Votronic 1713 MPPT 170 CI zonnelaadregelaar 12V 13A 170Wp

The MPPT 170 CI from Votronic is a compact solar charge controller for 12 V solar systems in motorhomes, caravans, marine applications and stationary off-grid systems.

MPPT technology for continuous determination of the optimal operating point of the connected solar modules

• Designed for 12 V battery systems
• Suitable for 40–170 Wp solar module power
• It is designed for 40 to 170 Wp solar module power, up to 10 A module current and a maximum open-circuit voltage of 60 V Voc. On the battery side, it delivers a maximum of 13 A charging current for the service battery; additionally, a separate output with up to 1 A is available for trickle charging the starter battery. A total of eight selectable charging programs are available for lead-acid, gel, AGM and LiFePO4 batteries.
• Compact MPPT solar charging for 12 V on-board networks
• Maximum 10 A solar module current
• Up to 13 A charging current for the service battery
• Separate charging output with up to 1 A for the starter battery
• 3 charging programs for lead-acid, gel and AGM batteries
• 5 charging programs for LiFePO4 batteries
• Multi-stage IU1oU2 charging method
• Connection for an optional battery temperature sensor
• CI bus interface for integration into compatible vehicle systems
• Connection for suitable Votronic solar display and monitoring devices
• Output for an EBL solar current display
• AES control output for compatible refrigerators

Protection against overload, overheating, short circuit and reverse polarity, among others

• Automatic compensation of voltage losses on the charging cables
• MPPT technology for better utilization of solar power

The controller works according to the principle of Maximum Power Point Tracking. The electronics determine the operating point at which the connected solar modules deliver their highest currently available power several times per second. An existing voltage surplus on the PV side is converted into additional battery charging current via high-frequency switching regulator technology. The MPPT series indicates a possible charging current gain of about 10 to 30% compared to conventional control technology. Especially at cooler temperatures, in transitional seasons or with modules with higher open-circuit voltage, the MPPT control can thus make additional solar energy usable. In contrast to a simple PWM control, the module voltage is not merely limited to the voltage level of the battery. Instead, the controller continuously searches for the optimal operating point of the solar modules and converts the available voltage surplus into usable charging current.

• Two charging outputs for service and starter battery

The solar charge controller has a main charging output for the 12 V service battery and an additional output for the vehicle starter battery. The main output reaches a maximum charging current of 13 A on the MPPT 170 CI. Up to 1 A is available for the starter battery for support and trickle charging. Thus, the solar power flows primarily into the supply battery, while at the same time the state of charge of the starter battery can be supported.

• Eight charging programs for different battery types

For adaptation to different battery technologies, the charge controller provides a total of eight charging programs. Three characteristic curves are intended for lead-acid, gel and AGM batteries, five more for LiFePO4 batteries. Among them is also a special setting for heated LiFePO4 batteries. Charging is carried out according to a multi-stage IU1oU2 characteristic curve.

• Temperature-dependent charging control

For temperature-dependent battery charging, it has a connection for the optional Votronic battery temperature sensor. For lead batteries, the charging voltage is corrected depending on the battery temperature: at low temperatures it is increased, at high temperatures it is decreased. For LiFePO4 batteries, temperature detection additionally serves to protect against unsuitable charging conditions at particularly high or low temperatures. With the regular lithium charging programs, a temperature sensor mounted on the battery is mandatory. An exception is the special program for heated LiFePO4 batteries. The selected charging characteristic must therefore always match the specifications of the battery manufacturer used.

• CI bus, EBL and external display devices

Via the integrated CI bus connection, the controller can be integrated into compatible vehicle and display systems. Operating data can be transmitted to a suitable central vehicle display. If several CI bus solar controllers are operated together, the required address can be set via the provided DIP switch. In addition, an output is available for transmitting the solar current signal to an existing EBL (electroblock). According to the installation instructions, a separately available cable set is required for this connection. There are also plug-in connection options for, among others, Solar Computer S, VPC, Bluetooth Connector, LCD Energy Monitor and Sirius CI. With appropriate additional components, the operating and performance data of the solar system can be monitored more conveniently.

• Protection functions and automatic charging operation

The solar controller works fully automatically and monitors the connected battery during the charging process. The integrated protection functions include protection against overload, overheating, short circuit and reverse polarity. A reverse current barrier prevents the battery from discharging via the solar modules during the night. The existing on-board network filter also supports parallel operation with other charging sources such as mains chargers, battery-to-battery chargers, alternators or generators. Voltage losses on the charging cables are automatically compensated. In addition, the series has an overvoltage limitation to protect sensitive 12 V consumers. The permissible ambient temperature range is -20 to +45 °C.