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Innovation in energy storage Version 1.0 – 29-03-2024 MG AFC 300 Alternator Field Controller - Manual EN – MG2000153 - MG AFC 300 Alternator Field Controller MG Energy Systems B.V. www.mgenergysystems.eu...
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PRICE OF THE MG ENERGY SYSTEMS B.V. PRODUCTS DESCRIBED HERE IN. MG Energy Systems B.V. reserves the right to revise and improve its products as it sees fit. This publication describes the state of this product at the time of its publication and may not reflect the...
Innovation in energy storage Version 1.0 – 29-03-2024 TABLE OF CONTENTS GENERAL ........................... 1 Document history ......................1 Terms, definitions, and abbreviations ................. 1 This revision ........................2 Scope ..........................2 1.4.1 Document structure ....................2 Related documents ......................2 SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS.......................
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Basic configuration and checks ..................31 MG Connect App (Bluetooth) ................... 31 Updating firmware ......................33 9.3.1 Updating the firmware with the MG Connect App ............ 33 9.3.2 Updating the firmware with the Victron VRM ............33 Settings ..........................34 9.4.1...
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Innovation in energy storage Version 1.0 – 29-03-2024 OPERATION.......................... 39 11.1 States ..........................39 11.1.1 Starting up ........................ 39 11.1.2 Charging not allowed ....................39 11.1.3 Field detection ......................39 11.1.4 Standby ........................40 11.1.5 Startup delay ......................40 11.1.6 Charging ........................
(BMS). Battery system Consists of one or multiple battery packs connected to a common DC-bus. Shorthand for a battery management controller in a MG energy systems (Master) BMS battery system. Could be a Master LV or Master HV.
Version 1.0 – 29-03-2024 1.3 This revision This revision replaces all previous revisions of this document. MG Energy Systems B.V. has made every effort to ensure that this document is complete and accurate at the time of writing. In accordance with our policy of continuous product improvement, all data in this document is subject to change or correction without prior notice.
Innovation in energy storage Version 1.0 – 29-03-2024 2 SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS This chapter describes the safety instructions applicable to this manual and product. 2.1 Safety message level definition WARNING: A hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury. ELECTRICAL HAZARD: The possibility of electrical risks if instructions are not followed in a proper manner.
The operational reliability of this product is only guaranteed when it is used as intended. The operating limits on the identification tag and in the data sheet may not be exceeded under any circumstances. If the identification tag is missing or worn, contact MG Energy Systems B.V. for specific instructions.
▪ Leave protective caps and covers on the product until installation. 3.2.1 Scope of delivery The scope of delivery is as following: ▪ MG AFC 300 – MGAFC480300 ▪ IO connector – MG5001095 ▪ Alternator connector – MG5001094 ▪ Temperature sensor – MG3000438 ▪...
The AFC 300 supports a wide variety of alternators compatible with external field control. As long as one or both field wires come out of the alternator it can be connected to the AFC 300. The AFC 300 is capable to automatically sense what kind of field is connected. This way there are no different cable harnesses needed for different kinds of alternators.
Innovation in energy storage Version 1.0 – 29-03-2024 5 INSTALLATION EXAMPLES The AFC 300 is an alternator regulator and depending on the alternator, different connections can be made. 5.1 N/P-type field Figure 1 – Alternator with an N/P-type field 5.2 P-type field with external PSU and with W/Tacho...
Innovation in energy storage Version 1.0 – 29-03-2024 6 MODELS This chapter shows the available models of the AFC 300. Models and configurations Product Article number MG AFC 300 MGAFC480300 Table 4 - Model numbers...
Example identification label: Figure 3 - Identification label example left side The other identification label of the AFC 300 is located at the bottom side of the device. Figure 4 - Identification label example bottom side The identifications label shown in Figure 3. Contains written information about the product. The explanation of the symbols used on the identification label is stated in Table 5.
Innovation in energy storage Version 1.0 – 29-03-2024 7 OVERVIEW This chapter shows an overview of the AFC 300 7.1 General overview Figure 5 - AFC 300 overview front Figure 6 - AFC 300 connector overview Part Description Mounting points...
Innovation in energy storage Version 1.0 – 29-03-2024 7.2 General overview inside Figure 7 - AFC 300 internal overview Part Description Fuse holder Bluetooth switch Status LED Power connection bolts Cable grommet Table 7 - Part descriptions internals...
Innovation in energy storage Version 1.0 – 29-03-2024 7.3.2 Alternator connector Figure 9 - Alternator connector pinout Connector pins and specifications ∅ Cable Name/Purpose Voltage Current Strip L Field supply + P1 In/Out ≤ 58 VDC 0.5-6 mm² Field “Field supply +” ≤...
Innovation in energy storage Version 1.0 – 29-03-2024 7.3.3 I/O connector Figure 10 - IO connector pinout Connector pins and specifications ∅ Cable Name/Purpose Voltage Current Strip L Programmable output Return 0.5 A Programmable output Out “Field supply +” 0.5 A ≤...
The connectors used for connecting the CAN-bus are all of the same type, namely a circular M12 connector with 5 positions and A-coded keying. NOTICE: The AFC 300 has a galvanically isolated CAN-bus. This means it is not connected electrically to any other connections on the AFC 300. Figure 11 - M12 CAN-Bus connector pinout...
Table 12 - Fuse types suitable for the AFC 300 Figure 12 - Internal fuse connections 7.5 Status indication The status indicator is a two-colour LED. This indicates the state of the AFC 300. Table 13 shows the status LED indication states and their meaning. Status LED state...
This log will be checked during commissioning. 8.1 Environment The AFC 300 has an IP rating of IP22 and must be placed in a space that is moisture and dust free, non-condensing and protected against fluid (water, oil etc.) ingress from top and bottom.
5. Connecting the power cables to the Master; 6. Connecting the CAN-Bus cables to the Master; 7. Connection IO cables (optional); 8.4 Mounting 8.4.1 Mounting procedure The AFC 300 must be mounted vertically or horizontally against a flat surface. Figure 13 - Mounting direction...
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Version 1.0 – 29-03-2024 Mount the AFC 300 to a flat surface with the 4 mounting holes on the side of the device. Make sure there is enough space to connect all interfaces. The maximum fastener size that fits in the mounting holes is M6 (1/4”).
Innovation in energy storage Version 1.0 – 29-03-2024 8.4.2 Connecting the power cables 1. Remove the top cover of the device. Figure 15 - Remove top cover 2. Remove the cable grommets and cut them to size for the appropriate cable size. Figure 16 - Cut cable grommet to size...
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Innovation in energy storage Version 1.0 – 29-03-2024 3. Remove the nut, spring washer and washers from the all the bolts connections. Figure 17 - Power connections 4. Place the alternator power cables on the bolts and place the washer, spring washer and nut back on the bolt.
Connecting the CAN-Bus cable to the Master The AFC 300 should be connected to the Aux. CAN-Bus that is connected to the Master. If it is the last device on the bus make sure to use a terminator to end the bus.
This connector has a latch that must pressed to disconnect the plug from the AFC 300. This latch can be found in Figure 21 (‘Release’) and must be pressed in the direction of the yellow arrow. The plug can also be fastened more secure by tightening the screw in the front of the connector.
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Both types can be connected in the same manner to the AFC 300. Connect the field wire to the ‘Field’ (P2) connection as is shown in Figure 22. The AFC 300 will detect automatically which type is connected and drive the field accordingly.
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Innovation in energy storage Version 1.0 – 29-03-2024 8.4.4.2 2 Wire fields If both ends of the field windings are available on the outside of the alternator the user has the option to wire the field as either an N or P-type. Recommended is to wire the field as a P-type this can be done by connecting one of the field wires to “Field supply -“...
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To drive the field from an external power supply, make sure there is no fuse installed in the AFC 300. Connect the external power supply negative wire to “Field supply -“ (P3) and connect its positive wire to “Field supply +“ (P1). The field wire of the alternator can be connected as normally to the ‘field’...
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‘AC’ connection. This connection on the alternator can be directly connected to this input as long as it doesn’t exceed the maximum ratings of the AFC 300. For reference see chapter 7.3.2. The settings that need to be set for this function can be found in sections 9.4.6, 9.4.7 & 9.4.8.
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If this option is used and the input is high the AFC 300 will start as normal. When the signal is low the AFC 300 will not enter standby and will not drive the field. This function is on by default.
On this connector, the programmable inputs and outputs are available together with the ignition/enable input. This connector can also be connected more securely to the AFC 300 by fastening the two screws on either side of the plug. To insert a wire into this connector;...
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Innovation in energy storage Version 1.0 – 29-03-2024 8.4.5.3 Connecting the ignition/enable wire: 4 This connecting is also available on the alternator connector please refer to chapter 28 for information about this connection . WARNING: ▪ This pin is internally/electrically connected to pin ‘4’ in the I/O connector and it is not recommended to wire both at the same time.
Currently the device can only be fully configured with the MG connect app (Bluetooth). 9.1 Basic configuration and checks To use the AFC 300 it is required to configure the device with the MG Connect App. This also makes it possible to save and restore configurations from and to a file.
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Innovation in energy storage Version 1.0 – 29-03-2024 Figure 28 - Example MG Connect App on a phone...
Innovation in energy storage Version 1.0 – 29-03-2024 9.3 Updating firmware The firmware of the AFC 300 can be updated using the MG Connect App or using the Victron VRM. 9.3.1 Updating the firmware with the MG Connect App A complete guide for this process can be found on the following page.
Connect App on Apple or Android. 9.4.1 Enable The AFC 300 is only allowed to power the field when the enable setting is set to true. The field will never be powered when set to false. Setting options True Default...
Ignition/enable installed This setting determines if an ignition/enable wire is installed. The ignition/enable wire is ignored when this setting is set to false. If set to true this input needs to be high before the AFC 300 will start charging.
Table 23 - Serial number setting options 9.4.11 Device instance BMS This is the device instance of the device that controls the AFC 300. Only a single MG device may have this device instance. This will not change the device instance of the AFC 300 itself.
Innovation in energy storage Version 1.0 – 29-03-2024 9.4.12 External field power supply installed This setting needs to be set to true when the field power is supplied by an external power supply. If the field is supplied by an external power supply while this setting is false a broken fuse error will be generated.
❑ Are the environment and placement requirements in chapter 8.1 and 8.4.1 met? ❑ Is the AFC 300 installed in a location where there is no possibility fluids can enter? For example, installation under the seams of hatches. ❑ Is the AFC 300 clean from any dust, metal pieces and loose wires? ❑...
11.1.3 Field detection While the AFC 300 is in this state it will continuously try to detect a field. When no field is detected, it will remain in this state. When a field is detected, the “Standby” state will be entered.
11.1.4 Standby While the AFC 300 is in the “Standby” state it will ramp up the field its maximum output. If during the ramp-up the AFC 300 detect that the alternator starts charging it will immediately go to the “Startup delay”...
▪ Status indicator (see chapter 7.5) 12.1 Troubleshooting procedure Please use the following steps to increase your knowledge of how the AFC 300 should be connected and how it operates. 1. Consult the manual. Manual can be found on the MG Download Centre.
▪ Clean the device. ▪ Check status with the MG Connect App. ELECTRICAL HAZARD: Do not pour or spray water directly onto the device. When cleaning the device be aware that the connected battery string is a permanent energy source. Even when the device is turned off, the battery power connections might carry dangerous voltage levels.
Innovation in energy storage Version 1.0 – 29-03-2024 14 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS The technical specifications of this product can be downloaded from the MG Download Centre https://downloads.mgenergysystems.eu/afc/documents/technical-specification-en 15 DIMENSIONS The dimensions of this product can be downloaded from the MG Download Centre.
Watch the installation videos. Videos can be found on MG’s You Tube channel. ▪ Check your software version. Check and update the products software version to latest using the MG Connect App (Apple or Android). ▪ Contact MG Service Point.
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