Turning the Load ON/OFF 5
3.3.3 Ambient Temperature 5
3.3.4 Solar Input Current 6
3.3.5 Load Current 6
3.3.6 Generated Amp-hours 6
3.3.7 Consumed Amp-hours 6
3.3.8 Ceasing Charging Voltage 7
3.3.9 Low Voltage Protection Function 7
3.3.10 Recovering Voltage 7
3.3.11 Load Work Mode 8
4. Protection Features and Troubleshooting 9
4.1 Low Voltage Protection 9
4.2 Overloading Protection 9
4.3 Short-circuit Protection 9
4.4 Solar Panels Not Detected 10
4.5 Starting Current Greater than the Rated Current 10
5. Warranty 11
6. Technical Specifications 12
6.1 Electrical Specifications 12
6.2 Mechanical Specifications 12

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1. Product Information
The PWM30LCD is an intelligent and multifunctional solar charge controller. The
customized LCD display makes it easy to operate. All the controlling parameters
can be adjusted to the user’s needs. This controller has the following features:
Visual LCD with graphic symbols
Brief key operation
Auto detection voltage (12V/24V)
Intelligent PWM Charging Mode
Temperature compensation
Adjustable charging and discharging parameters
Settable working modes of loads
Accumulative function of charging and discharging Amp-hours
Battery discharging protection
Low Voltage Disconnect
Overloading and short-circuit protection
Battery reversed protection
Delayed auto restart after overloading protection
The controller adopts the advanced Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) charging
technology. With range of 0-100%, it can charge the battery quickly and safely
under any condition of solar photovoltaic system.
When charging, it uses automatic duty cycle conversion, creating pulses of
current to charge the battery. Intermissions make the oxygen and hydrogen
generated by chemical reactions combine again and absorbed. It can naturally
eliminate concentration polarization and ohm polarization and reduce the internal
pressure of the battery, thus making the battery absorb more power. Pulse
current charging mode makes the battery have more time to react, which reduces
the gassing volume and makes the battery improve the acceptance rate of the
charging current.

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2. Installation
We suggest you choose the appropriate cables to ensure the current density < 4
A/mm2. This is good for reducing voltage drop between the solar array and the
charge controller. Recommendation: For 30 Amps, use a 10mm2cable.
1. Please avoid installing and using the controller under the following
conditions: wet or dusty locations, and in places with flammable and
explosive gases.
2. Install the controller on a vertical surface. In order to make the controller
have good thermal dissipation, please allow 10 cm (4 in) of free space
above and below the controller.
3. As shown in Fig. 1.1, do the connections in the following order:
1st Connect the DC loads
2nd Connect the battery or battery bank
3rd Connect the solar panel(s)
4. Plug the external thermal sensor into the interface as shown in Fig. 1.1.
Do not lose this sensor; it is required for the proper operation of the
controller.
Figure 1.1 Charge Controller Diagram
Caution: To avoid the accident, please disconnect the system in reverse order as the installation.
That is, first remove the panels, then the battery, and finally your loads.
Attention: Accidentally connecting the battery with reverse polarity will not damage the controller,
but will cause safety risk on your loads.
Solar Panels
DC Load
Temperature Sensor
Interface
Battery

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3. Operation
3.1. Explanation of LCD Graphic Symbols
Icon
Description
Icon
Description
Load output is OFF
Battery is not receiving charge
Load output is ON
Charging battery at full speed
Supplying current to loads
Controller is at normal
operation
Load connected
Controller is at abnormal
operation
Solar array connected
Battery Level
Load light control
Battery Connected
Timing control for loads
Float Charging
Table 3-1 LCD graphic symbols description
3.2. Explanation of Buttons
Circular toggle button. This button is used to navigate all interface
screens in a circular order as shown as Fig. 3.1.
Parameter adjusting (+) button. This button is used to increase the
value of a parameter (if adjustable).
Parameter adjusting (−) button. This button is used to decrease the
value of a parameter (if adjustable). Also, at the main interface, this
button can turn on or turn off the output load.
Figure 3.1 Order of the all the parameter screens
Battery Voltage
(Main interface)
Ambient
Temperature
Solar Input
Current
Load Current
Generated
Amp-hours
Load Working
State
Ceasing Charging
Voltage
Recovery
Voltage
Low Voltage
Protection
Consumed
Amp-hours

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3.3. Parameter Review and Setting
Once the charge controller is powered up, it will display the battery voltage. This
screen is the main interface of the controller. Press to go through the all of the
charge controller’s screens. Screens with parameters that are adjustable e.g.
“Low Voltage Protection” can be adjusted by pressing for more than 5
seconds. Once the number on the screen starts to flicker, it can now be adjusted
using and buttons. After the adjustment is complete, press again for
more than 5 seconds to save the new parameter.
3.3.1 Battery Voltage
The main screen shows the battery voltage and
the battery level. It also, shows the charging and
discharging state. After using the navigation
button, and changing to a different screen, the
controller will jump back automatically to the
main screen after 15 seconds.
3.3.2 Turning the Load ON/OFF
At the main screen, press to turn on or off
the load output. Please note that this button
does not have this functionality at any other
screens.
3.3.3 Ambient Temperature
The temperature sensor is required for
temperature compensation when the battery
ceases charging. This screen displays the
surrounding ambient temperature of the charge
controller.

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3.3.4 Solar Input Current
This screen will display the total amperage
being produced by the solar panel(s). This
number will decrease when approaching float-
charging mode.
3.3.5 Load Current
When the load is ON and a device is connected
to its terminals, the screen will show the amount
of current is drawing from the battery.
3.3.6 Generated Amp-hours
In this screen, the controller will display the
generated Amp-hours from the solar panels
since start up. Pressing for more than 5
seconds will clear the generated A-h.
Note: This number will also reset if you turn the
charge controller off.
3.3.7 Consumed Amp-hours
In this screen, the controller will display the total
Amp-hours consumed from the battery since
start up. Pressing for more than 5 seconds
will clear the consumed A-h.
Note: This number will also reset if you turn the
charge controller off.

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3.3.8 Ceasing Charging Voltage
The picture on the right shows the screen with
the maximum allowed battery voltage. When the
battery voltage reaches up to this voltage, the
controller will disconnect the charging state to
prevent the battery from overcharging. After the
battery voltage drops, the controller will
reconnect the charging state. This parameter
can be adjusted by pressing for more than 5
seconds. Once the number on the screen starts
to flicker, it can now be adjusted using and
buttons. After the adjustment is complete,
press again for more than 5 seconds to save
the new parameter.
3.3.9 Low Voltage Protection Function
The low voltage protection function disconnects
any power to the load output if the voltage falls
below a specific voltage. This function helps
prevent the battery from over-discharging. This
parameter can be adjusted by pressing for
more than 5 seconds. Once the number on the
screen starts to flicker, it can now be adjusted
using and buttons. After the adjustment
is complete, press again for more than 5
seconds to save the new parameter.
3.3.10 Recovering Voltage
After the controller enters into low voltage
protection state, it will remain on this state until
the batter voltage is greater than the recovering
voltage specified on this screen. Once this
happens, the controller will reconnect the load
output power automatically. This parameter can
be adjusted by pressing for more than 5
seconds. Once the number on the screen starts
to flicker, it can now be adjusted using and
buttons. After the adjustment is complete,
press again for more than 5 seconds to save
the new parameter.

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3.3.11 Load Work Mode
In this screen, the load output behavior is as
follows:
24h –Indicates normal mode. Loads are
under the condition of supplying power
without interruption.
1h-23h –Indicates timed light control.
Load terminals start to supply power after
sundown for the amount of hours
indicated on the screen (1 to 23 hours).
0h –Indicates Dusk-to-Dawn. Load is on
all night long.
This parameter can be adjusted by pressing
for more than 5 seconds. Once the number on
the screen starts to flicker, it can now be
adjusted using and buttons. After the
adjustment is complete, press again for more
than 5 seconds to save the new parameter.

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4. Protection Features and
Troubleshooting
4.1 Low Voltage Protection
When the battery voltage is below than the
protection voltage, the controller will enter in low
voltage protection state, which disconnects the
load output. Use the solar panels or alternate
charger to charge thebattery. When battery
voltage recovers above the specified voltage on
the “Recovering Voltage” screen, the controller
will recover to supply power for load terminals
and operate normal once again.
4.2 Overloading Protection
When the light bulb on the screen flickers with
partial lines (as shown on the picture on the
right), it means that the current load overloaded
to 1.2 times of the rated current for 3 seconds.
The controller is now in overloading state with
no output load. Removing some of loads will
reduce the current draw, and the controller will
continue supply power to the loads
automatically within seconds. If power still not
recovered, press to recover the power
manually.
4.3 Short-circuit Protection
When the light bulb on the screen flickers with
full lines (as shown on the picture on the right),
it means that there is a short-circuit at the load
terminals. The controller is now in short-circuit
protection state with no output load. Check for
damaged loads and make sure cables are not
shorting out. After checking all connections,
press to recover the power output.

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4.4 Solar Panels Not Detected
When is flickering, means that the controller does not detect the input PV
array. Check for loose connections and also check that the cables are in good
condition. If the panel still not detected, make sure that the polarity is not
reversed. Bad blocking diodes from the solar panels can cause low voltage
input, check that the panel’s open voltage and short-circuit current is within
specification.
4.5 Starting Current Greater than the Rated Current
If flickers when you turn on the load, it means the starting current is more
than twice of the charge controller’s rated current. Restart the controller four
times. Other exceptional conditions: Please contact the distributor or
manufacturer.

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6. Technical Specifications
6.1. Electrical Characteristics
Description
Parameter
Rated Working Voltage
12V/24V
Rated Charge Current
30A
Rated Load Current
30A
Maximum Input Power
360W (12V), 720W (24V)
Solar Input Voltage
≤48V
Battery Type
Sealed AGM (Lead Acid) and Flooded
Float Charging Voltage (adjustable)
13.8V/27.6V
Low Voltage Protection (adjustable)
10.7V/21.4V
Low Voltage Recovery (adjustable)
12.5V/25.0V
No Load Loss
≤30mA
Loop Voltage Drop
≤170mV
Temperature Compensation
-4mV/Cell/°C
Table 6.1. Electrical Characteristics
6.2. Mechanical Specifications
Description
Parameter
Max. Wire Size
AWG #7 (16mm2)
Working Temperature
-10°C to 60°C (14°F to 140°F)
Storage Temperature
-30°C to 70°C (-22°F to 158°F)
Temperature Requirement
≤90%, No Condensation
Dimensions
90x188x48 mm (3.54x7.40x1.89 in)
Mounting Hole Size and Distance
Φ 5 mm, 60x178 mm (2.36x7.01 in)
Weight
360g (12.7 oz.)
Table 6.2. Mechanical and Thermal Characteristics
Figure 6.1 Charge Controller (Top view)

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Thank you for your interest in the products and services of RNG Group Inc. By acquiring the
products of RNG Group Inc., you have purchased quality. As a sign of confidence in our quality,
we are pleased to grant you with the following warranties for our photovoltaic products.
1. Limited Warranty
The products manufactured by RNG Group Inc. (the “Warrantor”) are warranted to be free from
defects in workmanship and materials under normal use and service. The warranty is in effect
from the date of purchase by the user (the “Purchaser”). This limited warranty covers substantial
defects in material or workmanship and performance.
If any RNG Group Inc. product(s) fail to follow this Limited Warranty and any and all power loss is
determined by the Warrantor’s technical support team then the Warrantor will either repair or
replace the defective product(s) with a new or refurbished product(s). All replacements will be
compatible with the original product(s) with an equal or even greater power rating (in some
cases). If for any reason RNG Group Inc. is unable to repair or replace the defective product(s)
then a refund can occur.
*Please note that all outsourced product(s) will not be covered by RNG Group Inc.’s limited
material and workmanship warranty. Instead, outsourced products will be covered under the
original manufacturer’s warranty, if applicable. Including but not limited to Samlex America,
Enphase Energy, MidNite Solar Inc., VMAX USA, UPG (Universal Power Group), etc.
Material and Workmanship Warranty period for the following products after August 1st,
2015:
INVT-500-12V; INVT-1000-12V; INVT-1500-12V; INVT-2000-12V
3 year material
and
workmanship
warranty
AK-10FT-10; AK-10FT-12; AK-20FT-10; AK-20FT-12; AK-30FT-10; AK-30FT-12;
AK-40FT-10; AK-40FT-12; AK-9IN-12; BATTERYCB-12IN-4; BATTERYCB-14IN-
4; BATTERYCB-16IN-4; EXTCB-1.5FT-12; EXTCB-5FT-10; EXTCB-5FT-12;
EXTCB-10FT-10; EXTCB-10FT-12; EXTCB-15FT-10; EXTCB-15FT-12; EXTCB-
20FT-10; EXTCB-20FT-12; INVTCB-5FT-4; TRAYCB-8FT-8; TRAYCB-8FT-10;
TRAYCB-8FT-12; TRAYCB-16FT-8; TRAYCB-16FT-10; TRAYCB-16FT-12;
CNCT-FUSE10; CNCT-FUSE15; CNCT-FUSE20; CNCT-FUSE30; CNCT-MC4;
CNCT-MC4Y; TRCRMTR-MT-5; TRCRMTR-MT-150; TRCRMTR-MT-50;
TRCRMTR-MT-5; TRCRMTR-MT-1; CTRL-MPPT20; CTRL-MPPT40; CTRL-
PWM10DB; CTRL-PWM10; CTRL-PWM20DB; CTRL-PWM30; CTRL-PWM30-
LCD; CTRL-PWM5; CTRL-PWM10-LCD-VS; CTRL-PWM20-LCD-VS; CTRL-
PWM30-LCD-VS; CTRL-ADV30-LCD; CTRL-WND30; MTS-ZB; MTS-SP100;
MTS-TM100; MTS-EC35; MTS-EC40; MTS-EC50; MTS-LF; MTS-MC35; MTS-
MC40; MTS-MC50; MTS-RS; MTS-RL5FT; MTS-QMSC; MTS-BDRL10FT;
TRCRMTR-MT-150; TOOL-MC4; CTRL-VS-TS; CMP-SF25000; LED-WallLight;
LED-MR16; LED-BULB; LED-BULBX4; LED-STRIP; CMP-B-EGO14.1; CMP-
EGO10000; CMP-EGOS2800; CMP-EFL14; CMP-EBOT-S; CMP-EBOX-2.1;
CMP-EGOMN2600
1 year material
and
workmanship
warranty
2. General Conditions for Warranty Claims
For Workmanship and Material Warranty: If the Purchaser experiences any defects in materials
and workmanship under normal application, such as defects and/or failures due to manufacturing
or due to materials, it is their responsibility to contact the Warrantor’s technical support team. The
technicians will offer steps and procedures to test the product(s), repair the product(s) or require
Limited Warranty for Accessories
www.Renogy.com

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the Purchaser to ship the product(s) to the technical support team if needed. Based on the
outcome, the warranty service will then be in effect.
This warranty extends only to the original Purchaser. If gifted or resold the customer must go
through the original Purchaser in order to claim warranty. Original order information is needed to
claim warranty. If original order was shipped within the US, the Purchaser will be responsible for
additional shipping costs out of the US. The Customer’s sole and exclusive remedy and the entire
liability of the Warrantor, its suppliers and affiliates for breach of the warranty is, either to replace
the product(s) or component parts of the product(s) and in some cases refund the product(s) cost.
This warranty does not cover labor. Products that have been serviced or replaced under their
warranty period do not receive extended warranties. Instead, the serviced/replaced product(s) will
abide to the original warranty period issued when first purchased. No employee, agent, dealer or
any other person is authorized to give any warranties on behalf of the Warrantor, not expressly
set forth in this limited warranty.
3. Exclusions and Limitations
The warranty does not cover failures result from incorrect handling, product modifications,
installation, conversion or additions, supplements, operation, natural elements (weather),
excessive or deficient energy supply, chemicals, the effect of solid bodies or deliberate damage.
If the Warrantor determines that the problem with the product(s) is not due to a manufacturing
defect in the Warrantor’s workmanship or materials, or otherwise does not qualify for warranty
repair, then the Purchaser will be responsible for all costs incurred by the Warrantor necessary to
repair, replace and transport the product(s).
The warranty shall be asserted with the Warrantor in writing enclosing a copy of the invoice and a
description of the defect/loss of performance within the warranty period. The Warrantor shall
accept no returns of product(s) without the previous written request for this. Within five (5)
business days of the date of notification, the Warrantor will provide the Purchaser with an RMA
number and the location to which the Purchaser must return the defective module(s). Any
product(s) returned for valid warranty service shall be shipped at the expense and risk of the
Warrantor. The Purchaser must return the product(s) (or, if authorized by the Warrantor, the
defective component parts), within fifteen (15) days after issuance of the RMA number. The
Warrantor will be under no obligation to accept any returned product(s) that does not have a valid
RMA number. All parts that the Warrantor replaces shall become the Warrantor’s property on the
date the Warrantor ships the repaired product(s) or part back to the Purchaser. The Warrantor will
use all reasonable efforts within thirty (30) days of receipt of the defective product(s) to repair or
replace such product(s). If a warranty claim is invalid for any reason, the Purchaser will be
charged at the Warrantor’s then-current rates for services performed and will be charged for all
necessary repairs and expenses incurred by the Warrantor. If the Warrantor determines that a
warranty claim is valid, it will ship the repaired or replaced product(s) to the Purchaser at the
Warrantor’s cost.
RNG GROUP INC. MAKES NO OTHER WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS, EXPRESS OR
IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OR CONDITION
OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR ANY IMPLIED
WARRANTY OR CONDITION ARISING OUT OF A COURSE OF DEALING, CUSTOMER OR
USAGE OF TRADE.
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES WILL RNG GROUP INC. OR ITS AFFILIATES OR
SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE OR RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY LOSS OF USE, INTERRUPTION OF
BUSINESS, LOST PROFITS, LOST DATA, OR INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OF ANY KIND REGARDLESS OF THE FORM OF ACTION,
WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE), STRICT LIABILITY OR

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OTHERWISE, EVEN IF RENOGY OR ITS AFFILIATE OR SUPPLIER HAS BEEN ADVISED OF
THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE.
Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so
these limitations may not apply to you. Neither RNG Group Inc. nor its affiliates or suppliers will
be held liable or responsible for any damage or loss to any items or products connected to,
powered by or otherwise attached to the Product. The total cumulative liability to the Purchaser,
from all causes of action and all theories of liability, will be limited to and will not exceed the
purchase price of the Product paid by the Purchaser. This warranty gives you specific legal rights
and you may also have other legal rights that vary from state to state.
RNG Group Inc.
2775 E. Philadelphia St.
Ontario, CA 91761
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email:
General Inquiries: [e-mail]
Sales Inquiries: [e-mail]
Technical Support Inquiries: [e-mail]
Customer Service Inquiries:custom[email protected]
Updated: July 20, 2015