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electrical:solar:tracer [2021/06/15 14:15]
frater_secessus [nomenclature] 		electrical:solar:tracer [2023/01/18 18:33] (current)
frater_secessus [quirks]
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-==== quirks ==== +===== quirks ===== 
-Some [[electrical:solar:charge_controller_setpoints|voltage setpoints]] are constrained in relationship to each other.   Because of this it may be easiest to configure them in a particular order.((http://techluck.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1486955008))  This order places the configurations in increasing (or equal) voltages the way the controller wants it.  + 
-  - "Low Voltage Reconnect Voltage" +==== MPPT algorithm performance ==== 
-  - "Boost Reconnect"+ 
 +The algo is slow but performs very well under good solar conditions.  Under poor or rapidly-changing solar conditions [[opinion:frater_secessus:epever|it may underperform]].  
 + 
 + 
 +==== programming ==== 
 + 
 + 
 +Some [[electrical:solar:charge_controller_setpoints|voltage setpoints]] are constrained in relationship to each other.   Because of this it may be easiest to write them down in this order((http://techluck.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1486955008)) (lowest to highest voltage) to make sure the logic below is followed.  Then program them into the controller.  
 + 
 +  - "Low Voltage Reconnect Voltage" (load)((reconnect loads after regaining this voltage)) 
 +  - "Boost Reconnect"((if voltage falls below this in Float then Boost/Absorption will be restarted))
   - Then "Float Charge"   - Then "Float Charge"
   - Then "Boost Charge"   - Then "Boost Charge"
   - Then "Equalize Charge"   - Then "Equalize Charge"
-  - Then "Over Voltage Reconnect" +  - Then "Over Voltage Reconnect" (load)((reconnect at this voltage aftr OVD has kicked in)) 
-  - Then "Charging Limit" +  - Then "Charging Limit"((highest voltage the controller will allow for charging)) 
-  - Then "Over Voltage Disconnect"+  - Then "Over Voltage Disconnect" (load) 
 + 
 +**PARA errors** mean the internal logic of the setpoints has been violated: 
 + 
 +> The **following rules** must be observed when modifying the parameter's value in user battery type 
 + 
 +> Over Voltage Disconnect Voltage (load) > Charging Limit Voltage ≥ Equalize Charging Voltage ≥ Boost Charging Voltage ≥ Float Charging Voltage > Boost Reconnect Charging Voltage. 
 + 
 +> Over Voltage Disconnect Voltage (load) > Over Voltage Reconnect Voltage (load) 
 + 
 +> Low Voltage Reconnect Voltage (load) > Low Voltage Disconnect Voltage (load) ≥ Discharging Limit Voltage. 
 + 
 +> Under Voltage Warning Reconnect Voltage (load)((low voltage warning turns off here)) > Under Voltage Warning Voltage (load) ≥ Discharging Limit Voltage (load)((no effect other than warning in standalone systems)) 
 + 
 +> Boost Reconnect Charging voltage > Low Voltage Reconnect Voltage.   
 + 
 + 
 + 
 + 
 {{http://img.mousetrap.net/boondocking/MT-50_displayEvil.jpg?150 }} {{http://img.mousetrap.net/boondocking/MT-50_displayEvil.jpg?150 }}
 Tracer (and the Renogy rebrands) refer to the **Absorption stage as "boost"**.  This is an unforced error; the nonstandard term confuses newcomers and conflicts with the already-existing "[[electrical:solar:charge_controller#mppt|MPPT boost]]" term.  Tracer (and the Renogy rebrands) refer to the **Absorption stage as "boost"**.  This is an unforced error; the nonstandard term confuses newcomers and conflicts with the already-existing "[[electrical:solar:charge_controller#mppt|MPPT boost]]" term. 
 +
 +The LOAD icon (light bulb ON/OFF) indicates whether the LOAD terminals are powered, not whether or not anything is connected to them or consuming power.
 +
 +
 +=== battery SOC icon ===
 +
 The **battery icon** found on many Tracer controllers is unnecessary and misleading.  The manual claims it is a  [[electrical:depth_of_discharge|State of Charge]] meter but there is no guide to reading it.  Since the same voltage can result in different display during charging and non-charging scenarios, it may actually be useful to think of as a **charging indicator rather than state of charge indicator**.  Secessus' unscientific observation reveals these weak correlations: The **battery icon** found on many Tracer controllers is unnecessary and misleading.  The manual claims it is a  [[electrical:depth_of_discharge|State of Charge]] meter but there is no guide to reading it.  Since the same voltage can result in different display during charging and non-charging scenarios, it may actually be useful to think of as a **charging indicator rather than state of charge indicator**.  Secessus' unscientific observation reveals these weak correlations:
 | |  **Charging**|  **Not charging**| | |  **Charging**|  **Not charging**|
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 |  **0 bar / 0%:  **|  not charging|  <= Vlvd| |  **0 bar / 0%:  **|  not charging|  <= Vlvd|
  
-The LOAD icon (light bulb ON/OFF) indicates whether the LOAD terminals are powered, not whether or not anything is connected to them or consuming power. +===== lithium compatibility ===== 
 + 
 +EpEver says the Tracer series is not fully lithium compatible since they cannot "activate" Li batteries that have shut themselves down.((https://www.epsolarpv.com/upload/file/1812/EPEVER%20Tracer%20AN_Main_Pres.pdf))  [IMO this is an unnecessarily high criterion which other mfg do not adhere to.  [[electrical:12v:drop-in_lifepo4#mythyou_can_t_charge_li_with_a_lead_battery_charger|Almost any configurable charger can be used for lithium]].  - secessus] 
 + 
 +There is anecdotal evidence that the PC software can configure the controller to stop charging below a given temperature.  
 + 
 +  * [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nihEFe0XJXU|Budget LiFePo4 Low-Temp Protection Solution & Test]] 
 +  * [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qp1qbJu2N5I|MPPT low temp disconnect]] 
 + 
 +===== models ===== 
 ==== A series ==== ==== A series ====
 {{https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51Ea6Qpt0zL._AC_UL160_SR160,160_.jpg }} {{https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51Ea6Qpt0zL._AC_UL160_SR160,160_.jpg }}
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 The A series (and BN below) use the MT-50 display.  Communications are via RJ-485 adapter and the [[http://www.solar-elektro.cz/data/dokumenty/1733_modbus_protocol.pdf|LS-B protocol]] (pdf).  [[https://github.com/kasbert/epsolar-tracer|Open source software]] is available. The A series (and BN below) use the MT-50 display.  Communications are via RJ-485 adapter and the [[http://www.solar-elektro.cz/data/dokumenty/1733_modbus_protocol.pdf|LS-B protocol]] (pdf).  [[https://github.com/kasbert/epsolar-tracer|Open source software]] is available.
  
-The AN variant is "[[electrical:solar:charge_controller#positive_ground_controllers|negative ground]]".+ 
 +==== AN series up to 40A ==== 
 + 
 +The AN variant is "[[electrical:solar:charge_controller#positive_ground_controllers|negative ground]]" but is otherwise indistinguishable from the A series.  
 + 
 +==== AN series 50A and higher ==== 
 + 
 +[[https://amzn.to/3h54DGt|{{ https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51po2qCFXIL._AC_UY218_.jpg}}]] 
 + 
 + 
 +The >=50A AN series uses the same display and possibly firmware of the smaller AN units, but has several differences: 
 + 
 +  * very large and heavy;  make sure you have space before ordering one 
 +  * 100v, 150v, and 200v versions is instead of 60v/100v in smaller AN 
 +  * removable cover over wiring terminals -- see pic at right;  terminal screws are not visible 
 +  * battery voltage sensing wire can be plugged into a small terminal plug 
 +  * LOAD output is removed;  low LOAD functionality remains via small terminal plug1,used only for relays and controlling generators 
 + 
 + 
 +Variants: 
 + 
 +  * 5415AN - 50A, 12/24/48v banks, 150v input 
 +  * 5420AN - 50A, 12/24/48v banks, 200v input 
 +  * 6210AN - 60A, 12v/24v banks, 100v input 
 +  * 6415AN - 60A, 12/24/48v banks, 150v input 
 +  * 6420AN - 60A, 12v/24v/48v banks, 200v input 
 +  * 8415AN - 80A, 12/24/48v banks, 150v input 
 +  * 8420AN - 80A, 12/24/48v banks, 200v input 
 +  * 10415AN - 100A, 12/24/48v banks, 150v input 
 +  * 10420AN - 100A, 12/24/48v banks, 200v input 
 + 
 +When assessing input voltage needs, see the manuals that specify how ambient temperature affects Vmax tolerance. 
 ==== BN series ==== ==== BN series ====
 {{ https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51QoYHrxkRL._AC_US160_.jpg}} {{ https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51QoYHrxkRL._AC_US160_.jpg}}
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 The eTracer is also sold as the Renogy Commander. The eTracer is also sold as the Renogy Commander.
 [[http://www.epsolarpv.com/en/uploads/news/201311/1383794723784755.pdf|manual]] (pdf) [[http://www.epsolarpv.com/en/uploads/news/201311/1383794723784755.pdf|manual]] (pdf)
-==== Triron series ====+==== Triron N series ====
 {{ http://www.epsolarpv.com/en/uploads/news/201708/1503388440391804.jpg}} {{ http://www.epsolarpv.com/en/uploads/news/201708/1503388440391804.jpg}}
 +
 +The Triron is a modular controller:
 +
 +> ...which can be integrated with different display and interface modules to meet a variety of functional requirements.... There are three display modules (Basic 1(DB1), Standard1(DS1) and Stardard2(DS2)) and four  interface modules (USB COM Slave(UCS),Relay COM Slave(RCS), Relay COM Master(RCM) and Dual USB1(USB1)). Users can choose any combination of these modules according to their needs. -- [[https://www.epsolarpv.com/upload/file/1909/EPEVER-Datasheet-TRIRON.pdf|datasheet]]
 +
 +
 +
 +  * negative ground
 +  * modular construction
 +  * low temperature charging cutoff((https://diysolarforum.com/threads/is-epever-mppt-solar-charge-controller-capable-of-low-temp-shut-off.22931/post-302135))
 +
 +
 The Triron is also sold as the Renogy Rover, which can be programmed using the [[https://www.renogy.com/rover-20-amp-mppt-solar-charge-controller/#tab_prd-downloads|free software]]. The Triron is also sold as the Renogy Rover, which can be programmed using the [[https://www.renogy.com/rover-20-amp-mppt-solar-charge-controller/#tab_prd-downloads|free software]].
 +
 +[[https://www.epsolarpv.com/upload/cert/file/1811/TRIRON-SMS-EL-V1.2.pdf|manual]]
 +
 +
 ==== SPP programmers ==== ==== SPP programmers ====
 {{https://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/ODUwWDg1MA==/z/3eIAAOSw9EZZi~Dl/$_58.JPG?200 }} {{https://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/ODUwWDg1MA==/z/3eIAAOSw9EZZi~Dl/$_58.JPG?200 }}
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 Because of a tweak Renogy made to their version of the controllers, the plain MT-50 will not work and you must pay extra for [[https://amzn.to/2YueTzP|the Renogy MT-50]].   Because of a tweak Renogy made to their version of the controllers, the plain MT-50 will not work and you must pay extra for [[https://amzn.to/2YueTzP|the Renogy MT-50]].  
 +
 +Note:  some comms problems can be solved by [[https://www.reddit.com/r/SolarDIY/comments/t4xydv/fixing_an_epever_tracer_4210an_charge_controller/|adjusting the baud rate]].
  
 ==== MT-75 display ==== ==== MT-75 display ====
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 Note that these apps talk directly to the modules over BT/Wifi;  they do not pair to the phone or connect to the wifi access point.  Connect to the module through the app itself.  Note that these apps talk directly to the modules over BT/Wifi;  they do not pair to the phone or connect to the wifi access point.  Connect to the module through the app itself. 
 +
 +See [[https://vanlivingforum.com/threads/epever-ebox-wifi-com-port-adapter-for-charge-controller.43241/|this post]] for advanced use of the wifi version.  
 +
  
 ---- ----
electrical/solar/tracer.1623766554.txt.gz · Last modified: 2021/06/15 14:15 by frater_secessus

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