Glen Apollo wrote:Hi, I'm new to this forum. I'm trying to sort out a inexpensive pwm 30A controller issue, my first time using solar. My setup will be 2 150w 18v panels in parallel charging 2 batteries in parallel to start. The batteries are AcDelco DC31's.
This setup will be used at a remote RC field to recharge lipo batteries via 12V smart chargers. The duty cycle of discharge vs charge time will be weekends used, not used weekdays pretty much.
It will also power a 12V link trasmitter that reports wx conditions and battery voltage. 2 A on transmitt and .5A idle when the suns up, .1 amp when the suns down at night.
As demand gets more, more solar panels will be added as well as an upgraded controller and added batteries. For now this is a prof of consent project to generate interest and donations.
So my issue, my bench setup. I'm ising a 12v@18A sealed battery. Not having the solar panels to use for a bench test I've tried usung a 20A 20v power supply or 2 3cell lipo packs in series. The condition I get is both the battery charge output and the 12v user port, both climb to 15-6v and then pulse up to 20v.
This in turn make a very dirty and too high of a 12v DC source across the sealed battery.
The controller led's showing panel, charge, and output ate all lit up.
In doing a search I'm reading that one should never use a substitute for the panel input. I also read where one should never connect power to the panel input without first having the 12v battery connected. Sadly, I've done both now. Accepting that I may have damaged the controller, I've ordered another one and brand under $20 to try again. This time by the book!
What would help is info on these pwm controllers as to what the 12v buss output should be like. I would expect it to not pulse to 20v or test at 15-16? Especially the managed output 12v port?
14.2v range yes, but not 15-16v and dirty pulsing 20v spikes?
If I've presented my setup and outcome ok, I'm hoping someone can tell me this isn't normal and I've simply trashed the controller with my bench testing? That or I'll have to spend above $100 for a better option.
Low voltage load cutoff is going to be a separate device and it will kill via a 120A 12v relay, any external container RC battery charging by users. I will also have the option of controlling this relay from anywhere via my smart phone once a clean 12-14v battery buss is solved. The link transmitter can also receive commands. More on that once this is solved.
Thanks
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