WINDY NATION P30L User manual

P30L User Manual
Revision 2.0
Page 1 of 16
windynation
10/20/2017
P30L LCD 30A Solar Charge Controller
CHC-LCD-30
User’s Manual

P30L User Manual
Revision 2.0
Page 2 of 16
windynation
10/20/2017
Table of Contents
1Introduction...................................................................................................................................................3
1.1 Features..............................................................................................................................................3
1.2 Safety Information...............................................................................................................................3
1.3 Specifications......................................................................................................................................4
1.3.1 Electrical Specifications ..................................................................................................................4
1.3.2 Physical Specifications ...................................................................................................................4
2Installation ....................................................................................................................................................4
2.1 Electrostatic (ESD) Precautions .........................................................................................................4
2.2 Mounting .............................................................................................................................................4
2.3 Connections ........................................................................................................................................5
2.4 Parallel Connections...........................................................................................................................7
3Operation......................................................................................................................................................7
3.1 Button Definitions................................................................................................................................8
3.2 LCD Graphic Indicators ......................................................................................................................8
3.3 LCD Interface Cycle............................................................................................................................9
3.4 Interface Definitions ............................................................................................................................9
3.4.1 Battery Voltage – MAIN Interface ...................................................................................................9
3.4.2 Battery Temperature Interface......................................................................................................10
3.4.3 PV – Solar Panel Output Current Interface ..................................................................................10
3.4.4 Load Current Interface..................................................................................................................10
3.4.5 PV – Solar Panel Generated Charge Interface ............................................................................10
3.4.6 Load Consumed Charge Interface................................................................................................11
3.4.7 Low Voltage Disconnect (LVD) Parameter Interface....................................................................11
3.4.8 Low Voltage Reconnect (LVR) Parameter Interface ....................................................................11
3.4.9 Over Voltage Disconnect (OVD) – Float Parameter Interface......................................................12
3.4.10 Load Mode – Timed Control Interface ......................................................................................12
3.5 Error Conditions ................................................................................................................................13
3.5.1 Low Voltage Protection .................................................................................................................13
3.5.2 Overload Protection ......................................................................................................................13
3.5.3 Short-Circuit Protection.................................................................................................................13
3.5.4 Solar Panel Connection ................................................................................................................14
3.5.5 Load In-Rush ................................................................................................................................14
4Application ..................................................................................................................................................14
4.1 Wire Gauge Reference .....................................................................................................................14
4.1.1 Wire Thickness .............................................................................................................................14
5Troubleshooting And Support.....................................................................................................................14
5.1 Maintenance & Care .........................................................................................................................14
5.2 Troubleshooting ................................................................................................................................14
5.3 Support .............................................................................................................................................15
5.4 Warranty ...........................................................................................................................................15
5.4.1 Restrictions ...................................................................................................................................15
5.4.2 Warranty Claims & Return Procedures.........................................................................................15
5.4.3 Disclaimer .....................................................................................................................................16
5.4.4 Limitation of Liability......................................................................................................................16

P30L User Manual
Revision 2.0
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10/20/2017
1 INTRODUCTION
The WindyNation P30L Solar Charge Controller provides an intelligent multifunctional charging and power
management solution for the solar charging of 12 and 24 volt battery systems. Operation is conveniently
presented and parameters are controlled via a customized LCD display screen interface.
The controller features an automatic 12V or 24V DC detect function that will identify the battery voltage upon
initial battery connection and uses Pulse-Width Modulation (PWM) allowing for a highly efficient and battery-
friendly charge control. An external temperature sensor provides software controlled charge compensation
that accurately adjusts the over-discharge and over-charge voltages to maximize your batteries’ life.
Built in protection includes overload, short circuit, reverse polarity, lightning/surge, PV panel reverse current,
over charging, and discharging protection. In the event of a short circuit or overload event, the system will be
protected and remain undamaged.
The enclosure is made of durable plastic with visual LCD graphic symbols to provide status indications of
charge, battery status, and system faults.
Read this manual carefully before installing or using the controller and keep it for future reference.
1.1 FEATURES
Compact size is easy to mount on wall or panel.
Visual LCD display
User adjustable operation
Intelligent PWM Charging Mode
Automatic battery charging temperature compensation
User settable charging & discharging voltage parameters
User settable working modes of loads
Accumulative function of charging & discharging AH
Protection for battery bank discharging
Protection for battery low voltage
Battery reverse polarity protection
Delayed auto restart after overloading protection
Charge controller maintains batteries and extends battery life
Convenient screw terminals for wiring
Separate connections for PV panel, battery, and load
Built-in overload and short circuit protection
User selectable on, off, and time modes
Wide operating temperature range -10˚C to +60˚C (14˚F to +140˚F)
1.2 SAFETY INFORMATION
Please read the installation and operating instructions carefully prior to use. Pay special attention to the
IMPORTANT and WARNING statements in the manual.
WARNING:
Never install during a lightning storm or where unsafe voltages are present.
Solar panels produce power when exposed to light. Shade solar panels whenever solar panel wires are
exposed.
Do not use with equipment that exceeds the rated power for this device.

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1.3 SPECIFICATIONS
1.3.1 Electrical Specifications
Parameter
CHC-LCD-30
Rated Charge Current
30 Amps
Rated Load Current
30 Amps
Typical Idle Consumption
At idle < 5mA
Maximum Solar Input Voltage
48V DC
Rated Working Voltage
12V DC or 24V DC Battery Systems
Float Charging Voltage
(adjustable)
12.8V-15V DC / 25.6V-30V DC
Default: 13.7V
Low Voltage Protection
(adjustable)
9.0V-12.3V DC / 18.0V-24.6V DC
Default: 10.7V
Low Voltage Recovery
(adjustable)
11.0V-13.4V DC / 22.0V-26.8V DC
Default: 12.6V
No Load Loss
<30mA
Loop Voltage Drop
<170mV
Temperature Compensation
-4.0 mV/Cell/oC
1.3.2 Physical Specifications
Parameter
Value
Dimension (H x W x D)
3.54” (90mm) x 7.40” (188mm) x 1.89” (48mm)
Unit Weight
12.7 oz. (360g)
Operating Temperature
14oF to 140oF (-10oC to 60oC)
Operating Humidity
<90% relative humidity (non-condensing)
Wire Size
Up to 16mm2(7AWG)
2 INSTALLATION
Insure all terminating connections are clean and tight to prevent arcing and overheating.
The controller must be installed in an area that satisfies all of the following conditions:
1. Dry: Avoid any location where water can contact the controller
2. Cool: Ambient air temperature between 30°F and 105°F (0°C and 40°C)
3. Ventilated: Allow at least 4 in (10 cm) of clearance above and below and at least 1 in (25 mm) on
each side for proper air flow.
2.1 ELECTROSTATIC (ESD) PRECAUTIONS
All electronic circuits may be damaged by static electricity. To minimize the likelihood of electrostatic
damage, discharge yourself by touching an electrical ground (e.g.: copper pipe) prior to handling the unit and
avoid touching components on the circuit boards. The risk of electrostatic damage is highest when relative
humidity is below 40%.
2.2 MOUNTING
Mounting is optional; however, the environment must be dry and protected from water.
1. The controller can be mounted on a vertical or horizontal surface. If mounted vertically, the unit
should be oriented such that neither end is at the top so foreign material cannot settle into the
unit.
2. Install four user-supplied fasteners through the four mounting slots and into the mounting
surface.
3. Tighten all the fasteners to ensure the controller cannot slide in any direction.

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IMPORTANT: For best results, mount the charge controller and batteries as close to the panels as practical.
2.3 CONNECTIONS
WARNING: Loose connectors result in excessive voltage drop and may over heat wires, which can cause
the wire insulation to melt. This can cause electrical fires. Verify all connections are secure and have no
voltage drop.
IMPORTANT: The NEC requires that the wires carrying the system current never exceed 80% of the
conductor’s current rating (sizing recommendations are located in Section 4).
IMPORTANT: The screw-down terminals on the charge controller accept 7~26AWG wire.
IMPORTANT: Strip the wire ends approximately 0.3” (7.6mm) before connecting to the charge controller.
Use caution when handling the stripped wires to avoid electric shock.
1) Connect the Battery
Connect the charge controller to the battery BEFORE connecting the solar panels to the charge controller.
Insert the battery wiring to the BATTERY terminals on the front of the charge controller and tighten the
terminals from the top of the controller using a screwdriver to ensure a good connection is made. Be sure to
note the polarity of each terminal; the charge controller self-protection feature will prevent damage from

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reverse polarity connections, but the charge controller will not function until the battery is connected properly.
A 40 amp fuse needs to be placed in the positive wire connecting the charge controller to the battery.
2) Connect the Solar Panel (PV) Array
Insert the solar panel wiring to the SOLAR terminals on the front of the charge controller and tighten the
terminals from the top of the controller using a screwdriver to ensure a good connection is made. Be sure to
note the polarity of each terminal; the charge controller self-protection feature will prevent damage from
reverse polarity connections, but the charge controller will not function until the PV Array is connected
properly. A 30 amp in-line fuse needs to be placed in the positive wire connecting the charge controller to the
solar panel(s).
WARNING: High voltages may be present on the solar panel output wiring. Solar panels produce electricity
when exposed to light. Make sure the solar panels are placed in the shade and are NOT in direct sunlight.
Use caution and avoid touching any conductors in the system circuit to avoid electric shock.
3) Connect the Load (Optional)
This step is optional and only required if you want to power a small (less than 30A) DC load through the
charge controller. Connect the wires from the appliance to the LOAD terminals on the front of the charge
controller and tighten the terminals from the top of the controller using a screwdriver to ensure a good
connection is made. Be sure to note the polarity of each terminal; the charge controller self-protection feature
will prevent damage from reverse polarity connections, but the charge controller will not function until the
load is connected properly. A 30 amp fuse needs to be placed in the positive wire connecting the charge
controller to the load.
4) Connect the Battery Temperature Sensor – BTS (Optional)
The charge voltage required by batteries changes with battery temperature. Temperature compensation of
the charge voltage enhances battery performance and life, and decreases battery maintenance. Automatic
temperature compensation can be provided through use of the optional battery temperature sensor
(included). The Temperature compensation is -4.0 mV/Cell/oC.
1) Plug the provided BTS cable into the socket labeled “BTS” located on the left side of the controller as
shown below.
2) Secure the ring terminal on the BTS directly to any side of the battery to be monitored, below the
electrolyte level as shown below. When multiple batteries are used, it is best to place the sensor
between batteries and place the batteries in an insulated box to reduce the influence of the ambient
temperature outside the battery enclosure.

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CAUTION: High power electrical systems pose dangers and it is the user's responsibility to be familiar with
these dangers and take any necessary action to ensure safe use. Shorting a battery or connecting your
controller to a battery can supply huge currents and have serious consequences including explosions,
causing fire, damage to equipment, and personal injury including death.
2.4 PARALLEL CONNECTIONS
Multiple controllers can be installed in parallel on the same battery bank to achieve higher charging current.
For example, connecting two units in parallel can allow for 60 amps of charging current, and connecting
three units in parallel can allow for up to 90 amps of charging current.
Additional parallel controllers can also be added in the future, however, each Controller must have its own
PV array as shown below.
3 OPERATION
Once the controller is properly connected, the main display interface will appear in the LCD and the current
battery voltage will be displayed. Press the ‘UP’ or ‘DOWN’ buttons to cycle through the ten different
interfaces available on the P30L controller. The cycle pattern of the interfaces is presented in Section 3.3
and the definition of each interface is presented in Section 3.4. Some of the parameters presented can be
reset. In order to reset an eligible interface, press the ‘MODE’ button for at least 5 seconds and the
parameter should reset. Similarly, some parameters are user configurable. In order to set an eligible
interface, press the ‘MODE’ button for at least 5 seconds. The number on the interface will start to blink or
flicker and the parameter value can be adjusted using the ‘UP’ or ‘DOWN’ buttons. Once the desired value

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is set, press the mode button for over 5 seconds to exit the setting interface, and the number will
stop blinking or flickering.
3.1 BUTTON DEFINITIONS
Button
Name
Description
MODE Toggles the active LCD interface in a circular motion
as defined in Sec 3.1.3
UP Positive (+) parameter adjustments. Holding button
for >5 seconds will reset parameters.
DOWN / LOAD Negative (-) parameter adjustments. At “MAIN”
interface screen, will turn the LOAD on and off.
3.2 LCD GRAPHIC INDICATORS
LCD Symbol
Description
Stop power supply to LOADs
Supply power to LOADs, No current drawn from Load
Supply power to LOADs, Load is drawing current
Load Icon
Solar Panel Icon
Battery Icon
Load Light Control Icon
Load Timing Control Icon

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Stop Charge to Battery
Full Charging to Battery
Float Charging to Battery
Normal Working Condition
Error/Abnormal Working Condition
Battery Capacity
3.3 LCD INTERFACE CYCLE
3.4 INTERFACE DEFINITIONS
The P30L has ten different graphical interfaces. Each interface contains different information. The Main
Interface displays the current state of the Load, PV charging, Load discharging, battery capacity, and overall
system working condition as shown below.
LOAD ON
3.4.1 Battery Voltage – MAIN Interface
This is the MAIN Interface and the displayed number is the present battery voltage (displayed in Volts).
Load State
Charging State
Battery Capacity
Discharge State
System Working Condition

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LOAD ON
By pressing the ‘DOWN / LOAD’ button from this interface, you can turn the load ON or OFF.
NOTE: The Load on/off function is not available in any other interface.
3.4.2 Battery Temperature Interface
The value displayed in this interface is the temperature at the Battery Temperature Sensor (BTS) as
described in Section 2.3 (displayed in degrees Celsius). The temperature is used for the temperature
compensation of battery charging.
3.4.3 PV – Solar Panel Output Current Interface
The value displayed in this interface is the input current to the battery from the controller; i.e.: the current
being generated by the solar panels (displayed in Amps).
NOTE: The amount of current sent to the battery depends on the battery State of Charge (SOC)
3.4.4 Load Current Interface
The value displayed in this interface is the output current from the controller to the load; i.e.: the current
being consumed by the load (displayed in Amps).
3.4.5 PV – Solar Panel Generated Charge Interface
The value displayed in this interface is the cumulative, generated charge of the solar panels sent from the
controller to the battery, displayed in Amp-hours (Ah). For example, if 5 amps is supplied to the battery from
the solar panel(s) for 1 hour, then 5 Ah will be displayed on the LCD.
Battery Voltage
BTS Temperature
PV Current
Load Current