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electrical:solar:mppt_design [2018/11/20 13:22]
frater_secessus
electrical:solar:mppt_design [2023/01/22 15:35] (current)
frater_secessus [input voltage]
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 ====== MPPT integration ====== ====== MPPT integration ======
  
-There are benefits from using [[electrical:solar:panels#panel_voltage|higher voltage panels]] that can be realized when a system is designed for an MPPT controller.  An MPPT controller can also be the centerpiece of [[electrical:converter#diy_converters|a DIY converter]].+There are benefits from using [[electrical:solar:panels#panel_voltage|higher voltage panels]] that can be realized when a system is designed for an MPPT controller.  $/watt ratios can become quite favorable with large, used panels and [[electrical:solar:overpaneling|overpaneled]] controllers
  
-MPPT manufacturers always specify a maximum voltage coming into the panels;  some also specify a minimum or optimium voltage  +The downside is that MPPT //requires// some amount of excess panel voltage over charging voltage to do its work (see below).  MPPT advantage may be minimal or nonexistant when nominal panel voltage matches nominal battery bank voltage (12v panels and 12v battery, for example).  Consider this worst-case scenario: 
 + 
 +  * low Vmp 12v panel, like a poly panel with Vmp of 17v 
 +  * 90F ambient temps,  which derates panel by 18% (Vmp is now 13.94) 
 +  * wiring losses of 2% (panel voltage entering controller is now 13.66v) 
 +  * a controller that requires Vbatt + 1v to maintain MPPT operation 
 + 
 +In this situation the controller **can't do MPPT charging above 12.66v**;  we have effectively wasted our money on that expensive MPPT.  So make sure there is sufficient (voltage) headroom for the MPPT to operate.  This can be done with higher-Vmp panels((like high-efficiency mono panels)), higher-voltage panels((20-24v)), or panels in series.  Example:  2x 12v panels in series is nominal 24v, a great fit for charging a 12v battery bank.  
 + 
 + 
 +===== input voltage ===== 
 + 
 +Input voltage is a balancing act between efficiency / heat reduction (requires lower input voltage), the ability to overcome self-consumption losses under all conditions (requires higher input voltage), wire size and length (higher input voltage), and shading mitigation (higher input voltage). 
 + 
 + 
 +MPPT manufacturers always specify a maximum voltage coming into the controller;  some also specify a minimum or optimium voltage for MPPT operation:   
  
   * Victron:  Vpanel >= Vbatt + 5v to start MPPT, Vbatt + 1v thereafter.((https://www.victronenergy.com/upload/documents/Manual-BlueSolar-charge-controller-MPPT-75-10-75-15--100-15-EN-NL-FR-DE-ES-SE-ul.pdf))   * Victron:  Vpanel >= Vbatt + 5v to start MPPT, Vbatt + 1v thereafter.((https://www.victronenergy.com/upload/documents/Manual-BlueSolar-charge-controller-MPPT-75-10-75-15--100-15-EN-NL-FR-DE-ES-SE-ul.pdf))
   * Genasun (nominal 12 systems):  15-18v for constant power supplies((https://genasun.com/support/faq/)), <= 27v for PV.((https://www.bruceschwab.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/86/2018/01/GV-10_Manual-2017.pdf))   * Genasun (nominal 12 systems):  15-18v for constant power supplies((https://genasun.com/support/faq/)), <= 27v for PV.((https://www.bruceschwab.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/86/2018/01/GV-10_Manual-2017.pdf))
   * SNA (grid tied): Vpanel = desired output * 1.4142((https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Aalok_Bhatt/post/How_to_select_MPPT_Range_of_Solar_Inverter/attachment/59d624496cda7b8083a1f834/AS%3A377507284045824%401467016158673/download/SMA+Datasheet.pdf))   * SNA (grid tied): Vpanel = desired output * 1.4142((https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Aalok_Bhatt/post/How_to_select_MPPT_Range_of_Solar_Inverter/attachment/59d624496cda7b8083a1f834/AS%3A377507284045824%401467016158673/download/SMA+Datasheet.pdf))
-  * generic rule of thumb:  Vpanel >= maxiumum Vbatt + 30%  FIXME +  * EpEver:  Vpanel >= Vbatt +2v to start MPPT.((https://www.epsolarpv.com/upload/cert/file/1811/Tracer-AN(50-100A)-SMS-EL-V1.1.pdf)) 
-  * generic rule of thumb:  Vpanel = maximum Vbat +  * Midnite requires Vbatt+30%((https://www.midnitesolar.com/sizingTool/index.php)) 
 +  * generic rule of thumb:  Vpanel >= maximum Vbatt + 30%  
 +  * generic rule of thumb:  Vpanel <= maximum Vbatt 2.((https://www.homepower.com/input-voltage-controller-efficiency))((https://forum.solar-electric.com/discussion/351037/recomended-mppt-input-voltage-for-a-48-volt-system)).  
 + 
 + 
 +===== other uses =====
  
-MPPT controllers are most efficient when input voltage (Vpanel) is about 2x nominal battery voltage (Vbatt).  When Vpanel rises above 2x Vbatt more heat is generated when downconverting.((https://www.homepower.com/input-voltage-controller-efficiency))  At less than 2x the controller may not have enough "headroom" to work efficiently.  
  
 +An MPPT controller can also be the centerpiece of [[electrical:converter#diy_converters|a DIY converter]].
electrical/solar/mppt_design.1542738147.txt.gz · Last modified: 2020/10/11 19:48 (external edit)