Solar Controller Wiring Mystery
Friend here in the off-grid campground had his controller wired weirdly, but said it was working until a wire fell out (it was a loose screw). I am his "tech guy" so was asked to fix it. The PWM c...
Forum Discussion
This is for a different controller, but is interesting for the wiring for the test.
STEP 3: Test Blocking Diode – A unit with a shorted diode may blow any in-line fuses
and damage the power FET (see above). A unit with an open diode will not
charge the battery.
1) With all ASC connections removed, connect the panel(+) to the ASC’s “ARRAY(+)”; panel(–)
to the ASC’s “BATT(+)” (no battery connection).
2) Measure voltage at ASC. Meter(+) to ASC’s ARRAY(+), meter(–) to ASC’s BATT(+)
terminals. The reading should be .3 to .6 volts. A very high reading (16-20 volts*) would
indicate an open diode, a very low reading (0 to .2 volts) would indicate a shorted diode.
Units with open or shorted diodes are defective.
Still can't figure it out. Not going to go back and take a chance on wrecking his solar. :)
A PWM passes battery voltage through to the panel, so not clear what the paths are. Another ASC test is to wire the panel to the array terminals and no battery at all, then measure voltage at the battery terminals--should be 14ish or whatever the high set point is set at.
http://specialtyconcepts.com/SPECIALTY_CONCEPTS_PDF_FILES/ASC_INSTRUC_MANUAL.PDF
More coffee needed to tackle this puzzle some more!
STEP 3: Test Blocking Diode – A unit with a shorted diode may blow any in-line fuses
and damage the power FET (see above). A unit with an open diode will not
charge the battery.
1) With all ASC connections removed, connect the panel(+) to the ASC’s “ARRAY(+)”; panel(–)
to the ASC’s “BATT(+)” (no battery connection).
2) Measure voltage at ASC. Meter(+) to ASC’s ARRAY(+), meter(–) to ASC’s BATT(+)
terminals. The reading should be .3 to .6 volts. A very high reading (16-20 volts*) would
indicate an open diode, a very low reading (0 to .2 volts) would indicate a shorted diode.
Units with open or shorted diodes are defective.
Still can't figure it out. Not going to go back and take a chance on wrecking his solar. :)
A PWM passes battery voltage through to the panel, so not clear what the paths are. Another ASC test is to wire the panel to the array terminals and no battery at all, then measure voltage at the battery terminals--should be 14ish or whatever the high set point is set at.
http://specialtyconcepts.com/SPECIALTY_CONCEPTS_PDF_FILES/ASC_INSTRUC_MANUAL.PDF
More coffee needed to tackle this puzzle some more!
