Valen MPPT 30A User manual

The Valen MPPT 30A real time monitoring tracks the highest voltage and current values, ensuring
the battery is charged at maximum power with the greatest efficiency from the solar panel. It’s
designed to be used in off-grid solar photovoltaic systems to coordinate operation of the solar panel,
battery and load, functioning as the core control unit in off-grid photovoltaic systems.
The Valen MPPT 30A features an LCD screen which can dynamically display the operating status,
operating parameters, controlling logs, control parameters, etc. Users can conveniently check
parameters by the keys and modify control parameters to cater to different system requirements.
The controller utilises standard Modbus communication protocol, making it easy for users to check
and modify system parameters on their own. By providing free monitoring software, users are given
the maximum convenience to satisfy their varied needs for remote monitoring. 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 to the
greatest extent possible.
With the advanced dual-peak or 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.
A built-in maximum power point tracking algorithm can significantly improve the energy
utilisation efficiency of photovoltaic systems, and raise the charging efficiency by 15% to
20% compared with the conventional PWM method.
A combination of multiple tracking algorithms enables accurate tracking of the optimum
working point on the IV curve in an extremely short time.
The Valen MPPT 30A boasts an optimum MPPT tracking efficiency of up to 99%.
Advanced digital power supply technologies raise the circuit’s energy conversion efficiency
to as high as 98%.
Charging program options are available for different types of batteries including Gel, AGM,
Wetcell and Lithium Phosphate.
The controller features a limited current charging mode. When the solar panel power
exceeds a certain level and the charging current is larger than the rated current, the
controller will automatically lower the charging power and bring the charging current to the
rated level.
Instantaneous large current start-up of capacitive loads is supported.
Automatic recognition of battery voltage is supported
LED fault indicators and an LCD screen which can display abnormality information helps
users to quickly identify system faults.
Historical data storage function is available, and data can be stored for up to a year.
The controllers are equipped with an LCD screen which users can not only check device
operating data and statuses, but also modify controller parameters.
The controller supports standard Modbus protocol, fulfilling the communications needs of
various occasions.

The controller employs a built-in over-temperature protection mechanism. When
temperature surpasses the set value, the charging current will decline in linear proportion to
the temperature so as to cur the temperature rises of the controller, effectively keeping the
controller from being damaged by overheat.
Featuring a temperature compensation function, the controller can automatically adjust
charging and discharging parameters in order to extend the battery’s service life.
TVS lighting protection

Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) is an advanced charging technology that enables the solar
panel to output more power by adjusting the electric module’s operating status. Due to the
nonlinearity of solar arrays, there exists a maximum energy output point (maximum power point) on
their curves. Unable to continuously lock onto this point to charge the battery, conventional
controllers (employing switching and PWM charging technologies) can’t get the most power from
the solar panel. But a solar charge controller featuring MPPT technology can continuously track
array’s maximum power point to get the maximum amount of power to charge the battery.
Take a 12V system as an example. As the solar panel’s peak voltage (VPP) is approx. 17V while the
battery’s voltage is around 12V, when charging with a conventional solar controller, the solar panel’s
voltage will stay around 12V, failing to deliver the maximum power. However, the MPPT controller
can overcome the problem by adjusting the solar panel’s input voltage and current in real time,
realising a maximum input power.
Compared with conventional PWM controllers, the MPPT controller can make the most of the solar
panel’s max. power and therefore provide larger charging current. Generally speaking, the latter can
raise the energy utilisation by 15% to 20% in contrast with the PWM.
Meanwhile, due to charging ambient temperature and illumination conditions, the max. power point
varies frequently, and the Valen MPPT 30A controller can adjust parameter settings according to the
environmental conditions in real time, so as to always keep the system close to the max. operating
point. The whole process is entirely automatic without the need of human intervention.

As one of the charging stages, Valen MPPT 30A can not be used alone, but has to be used together
with boost charging, float charging, equalise charging, etc. to complete charging the battery. A
complete charging process includes: fast charging, sustaining charging and float charging. The
charging curve is shown below.
Fast Charging: at the fast charging stage, as the battery voltage has not reached the set value of full
voltage (i.e. equalising/boost voltage) yet, the controller will perform MPPT charging on the battery
with the maximum solar power. When the battery voltage reaches the pre-set value, constant
voltage charging will begin.
Sustaining Charging: when the battery voltage reaches the set value of sustaining voltage, the
controller will switch to constant voltage charging. In this process, no MPPT charging will be
performed, and meanwhile the charging current will also gradually decrease. The sustaining charging
stage itself consists of two sub-stages, i.e. equalise charging and boost charging, the two of which
are not carried out in a repeated manner, with the former getting activated once every 30 days.
Boost Charging: by default, boost charging generally lasts for 2 hours, but users can adjust pre-set
values of duration and boost voltage point according to the actual needs. When the duration
reaches the set value, the system will then switch to float charging.
Equalise Charging: WARNING! RISK OF EXPLOSION! In equalise charging, a wetcell battery can
produce explosive gas, therefore the battery chamber should have good ventilation conditions.
NOTE: RISK OF EQUIPMENT DAMAGE! Equalise charging may raise the battery voltage to a level
that may damage to sensitive DC loads. Ensure that allowable input voltages of all the loads in the
system are greater than the set value for battery equalise charging. NOTE: RISK OF EQUIPMENT
DAMAGE! Overcharge or too much gas generated may damage the battery plates and cause active
material on the battery plates to scale off. Equalise charging to an excessively high level or for too
long a period may cause damage. Read the actual requirements of the battery deployed in the
system carefully.

Some types of batteries benefit from regular equalise charges which can stir the electrolyte, balance
the battery voltage and finish the electrochemical reaction. Equalise charging raises the battery
voltage to a higher level than the standard supply voltage and gases the battery electrolyte. If the
controller then automatically steers the battery into equalise charging, the charging duration is 120
minutes (default). In order to avoid too much generated gas or battery overheat, equalise charging
and boost charging won’t repeat in one complete charging cycle.
Note:
When due to the installation environment or working loads, the system can’t continuously
stabilise the battery voltage to a constant level, the controller will initiate a timing process,
and 3 hours after the battery voltage reaches the set value, the system will automatically
switch to equalise charging.
If no calibration has been done to the controller clock, the controller will perform equalise
charging regularly according to its internal clock.
Float Charging: when finishing sustaining charging stage, the controller will switch to float charging
in which the controller lowers the battery voltage by diminishing the charging current and keeps the
battery voltage at the set value of float charging voltage. In the float charging process, very light
charging is carried out for the battery to be maintained at full state. At this stage, the loads can
access almost all the solar power. If the loads consume more power than the solar panel could
provide, the controller will not be able to keep the battery voltage at the float charging stage. When
the battery voltage drops to the set value for returning to boost charging, the system will exit float
charging and re-enter into fast charging.
Be very careful when installing the battery. For wetcell batteries, wear a pair of gloves
during installation, and in case of contact with battery acid, flush with water immediately.
In order to prevent the battery from being short-circuited, no metal objects should be
placed near the battery.
Acid gas may be generated during battery charging, ensure the ambient environment is well
ventilated.
Keep the battery away from fire sparks as the battery may produce flammable gas.
When installing the battery outdoors, take sufficient measures to keep the battery away
from direct sunlight and rain water intrusion.
Loose connections or corroded wires may cause excessive heat generation which may
further melt the wire’s insulation layer and burn surrounding materials, and even cause a
fire, therefore make sure all connections are tightened securely. Wires has better be fixed
properly with ties, and when needs arise to move things avoid wire swaying so as to keep
connections from loosening.
When connecting the system, the output terminal’s voltage may exceed the top limit for
human safety. If operation needs to be done, be sure to use insulation tools and keep hands
dry.

The wiring terminals on the controller can be connected with a single battery or a pack of
batteries. Following descriptions in this manual apply to systems employing either a single
battery or a pack of batteries.
Follow the safety advice given by the battery manufacturer.
When selecting connection wires for the system, follow the criterion that the current density
is not larger than 4A/mm².
Connect the controller’s earth terminal to the ground.
Wiring and other installation methods must comply with national and local electrical specifications.
The wiring specifications of the battery and loads must be selected according to rated currents, and
see the following table for wiring specifications:
30A
20A
6mm²
5mm²
WARNING! RISK OF EXPLOSION! Never install the controller and an
open battery in the same enclosed space! Nor should the controller
be installed in an enclosed space where battery gas may accumulate.
WARNING! DANGER OF HIGH VOLTAGE! Photovoltaic arrays may
produce a very high open-circuit voltage. Open the breaker or fuse
before wiring and be very careful during the wiring process.
Note: when installing the controller, make sure that enough air flows
through the controller’s radiator, and have at least 150mm of space
both above and below the controller to ensure natural convection for
heat dissipation. If the controller is installed in an enclosed box, make
sure the box delivers reliable heat dissipation effect.
1. Choose the installation site. Do not install the controller at a
place that is subject to direct sunlight, high temperature or
water intrusion and ensure the ambient environment is well ventilated.
2. Place the installation guide plate at a proper position, use a marking pen to mark the
mounting points, then drill 4 mounting holes at the marked points, and fit screws in.
3. Fix the controller. Aim the controller’s fixing holes at the screws marked in step 2 and mount
the controller on.
≥150mm
≥150mm
Hot air
Cold air

4. Remove the two screws on the controller, and then begin the wiring operation. In order to
guarantee installation safety, we recommend the following wiring order; however, you can
choose not to follow this order and no damage will be incurred to the controller.
1. Connecting to external temperature sampling interface.
2. Connecting communication cable.
3. Connecting power cable.
WARNING! RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK! We strongly recommend that fuses or breakers be
connected at the photovoltaic array side, load side and battery side so as to avoid electric
shock during wiring operation or faulty operations, and make sure the fuses and breakers
are in open state before wiring.
WARNING! DANGER OF HIGH VOLTAGE! Photovoltaic arrays may product a very high open-
circuit voltage. Open the breaker or fuse before wiring, and be very careful during the wiring
process. 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. First connect the battery, then the load, and finally the solar
panel. When wiring, follow the order of first ‘+’ and then ‘-‘.
4. Power on. After connecting all power wires solidly and reliably, check whether wiring is
correct and if the positive and negative poles are reversely connected. After confirming that
no faults exist, first close the fuse or breaker of the battery, then see whether the LED
indicators light up and the LCD screen displays information. If the LCD screen fails to display
information, open the fuse breaker immediately and recheck if all connections are correctly
done. If the battery functions normally, connect the solar panel. If sunlight is intense

enough, the controller’s charging indicator will light up or flash and begin to charge the
battery. After successfully connecting the battery and photovoltaic array, finally close the
fuse or breaker of the load, and the you can manually test whether the load can be normally
turned on and off. For details, refer to information about load working modes and
operations.
WARNING! When the controller is in normal charging state, disconnect the battery will have
some negative effect on the DC loads, and in extreme cases, the loads may get damaged.
WARNING! Within 10 minutes after the controllers stop charging, if the battery’s poles are
reversely connected, internal components of the controller may get damaged.
Note:
The battery’s fuse or breaker should be installed as close to the battery side as possible, and
it’s recommended that installation distance be not more than 150mm.
If no remote temperature sensor is connected to the controller, the battery temperature
value will stay at 25°C.
If an inverter is deployed in the system, directly connect the inverter to the battery, and do
not connect it to the controller’s load terminals.
PV array indicator
Indicating the controllers current charging mode
BAT indicator
Indicating the battery’s current state
Load indicator
Indicating the loads On/Off and state
ERROR indicator
Indicating whether the controller is functioning normally
BULK
Steady On
MPPT Charging
ACCEPTANCE
Slow Flashing
(A cycle of 2s; on/off lasting for 1s)
Boost Charging
FLOAT
Single Flashing
(A cycle of 2s; on/off lasting for 0.1s & 1.9s)
Float Charging
EQUALISE
Quick Flashing
(A cycle of 2s; on/off lasting for 0.1s)
Equalise Charging
CURRENT LIMITED
Double Flashing
(A cycle of 2s; on for 0.1s, off for 0.1s, on again for
0.1s, and off again for 1.7s)
Current-limited Charging
Off
No Charging

Steady On
Normal Battery Voltage
Slow Flashing (A cycle of 2s; on/off lasting for 1s)
Battery Over-discharged
Quick Flashing (A cycle of 2s; on/off lasting for 0.1s)
Battery Over-voltage
Off
Load turned off
Quick Flashing (A cycle of 2s; on/off lasting for 0.1s)
Load overload/short-circuited
Steady On
Load functioning normally
Off
System operating normally
Steady On
System malfunctioning
UP
Page up; increase the parameter value in setting
DOWN
Page down; decrease the parameter value in setting
RETURN
Return to previous menu (exit without saving)
SET
Enter into sub menu; set/save
Turn on/off loads (in manual mode)

During start-up, the 4 indicators will first flash successively, and after self-inspection, the LCD screen
starts and displays the battery’s voltage level which will be either a fixed voltage selected by the user
or a voltage automatically recognised.
0
Sole light control
(night time on/day time off)
When no sunlight is present, the solar panel voltage is
lower than the light control on voltage, and after a time
delay, the controller will switch on the load; when sunlight
emerges, the solar panel voltage will become higher than
the light control off voltage, and after a time delay, the
controller will switch off the load.
1-14
Light + time control
1 to 14 hours
When no sunlight is present, the solar panel voltage is
lower than the light control on voltage, and after a time

delay, the controller will switch on the load. The load will
be switched off after working for a pre-set time.
15
Manual mode
The user can switch the load on or off by the keys, no
matter whether it’s day or night. This mode is designed for
some specifically purposed loads, and also used in the
debugging process.
16
Debugging mode
Used for system debugging. With light signals, the load is
shut off; without light signals, the load is switched on. This
mode enables fast check of the correctness of system
installation during installation debugging.
17
Normal on mode
The energised load keeps outputting, and this mode is
suitable for loads which need 24 hour power supply.
Manual operation is effective only when the load mode is manual mode (15), and tap the Set key to
switch on/off the load under any main interface.
Under any interface other than load modes, press and hold the Set key to enter into the parameter
setting interface.
After entering into the setting interface, tap the Set key to switch the menu for setting, and tap the
Up or Down key to increase or decrease the parameter value in the menu. Then tap the Return key
to exit (without saving parameter setting) or press and hold the Set key to save settings and exit.
NOTE: After system voltage setting, power supply has to be switched off and then on again,
otherwise the system may work under an abnormal system voltage.

The controller enables users to customise the parameters according to the actual conditions, but
parameter setting must be done under the guidance of a professional person, or else faulty
parameter settings may render the system not able to function normally.
1
TYPE OF BAT
Battery Type
User/flooded/sealed/gel
Sealed
2
VOLT OF SYS
System Voltage
12V/24V
AUTO
3
EQUALIS CHG
Equalise Charging Voltage
9 to 17V
14.6V
4
BOOST CHG
Boost Charging Voltage
9 to 17V
14.4V
5
FLOAT CHG
Floating Charging Voltage
9 to 17V
13.8V
6
LOW VOL RECT
Over-discharge Recovery Voltage
9 to 17V
12.6V
7
LOW VOL DISC
Over-discharge Voltage
9 to 17V
11.0V
WATERPROOF
Waterproof level: IP32
INPUT POWER LIMITING PROTECTION
When the solar panel power exceeds the rated power, the controller will limit the solar
panel power under the rated power so as to prevent excessively large currents from
damaging the controller and enter into current-limited charging.
BATTERY REVERSE CONNECTION PROTECTION
If the battery is reversely connected, the system will not operate so as to protect the
controller from being burned.
PHOTOVOLTAIC INPUT IDE TOO HIGH VOLTAGE PROTECTION
If the voltage on the photovoltaic array input side is too high, the controller will
automatically cut off photovoltaic input.
PHOTOVOLTAIC INPUT REVERSE-CONNECTION PROTECTION
When the photovoltaic array is reversely connected, the controller will not break down, and
when the connection problem gets solved, normal operation will resume.
LOAD OVERPOWER PROTECTION
When the load power exceeds the rated value, the load will enter into delay protection.
LOAD SHORT-CIRCUIT PROTECTION
When the load is short-circuited, the controller can implement protection in a quick and
timely manner and will try to switch on the load again after a time delay. This protection can
be carried out up to 5 times a day. Users can also manually address the short circuit problem
when finding the load is short-circuited via the abnormality codes on the system data
analysis page.
REVERSE CHARGING PROTECTION AT NIGHT
This protection function can effectively prevent the battery from discharging through the
solar panel at night.
TVS LIGHTING PROTECTION

OVER-TEMPERATURE PROTECTION
when the controller temperature exceeds the set value, it will decrease the charging power
or halt charging. See the following diagram:
To ensure the controller’s performance is kept at its optimum level, we recommend that the
following items be checked twice a year:
Make sure the airflow around the controller is not blocked and clear away any dirt or debris
on the radiator.
Check if any exposed wire gets its insulation undermined due to exposure to sunlight,
friction with other adjacent objects, dry rot, damage by insects or rodents, etc. Repair or
replace those affected when necessary.
Verify that indicators function in line with device operations. Note any faults or displayed
errors and take corrective measures if necessary.
Check all wiring terminals for any sign of corrosion, insulation damage, overheat,
combustion/discolouration, and tighten the terminal screws firmly.
Check if there are any dirt, nesting insects or corrosion and clean as required.
If the lightening arrester has lost its efficacy, replace it with a new one timely to prevent the
controller and even other devices owned by the user from being damaged by lightening.
WARNING! RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK! Before carrying out the above checks or operations, always
make sure all power supplies of the controller have been cut off.
E0
No abnormality
ERROR indication off
E1
Battery over-discharge
BAT indicator flashing slowly ERROR indicator steady on
E2
System over-voltage
BAT indicator flashing quickly ERROR indicator steady on
E3
Battery under-voltage warning
ERROR indicator steady on
E4
Load short-circuit
LOAD indicator flashing quickly ERROR indicator steady on
E5
Load overloaded
LOAD indicator flashing quickly ERROR indicator steady on
E6
Over-temp. inside controller
ERROR indicator steady on
E8
PV component overloaded
ERROR indicator steady on
E10
PV component over-voltage
ERROR indicator steady on
E13
PV component reversely connected
ERROR indicator steady on

System Voltage 12V/24V Auto
No-Load Loss 0.7W to 1.2W
Battery Voltage 9V to 35V
Max. Solar Input Voltage 100V (25°C) 90V (-25°C)
Max. Power Point Voltage Range Battery Voltage +2V to 75V
Rated Charging Current 30A
Rated Load Current 20A
Max. Capacitive Load Capacity 10000uF
Max. Photovoltaic System Input Power 400W/12V
800W/24V
Conversion Efficiency ≤98%
MPPT Tracking Efficiency >99%
Temperature Compensation Factor -3mV/°C/2V (default)
Operating Temperature -35°C to +45°C
Protection Degree IP32
Weight 2kg
Communication Method RS232
Altitude ≤3000m
Product Dimensions 238 x 173 x 72.5mm
Over-voltage cut-off voltage
16.0V
16.0V
16.0V
9 to 17V
Equalising voltage
14.6V
-
14.8V
9 to 17V
Boost voltage
14.4V
14.2V
14.6V
9 to 17V
Floating charging voltage
13.8V
13.8V
13.8V
9 to 17V
Boost return voltage
13.2V
13.2V
13.2V
9 to 17V
Low-voltage cut-off return voltage
12.6V
12.6V
12.6V
9 to 17V
Under-voltage warning return voltage
12.2V
12.2V
12.2V
9 to 17V
Under-voltage warning voltage
12.0V
12.0V
12.0V
9 to 17V
Low-voltage cut-off voltage
11.1V
11.1V
11.1V
9 to 17V
Discharging limit voltage
10.6V
10.6V
10.6V
9 to 17V
Over-discharge time delay
5s
5s
5s
1 to 30s
Equalisation charging duration
-
-
120 mins
0 to 600 mins
Equalising charging interval
0 days
0 days
30 days
0 to 250 days
Boost charging duration
120 mins
120 mins
120 mins
10 to 600 mins

When selecting User, the battery type is to be self-customised, and in this case, the default system
voltage parameters are consistent with those of the sealed lead-acid battery. When modifying
battery charging and discharging parameters, the following rule must be followed:
Over-voltage cut-off voltage > charging limit voltage ≥equalising voltage ≥boost voltage ≥floating
charging voltage ≥boost return voltage;
Over-voltage cut-off voltage > over-voltage cut-off return voltage;
Low-voltage warning return voltage > low-voltage cut-off voltage ≥discharging limit voltage;
Under-voltage warning return voltage > under-voltage warning voltage ≥discharging limit voltage;
Boost return voltage > low-voltage cut-off return voltage