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Maximum
Power Point Tracking
Maximum Power Point
Tracking (MPPT) allows a PV array to deliver up to 30%
more power to a battery than it would if it were
connected directly to the battery. This type of
charge control costs more, but under certain conditions
can be very cost-effective. A 20% power increase
on a 1000-watt PV array is like getting 200 additional
watts. At $6 per watt, this is a savings of $1200.
A photovoltaic (PV)
array is a constant current device. The current
(amps) from PV module remains relatively constant over a
wide range of voltage. For example, a typical
75-watt module delivers 4.45 amps at up to 17 volts when
the sky is clear and temperature is cool.
Traditional PV controllers connect the PV array directly
to the battery until it reaches a full charge
voltage. When this 75-watt module is connected
directly to a battery in a low state of charge it will
begin charging at 12 volts. The PV panel still
provides about the same current, but, because PV output
voltage is lower, it can only deliver 53 watts to the
battery. This wastes up to 22 watts or 30% of the
available power. MPPT charge controls use this
extra voltage to boost charging amps to the
battery. Outback charge controls also allow the
use of an array voltage higher than the nominal battery
voltage so smaller wire may be used.
Since the battery
voltage rises when charging and the maximum power point
of the PV module falls as it warms up, a 10 to 20%
increase is more realistic. MPPT charge controls
are most effective in cool climates and/or when the PV
array is charging batteries that are at a low state of
charge. |
OutBack
MX60 MPPT Charge Control Maximum
power point tracking enables a PV system to achieve its highest
possible performance. Rated for up to 60 amps of DC output
current, the OutBack MX60 can be used with battery systems from
12 to 60 VDC with PV open circuit voltage as high as 140
VDC. The MX60's set points are fully adjustable to allow
use with virtually any battery type, chemistry and charging
profile. The OutBack MX60 allows you to use a higher
output voltage PV array with a lower voltage battery - such as
charging a 12 or 24 VDC battery with a 48 VDC PV array.
This reduces wire size and power loss form the PV array to the
battery/inverter location and can maximize the performance of
your PV system. The OutBack MX60 comes standard with an
easy to use and understand display of the PV system's
performance. the four line, 80 character, backlit LCD
display is alo used for programming and monitoring of the
system's operation. The OutBack MX60 can also be connected
to the OutBack MATE system controller and display to allow
monitoring of up to eight MX60 controllers from a distant
location - up to 300 feet away. The MATE also includes an
optoisolated RS232 port for connection to a PC computer for data
logging and system monitoring. Dimensions:
14.5"W x 5.75"H x 5.75"D - Weight: 12 lbs.
2-year warranty - extended warranty available
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