| |   Prostar 15M, 12/24V DC
Prostar 15: 15 amp load/charge controller, 12/24V DC, Includes Meter!
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
Reliability
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
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
• Temperature compensation
• High level of lightning protection
• Computerized production testing
• Ambient temperatures of –40ºC to +60ºC
• Expected 15 year life
• Parallel capability for higher current ratings
• Easy to use
• Constant voltage, PWM series charging
• Reverse current protection (at night)
• ISO 9002 manufacturing
• High efficiency, low self-consumption
• Tropicalization—Epoxy or conformal coating
• Five year warranty
• No need to derate- 25% design margin
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