Atkinson PVLC-40 Lighting Charge Controller

Atkinson Electronics, Lighting Charge Controller, 40A, 12-24V, PVLC-40

The PVLC-40 charge controller monitors both the battery and PV panel voltage to determine: 12V or 24V DC mode of operation, if PV panels have sufficient voltage for charge, and if the battery bank requires charging. When charging the PVLC-40 cycles the charge relay every 4 minutes to re-verify open circuit PV charge voltage to avoid discharging the batteries through the PV panels when low light conditions occur. The charge re-connection time is varied by the microprocessor to optimally reduce the charge rate for nearly or fully charged batteries. The PVLC-40 internal temperature compensation adjusts the charge threshold voltages for optimum charge of the battery bank based on temperatures between 08C to 458C. For a complete chart refer to the PVCM-10 or PVCM-20 data sheets.

The PVLC-40 lighting controller monitors PV panel voltage and initiates the “light-on” cycle when a dusk voltage threshold has been reached and energizes the lighting relay. It remains energized until either the time selection is reached, the PV voltage indicates dawn, or the battery voltage drops below 11.0V (or 22.0V) DC for 5 continuous minutes. If the lighting relay drops out on low battery voltage or is below 12V (24V) at dusk, it will not re-energize until the battery has been charged up to 12V (or 24V) DC. If a “sign” time range (7,8,9) is selected, the lighting relay will turn on for the number of hours selected after dark and turn on again two hours before dawn the next morning. The PVLC-40 must operate through one full 24 hour day/night cycle after power up before the lighting relay will turn on 2 hours before dawn. Selecting (6) “all night” on the timing switch causes the lights to remain on dusk to dawn (subject to the low battery voltage cutout).

If the timing switch selection is “zero” (0) the PVLC-40 will operate as a PV charge controller with low voltage disconnect. The lighting relay will immediately turn on and will turn off when battery voltage falls below 11.0V or 22.0V DC. The dusk to dawn lighting functions are bypassed in the Low Voltage Disconnect mode.

Features

• Highlights - PV charge and lighting controller - waterproof. Micro-controller for digital accuracy and reliability. Fully automatic operation on 12V or 24V DC systems. Automatic dusk and dawn lighting control. All night, or adjustable time-off for area lighting with pre-dawn lighting for signs. We handle up to 15 AMps @ 28VDC from PV panels and lighting loads up to 15 Amps. Built-in low voltage disconnect, max load 12 Amps. Built-in temperature compensation for PV charging. LED indication of solar charge and lighting control. Selectable operation for sealed/flooded batteries. Pulse action reduces battery sulfaction. Applications: Photovoltatic charge and lighting controller for: area lighting, roadside sides, warning signs, etc.