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--- electrical:solar:charge_controller [2018/06/30 19:33]
frater_secessus [Using LOAD output]
+++ electrical:solar:charge_controller [2018/08/26 09:58]
frater_secessus [multiple charge controllers]
@@ Line 109: / Line 109: @@
 ===== multiple charge controllers  =====
-Multiple controllers (with separate arrays) can be used to charge a common bank.  The controllers should be configured with similar charging setpoints for the greatest efficiency.((http://www.morningstarcorp.com/parallel-charging-using-multiple-controllers-separate-pv-arrays/))
+[[electrical:12v:multipoint_charging|Multiple controllers (with separate arrays) can be used to charge a common bank]].  The controllers should be configured with similar charging setpoints for the greatest efficiency.((http://www.morningstarcorp.com/parallel-charging-using-multiple-controllers-separate-pv-arrays/))
@@ Line 128: / Line 128: @@
 ===== Using LOAD output =====
-It is common for charge controllers to have a LOAD output for powering (or switching) loads.  Not all types of loads should be run from these terminals, though.  Morningstar says:
+It is common for charge controllers to have a LOAD output for powering (or switching) loads.  One benefit to doing this is you can define a [[electrical:12v:lvd|Low Voltage Disconnect]] (LVD) setpoint and Low Voltage Reconnect to protect the battery from excessive discharge.
+Not all types of loads should be run from these terminals, though.  Morningstar says:
 >  Heavily inductive or capacitive loads such as **pumps, motors, compressors, and
 inverters** should not be wired to the controller’s Load terminals. In addition, loads exceeding the Load Current Rating of the controller should not be connected to the controller’s Load terminals.((http://support.morningstarcorp.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/ALL.DIG_.Load_Control_Using_A_Relay.01.EN_.pdf))
-One can run loads heavier than the controller is rated for (or inductive/capacitive loads) by connecting the heavy load[s] to a relay((http://support.morningstarcorp.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/ALL.DIG_.Load_Control_Using_A_Relay.01.EN_.pdf)), which is in turn connected to the LOAD output.  This still allows for Low Voltage Disconnect because the CC will turn off power to the LOAD output, which turns off power to the relay, which turns power off to the load.
+elsewhere they say:
+>  Inductive loads can generate large voltage spikes that may damage the controller’s lightning protection devices.((http://www.morningstarcorp.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/TS.IOM_.Operators_Manual.04.EN_1.pdf))
+although an exception is made for the SunSaver MPPT which "Handles inductive loads without problems."((http://support.morningstarcorp.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/SunSaverMPPT-FeaturesBenefits.pdf))
+One can run loads heavier than the controller is rated for (or inductive/capacitive loads) by connecting those load[s] to a relay((http://support.morningstarcorp.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/ALL.DIG_.Load_Control_Using_A_Relay.01.EN_.pdf)), which is in turn connected to the LOAD output.  This still allows for Low Voltage Disconnect because the CC will turn off power to the LOAD output, which turns off power to the relay, which turns power off to the load.
 You may also be able to use the LOAD output to create a [[electrical:solar:nonessential|separate 12v circuit for non-essential ("opportunity") loads]].

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