Fried # PT90-30M Power Point Tracking Controllers [RE-wrenches]

Jeffrey Wolfe, Global Resources global at sover.net
Wed May 30 20:05:01 PDT 2001


I have one working PT48-40 unit (48V input, 24 out, 40A max.)

I also have had NINE failed units. Resistors blowing off the boards and 
such. (We made good on them all. Pretty lousy to leave a non-functioning 
job...) Solar Converters has great theories, and decent standard products, 
but ALL the R&D is done by us in the field. I have a policy that if I ever 
order an MPPT unit again from Dan, I am to be shot.

Jeff

Jeffery D. Wolfe, P.E.
Global Resource Options, LLP
A Woman-Owned Limited Liability Partnership
4 Kibling Hill Road
P.O. Box 51
Strafford, VT 05072
800-374-4494 Toll Free
802-765-4632 Phone
802-765-9983 Fax
global at sover.net
http://www.GlobalResourceOptions.com


----------
From: 	Allan Sindelar, Positive Energy, 
Inc.[SMTP:allan at positiveenergysolar.com]
Reply To: 	RE-wrenches at topica.com
Sent: 	Tuesday, May 29, 2001 7:04 PM
To: 	RE-wrenches at topica.com
Subject: 	Re: RE:Fried   # PT90-30M  Power Point Tracking Controllers 
[RE-wrenches]

Wow! This is a new approach, at least to me. Ask him (the mfgr)  how many 
of
this model controller he's made. Solar Converters appears to have a history
of putting into the market insufficiently tested units. Once the bugs are
all worked out (like this) eventually the stuff works well, as evidenced by
the SunRise pump controllers and converters, and their DC-DC converters,
which are reliable units. I got burned years ago on early 24V MPPT units
from them.
Allan @Pos E
----- Original Message -----
From: "Jeff Yago" <jryago at erols.com>
Subject: RE:Fried # PT90-30M Power Point Tracking Controllers [RE-wrenches]


> Had call from a new client having a system (designed, sold, and installed
by
> others)
> with six (6) "fried" PPT charge controllers made by Solar Converters of
> Canada.
>
>
> Two circuits of 9 PB Solar 85 watt modules (18 modules total per tracker)
on
> three separate dual axis trackers connected to six (6) PPT controllers.
> System problem not lightning related.  I have not visited site yet but
> photos and description of events make me think arrays were improperly
wired
> to supply over-voltage to all six controllers.
>
> If array wired correctly (not verified), at nine modules the open voltage
> would be 198 volts, not counting possible low temperature or snow
> reflection, and 5 amps short circuit. This is new system and all six
> controllers fried at almost same time! Manufacturer says OK to 200 volt
> array voltage.
>
> Anybody ever maxed out one of these controllers?  Manufacturer is telling
me
> the "M" version of this controller can take these over-voltages.  I have
my
> doubts.  I still have not ruled out array wiring errors that may have
wired
> all 18 modules in series.


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