Votronic 1723 MPPT 360 CI zonnelaadregelaar 12V 26A 360Wp

The MPPT 360 CI from Votronic is a solar charge controller for 12 V solar systems in motorhomes, caravans, marine applications and stationary off-grid systems.

MPPT technology for automatic determination of the optimum operating point of the connected solar modules

• Designed for 12 V battery systems
• 50–360 Wp recommended to maximum solar module power
• It processes solar modules with 50 to 360 Wp, up to 21 A module current and maximum 60 V open-circuit voltage (Voc). On the battery side, up to 26 A charging current is available for the auxiliary battery and up to 1.5 A for trickle charging the starter battery. Lead-acid, gel, AGM and LiFePO4 batteries are supported with a total of eight selectable charging programs.
• MPPT solar charging for motorhome, caravan and off-grid system
• Up to 21 A solar module current and maximum 60 V Voc
• Maximum 26 A charging current for the auxiliary battery
• Separate charging output with up to 1.5 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 characteristic
• Connection for a battery temperature sensor
• CI bus connection for integration into compatible vehicle systems
• Connection options for Votronic solar display devices
• Output for EBL solar current display
• AES switching 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

It operates according to the maximum power point tracking method. The electronics determine the operating point at which the connected solar modules provide their maximum power several times per second. An existing voltage surplus on the module side is converted into additional battery charging current. Compared to conventional control technology, MPPT technology can achieve a charging current gain of about 10 to 30%, and the specified efficiency is over 95%. The advantage is particularly evident at cool temperatures and in weak or diffuse light conditions. MPPT control thus differs fundamentally from simple PWM control. Instead of essentially adapting the module voltage to the voltage level of the battery, the controller converts excess module voltage into usable charging current. This enables better utilization of suitable solar modules.

• Two battery outputs for auxiliary and starter battery

In addition to the main charging output for the 12 V auxiliary battery, the solar controller has an additional output for trickle charging the vehicle starter battery. While the auxiliary battery can be charged with a maximum of 26 A, up to 1.5 A is available for the starter battery. The manual explicitly describes this second output as a support and trickle charge function. It is therefore particularly suitable for vehicles where the solar system primarily charges the service battery, but at the same time the state of charge of the starter battery should be maintained.

• Eight charging programs for lead-acid and LiFePO4 batteries

Eight switchable charging characteristics are available for different battery technologies. Three programs are intended for lead-acid, gel and AGM batteries, five more for LiFePO4 batteries. These include various voltage profiles and a special program for heated LiFePO4 batteries. The multi-stage IU1oU2 charging characteristic divides the charging process into pre-charging, main charging (bulk), absorption phase and float charging. As a result, the controller automatically adjusts current and voltage to the respective state of charge of the battery.

• Temperature-dependent battery charging

It has a connection for an optional Votronic battery temperature sensor. For lead-acid batteries, the charging voltage can be adjusted depending on the battery temperature. At low temperatures it is increased, at high temperatures reduced. For LiFePO4 batteries, temperature detection serves in particular to protect against high and low battery temperatures. Important for selection and installation: A temperature sensor is generally required when lithium characteristics are set. An exception is the special charging program for heated LiFePO4 batteries, for which the manual expressly provides a different operating mode. The specific setting must therefore be made to match the battery used.

• CI bus, EBL and solar displays

For integration into vehicle and monitoring systems, the MPPT 360 CI offers several interfaces. Via the CI bus connection, relevant operating data can be transmitted to a suitable central vehicle display. In addition, a measurement output is available for the solar current display of an existing EBL (electroblock). According to the manual, a separately available cable set is provided for the EBL connection. Furthermore, the solar charge controller is ready to plug in for various Votronic display and monitoring solutions.

• AES output for compatible refrigerators

Another connection is the AES switching output with 12 V / 0.2 A. AES stands for "Automatic Energy Selector". When there is a permanent surplus of solar power, the controller can signal compatible refrigerators to switch from gas to 12 V operation. This output is intended only as a control signal. For larger consumers, a suitable additional switching solution must be used.

• Protective functions for battery and vehicle electrical system

The solar charge controller works fully automatically and has several integrated protection and monitoring functions. These include protection against overload, overheating, short circuit and reverse polarity as well as a reverse current blocking for night operation. An on-board power supply filter supports parallel operation with other charging sources such as mains chargers or alternators. In addition, the controller automatically compensates for voltage losses on the charging cables. An overvoltage limitation serves to protect sensitive 12 V consumers. The permissible ambient temperature range is -20 to +45 °C.

• Mounting and areas of use

Votronic intends the MPPT 360 CI for motorhomes, caravans, marine applications and stationary off-grid island systems, for example in garden or holiday homes. Mounting is on a flat, hard surface protected from moisture near the auxiliary battery. Vertical mounting with connections pointing downwards is intended. A required cable cross-section of 6–10 mm² on the panel side and 6–10 mm² on the battery side is specified, depending on the cable length. The device-side fuse of the auxiliary battery is specified as 30 A.