Morningstar
- ProStar Charge Controllers
 The
ProStar line is a sophisticated line of PV charge controls that
incorporate constant voltage PWM to make maximum use of valuable
PV power. They have automatic equalization, temperature compensation
and very high efficiency. Can be used on 12 volt and 24 volt systems
with sealed, gel and wet-cell lead-acid batteries. Front panel LED's
indicate when the batteries are being charged and relative battery
state-of-charge. Reverse polarity protection on input and output.
In the event of a load short circuit, the load is automatically
disconnected. Low voltage disconnect (LVD) is current-compensated
to prevent false disconnect when the battery is heavily loaded.
Units are conformal coated to guard against corrosion. Dimensions:
6.01” x 4.14” x 2.2”. 5 year warranty.
| Name |
Voltage
( volts ) |
Amperage
( amps ) |
LVD
|
Weight
( LBS ) |
Prostar
15
|
12-24-48
Negative or Positive Ground |
15 |
yes
|
2 |
Prostar
15M
with
meter |
12-24-48
Negative or Positive Ground |
15 |
yes
|
2 |
| Prostar
30 |
12-24
Negative Ground |
30 |
yes
|
2 |
Prostar
30M
with
meter |
12-24
Negative Ground |
30 |
yes
|
2 |
Morningstar
Relay Driver |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
0.4 |
Features
of the 2nd Generation ProStar
Highest Reliability
It is almost impossible to "kill" the Morningstar ProStar
due to large design margins and electronic protections.
· No
need to derate...use up to full "nameplate" ratings
· Rated for operating temperatures from -30°C to +60°C
· Short-circuit, overload and reverse polarity protected...with
automatic electronic recovery
More Information
The LED’s indicate various battery and system status. The meter
option now displays extensive data:
· Accurate
readings of PV current, load current, and system voltage
· Temperature
· LVD and other disconnect conditions
· Self-test mode which displays 9 different controller status
parameters and any detected faults (makes it very easy to troubleshoot)
Longer Battery
Life
The ProStar’s constant voltage PWM regulation now uses 4 stages
of charging including float charging. Battery type selections are
made via rotary switch and include gel, sealed or flooded.
· Tropicalizaton
- All ProStars now include conformal coating, stainless-steel screws
and an anodized aluminum heat sink (protection for marine and jungle
environments).
· 48V and Positive Ground - New versions of the ProStar also
include 15A at 48V (negative and positive ground) and a 30A at 12/24V
for positive grounded systems.
· Low Telecom Noise - The new ProStar has been designed for
reduced interference during PWM regulation. The regulation frequency
may be further reduced in the field.
· Remote Temperature Probe - The ProStar now has an optional
remote temperature probe for sites where the controller and battery
experience different temperatures.
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.
Reliability
Expected failure rate will be less than 1 per 1,000 units over
5 years. Improved protections and added many new protections:
· 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
Battery Charging
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
Installation
& Operation
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
Protections
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
Accuracy
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
Digital Meter
Display
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
Click
here for more information in PDF
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