experience different
ambient temperatures.
Since the ProStar
charging is temperature compensated, the RTP allows the temperature
to be measured accurately at the battery.
The RTP is easily
installed by soldering two wires to the ProStar circuit board. The
ProStar will not operate with any other temperature probe from
another supplier. Also, the RTP may only be used for ProStars
produced after May, 2001.
THE NEW PROSTARtm SOLAR
CONTROLLER
Washington Crossing, PA USA: Morningstar Corporation is
pleased to announce the introduction of the new ProStar solar
charge controller. The ProStar was first marketed to the solar
industry in 1995 and has since become the world's leading
mid-range controller for both professional and consumer
applications.
By using highly advanced technology, this second generation
ProStar sets new standards for reliability and self-diagnostics.
The new ProStar also provides several unique features and
protections. And Morningstar's patented PWM battery charging has
been further optimized for longer battery life and improved
system performance.
The new ProStar is available in 15 or 30 amps, 12/24 or 48
volt, and negative or positive ground. The controller may be
paralleled for a solar input rating of up to 300 amps. An
optional meter provides an extensive display of self-testing and
system status.
The standard ProStar versions have been
reduced by two-thirds to cut inventory and logistic costs.
- Original 12 versions reduced to 4
- New positive ground and 48 volt versions have been added
Expected failure rate will be less than 1 per
1,000 units over 5 years.
- Improved protections and added many new protections (see
list below)
- Power MOSFET voltage rating increased 25%
- Eliminated all trim-pots and other troublesome parts
- Reduced the digital meter components from 75 to 16
- Increased the current-carrying copper traces by 75%
- Increased temperature rating of many parts
- Made conformal coating protection standard
Expanded the battery charging options and
capabilities.
- Added a third battery type selection (gel, sealed,
flooded)
- Added a "float" stage to the battery charging algorithm
- Expanded the to account for depth of discharge history
- Added a remote temperature probe option
- Improved the accuracy of all charging parameters
- Moved the built-in temperature sensor to read ambient
conditions more accurately
The new ProStar is easier and safer to
install and use, with more operating information provided to the
user.
- Self-diagnostic test provides assurance the controller
is working correctly, or indicates a fault that is present
- Rotary switch provides simple and positive selection of
battery type (and LED's confirm the selection)
- Terminals are longer with more screw threads,
screwdriver holes in the case are larger, and plastic tabs
isolate the terminals
- The pushbutton disconnects the load first (for weekend
cabins, boats, etc.), then disconnects the solar if held
down for 2 seconds (indicated in the meter)
- Five protection functions are displayed in the digital
meter
- Meter indicates "OFF" if solar or load is disconnected
- PWM is indicated in the green battery status LED
(blinking)
- A telecom jumper eliminates PWM noise if present
- Mounting standoffs prevent stress cracks in the case
Protection against abuse and faults is now
comprehensive.
- Added solar short circuit and overload protection / auto
recovery
- Added load overload protection / auto recovery
- Improved load short circuit protection / auto recovery
- Improved protection of the load from voltage spikes
- Improved low battery voltage and brownout protection /
auto recovery
- Other existing protections have been improved
Precision design for improved performance and
accurate meter display.
- Added 0.1% resistors and other precision components
- Upgraded to a more powerful, faster microcontroller with
better resolution
- Extensive digital filtering for improved accuracy
- Added 2 precision shunts for very accurate current
measurement
- Calibration of the microcontroller during final QA
testing in production
Completely redesigned, improved and expanded
the digital meter.
- Meter reads values directly from the microcontroller
- Very accurate voltage and current values measured and
displayed
- Added self-test with specific faults and conditions
displayed
- More status and protection conditions are displayed
- Reduced self-consumption to 1 mA
- Current is now measured in the ungrounded leg only
- Meter connector is more robust and easier to attach
- Any meter can now be mounted to any ProStar with no
calibration required
-
Highly accurate: +/–
1.5ºC
-
• Cable length: 25 feet
(7.6 meters)
-
• User may easily
extend cable length up to
-
100 feet (30 meters)
using standard cable
-
• Corrects for
temperatures from –30ºC to
-
+80ºC
-
• Protected from
lightning surges and short
-
circuits
-
• Defaults to ProStar
on-board temperature
-
sensor if RTP fails
(open or closed)
-
Specifications:
-
• Stainless steel
housing: 0.208 inch diameter
-
(5.3 mm) and 1 inch
long (25 mm)
-
• 2-conductor copper
cable with PVC jacket
-
• Cable rated UL CMR
-
• ProStars were tested
with remote probes for
-
CE certification
(standard 25 ft length)
-
• Probe noise is
filtered
