Epever Tracer-BN Series MPPT Manual

Important Safety Instructions

Please reserve this manual for future review. This manual contains all instructions of safety, installation and operation for Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) controller in Tracer-BN series ("the controller" is referred in this manual).

General Safety Information

• Read carefully all the instructions and warnings in the manual before installation.
• No user serviceable component inside controller. DO NOT disassemble or attempt to repair the controller.
• Mount the controller indoors. Prevent exposure to the elements and do not allow water to enter the controller.
• Install the controller in well ventilated places, the controller's heat sink may become very hot during operation.
• Suggested to install appropriate external fuses/breakers.
• Make sure switching off all connections with PV array and the fuse/breakers close to battery before controller installation and adjustment.
• Power connections must remain tight to avoid excessive heating from a loose connection.

General Information

Overview

Appreciate you for choosing MPPT solar charge controller, Tracer-BN series. Based on common negative design and advanced MPPT control algorithm, with die-cast aluminum design for heat dissipation, products in this series are artistic, economical and practical.
With MPPT control algorithm, in any situation, products of this series can fast and accurately track out the best maximum power point (MPP) of photovoltaic array, in order to obtain the maximum solar energy in time, which remarkably improves energy efficiency. With Modbus communication protocol interface, it is convenient for customers to expand applications and monitor in various fields like telecommunication base station, household system, caravan system, street lighting system, wilderness monitoring system, etc.
All-round electronic fault self-test function and enhanced electronic protection function could furthest avoid damages on system components resulting from installation errors or system failures.

Feature:

• Advanced Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) technology, with efficiency no less than 99.5%.
• High quality components, perfecting system performance, with maximum conversion efficiency of 98%.
• Ultra-fast tracking speed and guaranteed tracking efficiency.
• Accurately recognizing and tracking of multiple power points.
• Reliable automatic limit function of maximum PV input power, ensuring no overload under any circumstance.
• Wide MPP operating voltage range.
• Die-cast aluminum design, ensuring excellent heat dissipation characteristic.
• 12/24VDC automatically identifying system voltage or user-defined working voltage.
• LED indicators showing system status, simple and clear.
• Multiple load control modes: manual control, light ON/OFF, light On+Timer and time control.
• Support 4 charging options: Sealed, Gel, Flooded and User.
• Battery temperature compensation function.
• Real-time energy statistics function.
• With RS-485 communication bus interface and Modbus communication protocol, it is available to meet various communication requirements in different situations.
• Available for PC monitoring and external display unit connecting like MT50 and so on, realizing real-time data checking and parameters setting.
• Support software upgrade.

Characteristics

Figure 1-1 Tracer-BN Series Characteristics

1. Heat Sink
2. Charging LED indicator
3. RTS¹ Port
4. Solar Terminal
5. Battery Terminal
6. Load Terminal
7. RS-485² Port
8. Button
9. Battery LED indicator

Explanation:

¹ Connection for a RTS (Remote Temperature Sensor) to remotely detect battery temperature.
² Monitor controller by PC and update controller software via RS485 (RJ45 interface).

Accessories Instructions

1. Remote Temperature Sensor (Model: RTS300R47K3.81A)
   Acquisition of battery temperature for undertaking temperature compensation of control parameters, the standard length of the cable is 3m (length can be customized). The RTS300R47K3.81A connects to the port (3^th) on the controller.
   NOTE: Unplug the RTS, the temperature of battery will be set to a fixed value 25ºC.
2. Remote Meter (Model: MT50)
   The digital remote meter displays system operating information, error indications, parameters setting and self-diagnostics.
3. Super Parameter Programmer (Model: SPP-02)
   The SPP-02 can realize one-key setting operation which is suitable for bulk quantity products setting in the projects.
4. USB To RS-485 converter (Model: CC-USB-RS485-150U)
   USB To RS-485 converter is used to monitor each controller on the network using Solar Station PC software and update the firmware. The length of cable is 1.5m. The CC-USB-RS485-150U connects to the RS-485 Port on the controller.

Maximum Power Point Tracking Technology

Due to the nonlinear characteristics of solar array, there is a maximum energy output point (Max Power Point) on its curve. Traditional controllers, with switch charging technology and PWM charging technology, can't charge the battery at the maximum power point, so can't harvest the maximum energy available from PV array, but the solar charge controller with Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) Technology can lock on the point to harvest the maximum energy and deliver it to the battery.
The MPPT algorithm of our company continuously compares and adjusts the operating points to attempt to locate the maximum power point of the array. The tracking process is fully automatic and does not need user adjustment.
As the Figure 1-2, the curve is also the characteristic curve of the array, the MPPT technology will 'boost' the battery charge current through tracking the MPP. Assuming 100% conversion efficiency of the solar system, in that way, the following formula is established:

Input power (P_PV)= Output power (P_Bat)

Input voltage (V_Mpp) *input current (I_PV) =Battery voltage (V_Bat) *battery current (I_Bat)

Normally, the V_Mpp is always higher than V_Bat, Due to the principle of conservation of energy, the I_Bat is always higher than I_PV. The greater the discrepancy between V_Mpp &V_Bat, the greater the discrepancy between I_PV& I_Bat. The greater the discrepancy between array and battery, the bigger reduction of the conversion efficiency of the system, thus the controller's conversion efficiency is particularly important in the PV system.
Figure 1-2 is the maximum power point curve, the shaded area is charging range of traditional solar charge controller (PWM Charging Mode), it can obviously diagnose that the MPPT mode can improve the usage of the solar energy resource.
According to our test, the MPPT controller can raise 20%-30% efficiency compared to the PWM controller. (Value may be fluctuant due to the influence of the ambient circumstance and energy loss.)


Figure 1-2 Maximum Power Point Curve

In actual application, as shading from cloud, tree and snow, the panel maybe appear Multi-MPP, but in actually there is only one real Maximum Power Point. As the below Figure 1-3 shows:

Figure 1-3 Mutil-MPP Curve

If the program works improperly after appearing Multi-MPP, the system will not work on the real max power point, which may waste most solar energy resources and seriously affect the normal operation of the system. The typical MPPT algorithm, designed by our company, can track the real MPP quickly and accurately, improve the utilization rate of the array and avoid the waste of resources.

Battery Charging Stage

The controller has a 3 stages battery charging algorithm (Bulk Charging, Constant Charging and Float Charging) for rapid, efficient, and safe battery charging.

Figure 1-4 Battery changing stage Curve

1. Bulk Charging
   In this stage, the battery voltage has not yet reached constant voltage (Equalize or Boost Voltage), the controller operates in constant current mode, delivering its maximum current to the batteries (MPPT Charging).
   
2. Constant Charging
   When the battery voltage reaches the constant voltage setpoint, the controller will start to operate in constant charging mode, this process is no longer MPPT charging, and in the meantime the charging current will drop gradually, the process is not the MPPT charging. The Constant Charging has 2 stages, equalize and boost. These two stages are not carried out constantly in a full charge process to avoid too much gas precipitation or overheating of battery.
   
   Boost Charging
   The Boost stage maintain 2 hours in default, user can adjust the constant time and preset value of boost voltage according to demand. The stage is used to prevent heating and excessive battery gassing.
   
   Equalize Charging
   
   Explosive Risk! Equalizing flooded battery would produce explosive gases, so well ventilation of battery box is recommended.
   
   Equipment damage! Equalization may increase battery voltage to the level that damages sensitive DC loads. Verify that all load allowable input voltages are 11% greater than the equalizing charging set point voltage.
   
   Equipment damage! Over-charging and excessive gas precipitation may damage the battery plates and activate material shedding on them. Too high an equalizing charge or for too long may cause damage. Please carefully review the specific requirements of the battery used in the system.
   Some types of batteries benefit from equalizing charge on a regular basis, which is able to stir electrolyte, balance battery voltage and accomplish chemical reaction. Equalizing charge increases battery voltage, higher than the standard complement voltage, which gasifies the battery electrolyte.
   The controller will equalize the battery on the 28th each month. The constant equalization period is 0~180 minutes. If the equalization isn't accomplished in one-time, the equalization recharge time will be accumulated until the set time is finished. Equalize charge and boost charge are not carried out constantly in a full charge process to avoid too much gas precipitation or overheating of battery.
   
   NOTE:
   1. Due to the influence of ambient circumstance or load working, the battery voltage can't be steady in constant voltage, controller will accumulate and calculate the time of constant voltage working. When the accumulated time reach to 3 hours, the charging mode will turn to Float Charging.
   2. If the controller time is not adjusted, the controller will equalize charge battery once every month following the inner time.
      
3. Float Charging
   After the Constant voltage stage, the controller will reduce charging current to Float Voltage setpoint. This stage will have no more chemical reactions and all the charge current transforms into heat and gas at this time. Then the controller reduces the voltage to the floating stage, charging with a smaller voltage and current. It will reduce the temperature of the battery and prevent the gassing and charging the battery slightly at the same time. The purpose of Float stage is to offset the power consumption caused by self consumption and small loads in the whole system, while maintaining full battery storage capacity.
   In Float charging stage, loads are able to obtain almost all power from solar panel. If loads exceed the power, the controller will no longer be able to maintain battery voltage in Float charging stage. If the battery voltage remains below the Recharge Voltage, the system will leave Float charging stage and return to Bulk charging stage.

Installation Instructions

General Installation Notes

• Before installation, please read through the entire installation instructions to get familiar with the installation steps.
• Be very careful when installing the batteries, especially flooded lead-acid battery. Please wear eye protection, and have fresh water available to wash and clean any contact with battery acid.
• Keep the battery away from any metal objects, which may cause short circuit of the battery.
• Explosive battery gases may come out from the battery during charging, so make sure ventilation condition is good.
• Gel, Sealed or Flooded batteries are recommended, other kinds please refer to the battery manufacturer.
• Ventilation is highly recommended if mounted in an enclosure. Never install the controller in a sealed enclosure with flooded batteries! Battery fumes from vented batteries will corrode and destroy the controller circuits.
• Loose power connections and corroded wires may result in high heat that can melt wire insulation, burn surrounding materials, or even cause fire. Ensure tight connections and use cable clamps to secure cables and prevent them from swaying in mobile applications.
• Battery connection may be wired to one battery or a bank of batteries. The following instructions refer to a singular battery, but it is implied that the battery connection can be made to either one battery or a group of batteries in a battery bank.
• Multiple same models of controllers can be installed in parallel on the same battery bank to achieve higher charging current. Each controller must have its own solar module(s).
• Select the system cables according to 5A/mm 2 or less current density in accordance with Article 690 of the National Electrical Code, NFPA 70.
• Intended for indoor use only.

PV Array Requirements

Serial connection (string) of PV modules
As the core component of PV system, Controller could be suitable for various types of PV modules and maximize converting solar energy into electrical energy. According to the open circuit voltage (V_OC) and the maximum power point voltage (V_Mpp) of the MPPT controller, the series number of different types PV modules can be calculated. The below table is for reference only.

NOTE: The above parameter values are calculated under standard test conditions 2 (STC (Standard Test Condition): Irradiance 1000W/m, Module Temperature 25℃, Air Mass1.5.)

PV array maximum power
This MPPT controller has a limiting function of charging current, the charging current will be limited within rated range, therefore, the controller will charge the battery with the rated charging power even if the input power at the PV exceeds.
The actual operation power of the PV array conforms to the conditions below:

1. PV array actual power ≤ controller rated charge power, the controller charge battery at actual maximum power point.
2. PV array actual power > controller rated charge power, the controller charge battery at rated power.

If the PV array higher than rated power, the charging time at rated power to battery will be longer, more energy to battery yields.

Controller will be damaged when the PV array straight polarity and the actual operation power of the PV array is three times greater than the rated charge power!

Controller will be damaged when the PV array reverse polarity and the actual operation power of the PV array is 1.5 times greater than the rated charge power!

When the PV array straight polarity, the actual operation of the PV array must NOT exceed three times of rated charge power, When the PV array reverse polarity, the actual operation must NOT exceed 1.5 times. For real application please refer to the table below:

¹ At minimum operating environment temperature
² At 25℃ environment temperature

Wire Size

The wiring and installation methods must conform to all national and local electrical code requirements.

PV Wire Size
Since PV array output can vary due to the PV module size, connection method or sunlight angle, the minimum wire size can be calculated by the I_SC of PV array. Please refer to the value of I_SC in PV module specification. When the PV modules connect in series, the I_SC is equal to the PV module's I_SC. When the PV modules connect in parallel, the I_SC is equal to the sum of PV module's I_SC. The I_SC of PV array must not exceed the maximum PV input current, please refer to the table as below:

NOTE: When the PV modules connect in series, the open circuit voltage of the PV array must not exceed 138V (25℃).

Battery and Load Wire Size
The battery and load wire size must conform to the rated current, the reference size as below:

NOTE: The wire size is only for reference. If there is a long distance between the PV array and the controller or between the controller and the battery, larger wires can be used to reduce the voltage drop and improve performance.

Mounting

The controller requires at least 150mm of clearance above and below for proper air flow. Ventilation is highly recommended if mounted in an enclosure.

Risk of explosion! Never install the controller in a sealed enclose with flooded batteries! Do not install in a confined area where battery gas can accumulate.

Risk of electric shock! Exercise caution when handling solar wiring. The solar PV array can produce open-circuit voltages in excess of 150V when in sunlight. Pay more attention to it.

Figure 2-1 Mounting

1. Connect components to the charge controller in the sequence as shown above and pay much attention to the "+" and "-". Please don't turn on the fuse during the installation. When disconnecting the system, the order will be reserved.
2. After installation, power the controller and check the battery indicator on the controller, it will be green. If it's not green, please refer to chapter 4. Always connect the battery first, in order to allow the controller to recognize the system voltage.
3. The battery fuse should be installed as close to the battery as possible. The suggested distance is within 150mm.
4. The Tracer-BN series is a negative ground controller. Any negative connection of solar, load or battery can be earth grounded as required.

Unplug the RTS, the temperature of battery will be set to a fixed value 25 ºC.

Please connect the inverter to the battery rather than to the controller, if the inverter is necessary.

The RS-485 port and RTS port is not SELV circuit, it must have isolation between the port and the place where the end user can access directly.

Operation

LED Indication

LED Indication	Color	Indicator	Status
	Green	On Solid	PV connection normal but low voltage (irradiance) from PV, no charging
	Green	Slowly Flashing (1Hz)	In charging
	Green	OFF	No PV voltage (night time) or PV connection problem
	Green	On Solid	Normal
	Green	Slowly Flashing (1Hz)	Full
	Green	Fast Flashing (4Hz)	Over voltage
	Orange	On Solid	Under voltage
	Red	On Solid	Over discharge
	Red	Flashing	Battery Overheating
Load Status LED indicator	Red	On Solid	Load ON
	Red	OFF	Load OFF
	Red	Fast Flashing (4Hz)	Load Short Circuit
	Red	Slowly Flashing (1Hz)	Load Overload
Charging (green), battery (orange) and load (red) indicator flashing simultaneously			System voltage error
Charging (green) and battery indicator (orange) flashing simultaneously			Controller overheating

Setting Operation

Figure 3-1 Setting operation

Four methods to configure the controller:

1. Remote meter, MT50 (Use standard twisted net cable, model: CC-RS485-RS485-200U-MT).
2. Super parameter programmer, SPP-02(Use standard twisted net cable, model: CC-RS485-RS485-200U). One-key easily configure and apply to batch setting.
3. PC monitoring setting software "Solar Station Monitor" (Use USB to RS485 converter cable with model: CC-USB-RS485-150U.
   
   
   
   DO NOT communicate with the PC using the Ethernet cable, otherwise the components of controller will be damaged.
   The RJ45 interface pin define is shown below:
   
   

   Pins	Define
   1	Power supply output +5V
   2	Power supply output +5V
   3	RS-485-B
   4	RS-485-B
   5	RS-485-A
   6	RS-485-A
   7	Ground
   8	Ground

   
   The RJ45 interface is only allowed to connect with our company products or operated by qualified engineer. (The RJ45 interface Voltage is 5V and the current is 50mA)
4. Mobile APP (Use USB to RS485 converter cable: CC-USB-RS485-150U and Micro 5PIN OTG cable)

Battery Type

1. Sealed (Default)
2. Gel
3. Flooded
4. User

Battery Voltage Parameters (parameters is in 12V system at 25℃, please use double value in 24V.)

NOTE:

1. When the battery type is sealed, gel, flooded, the adjusting range of equalize duration is 0 to180min and boost duration is 10 to180min.
2. The following rules must be observed when modifying the parameters value in user battery type (factory default value is the same as sealed type):
   1. Over Voltage Disconnect Voltage > Charging Limit Voltage ≥ Equalize Charging Voltage ≥ Boost Charging Voltage ≥ Float Charging Voltage > Boost Reconnect Charging Voltage.
   2. Over Voltage Disconnect Voltage > Over Voltage Reconnect Voltage.
   3. Low Voltage Reconnect Voltage > Low Voltage Disconnect Voltage ≥ Discharging Limit Voltage.
   4. Under Voltage Warning Reconnect Voltage > Under Voltage Warning Voltage ≥ Discharging Limit Voltage.
   5. Boost Reconnect Charging voltage > Low Voltage Disconnect Voltage.
      
      Please refer to user guide or contact with the sales for the detail of setting operation.

Load Set Mode

1. Manual Control (default)
   The load can be switched by button or remote control command.
2. Light ON/Off
   
3. Light ON+ Timer
   
4. Time Control
   Control the load on/off time through setting real-time clock.

Protections, Troubleshooting and Maintenance

Protection

• PV Over Current
  The controller will limit battery charging current to the Maximum Battery Current rating. Therefore an over-sized solar array will not operate at peak power.
• PV Short Circuit
  When PV short circuit occurs, the controller will stop charging. Clear it to resume normal operation.
• PV Reverse Polarity
  Fully protection against PV reverse polarity, no damage to the controller will result. Correct the miswire to resume normal operation.
  
  Controller will be damaged when the PV array straight polarity and the actual operation power of the PV array is 1.5 times greater than the rated charge power!
• Battery Reverse Polarity
  Fully protection against battery reverse polarity, no damage to the controller will result. Correct the miswire to resume normal operation.
• Battery Over voltage
  When battery voltage reach to the voltage set point of Over Voltage Disconnect Voltage, the controller will stop charging the battery to protect the battery overcharge to break down.
• Battery Over discharge
  When battery voltage reach to the voltage set point of Low Voltage Disconnect Voltage, the controller will stop discharging the battery to protect the battery over discharged to break down.
• Battery Overheating
  The controller detect the battery temperature through the external temperature sensor. If the battery temperature exceeds 65ºC, the controller will automatically start the overheating protection to stop working and recover below 50 ºC.
• Load Overload
  If the load current exceeds the maximum load current rating 1.05 times, the controller will disconnect the load. Overloading must be cleared up through reducing the load and restarting controller.
• Load Short Circuit
  Fully protected against load wiring short-circuit. Once the load shorts (more than quadruple rate current), the load short protection will start automatically. After five automatic load reconnect attempts, the fault must be cleared by restarting controller.
• Damaged Remote Temperature Sensor
  If the temperature sensor is short-circuited or damaged, the controller will be charging or discharging at the default temperature 25℃ to prevent the battery damaged from overcharging or over discharged.
• Controller Overheating
  If the temperature of the controller heat sinks exceeds 85℃, the controller will automatically start the overheating protection and recover below 75℃.
• High Voltage Transients
  PV is protected against small high voltage surge. In lightning prone areas, additional external suppression is recommended.

Troubleshooting

Maintenance

The following inspections and maintenance tasks are recommended at least two times per year for best performance.

• Make sure controller firmly installed in a clean and dry ambient.
• Make sure no block on air-flow around the controller. Clear up any dirt and fragments on radiator.
• Check all the naked wires to make sure insulation is not damaged for serious solarization, frictional wear, dryness, insects or rats etc. Repair or replace some wires if necessary.
• Tighten all the terminals. Inspect for loose, broken, or burnt wire connections.
• Check and confirm that LED is consistent with required. Pay attention to any troubleshooting or error indication. Take corrective action if necessary.
• Confirm that all the system components are ground connected tightly and correctly.
• Confirm that all the terminals have no corrosion, insulation damaged, high temperature or burnt/discolored sign, tighten terminal screws to the suggested torque.
• Check for dirt, nesting insects and corrosion. If so, clear up in time.
• Check and confirm that lightning arrester is in good condition. Replace a new one in time to avoid damaging of the controller and even other equipments.

Risk of electric shock! Make sure that all the power is turned off before above operations, and then follow the corresponding inspections and operations.

Technical Specifications

Electrical Parameters

Environmental Parameters

* Please operate controller at permitted ambient temperature. If over permissible range, please derate capacity in service.

Mechanical Parameters

Mechanical Parameters

Annex I Conversion Efficiency Curve

Illumination Intensity: 1000W/m²
Temp: 25ºC

Model: Tracer1215BN

1. Solar Module MPP Voltage(16.5V, 34V, 66V) / Nominal System Voltage(12V)
   
2. Solar Module MPP Voltage(34V, 66V, 98V) / Nominal System Voltage(24V)
   

Model: Tracer2215BN

1. Solar Module MPP Voltage(16.5V, 33V, 66V) / Nominal System Voltage(12V)
   
2. Solar Module MPP Voltage(33V, 66V, 98V) / Nominal System Voltage(24V)
   

Model: Tracer3215BN

1. Solar Module MPP Voltage(16.5V, 33V, 66V) / Nominal System Voltage(12V)
   
2. Solar Module MPP Voltage(33V, 66V, 98V) / Nominal System Voltage(24V)
   

Model: Tracer4215BN

1. Solar Module MPP Voltage(16.5V, 33V, 66V) / Nominal System Voltage(12V)
   
2. Solar Module MPP Voltage(33V, 66V, 98V) / Nominal System Voltage(24V)
   

Annex II Dimensions

Tracer1215BN Dimensions in Millimeters

Tracer2215BN Dimensions in Millimeters

Tracer3215BN Dimensions in Millimeters

Tracer4215BN Dimensions in Millimeters

Any changes without prior notice! Version number: V1.2

BEIJING EPSOLAR TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
Tel: +86-10-82894112 / 82894962
Fax: +86-10-82894882
E-mail: info@epsolarpv.com
Website: http://www.epsolarpv.com/
http://www.epever.com/

Videos

SolarEpic Epever Tracer BN MPPT - Install and Display Setting Video

Documents / Resources

References

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