Votronic 1718 MPPT 260 CI aurinkolataussäädin, 12 V, 18,5 A, 260 Wp

The Votronic MPPT 260 CI is a solar charge controller for 12 V solar systems in motorhomes, caravans, marine applications and stationary off-grid systems.

MPPT technology for continuously determining the optimum operating point of the solar modules

• Designed for 12 V battery systems
• Suitable for 40–260 Wp solar module power
• It is designed for a solar module power of 40 to 260 Wp, a module current up to 15 A and a maximum open-circuit voltage (Voc) of 60 V. For the service battery it provides up to 18.5 A charging current, while a separate output supports and recharges the starter battery with up to 1 A. Eight selectable charging programs enable operation with lead-acid, gel, AGM and LiFePO4 batteries.
• MPPT solar charging for compact 12 V solar systems
• Maximum 15 A solar module current and 60 V open-circuit voltage (Voc)
• Up to 18.5 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 characteristic
• Connection for an optional battery temperature sensor
• CI bus connection 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 optimal use of solar energy

The MPPT 260 CI works with Maximum Power Point Tracking. The control searches several times per second for the operating point at which the connected solar modules deliver their highest available power. A voltage surplus on the PV side is converted into additional battery charging current via high-frequency switching regulator technology. According to Votronic, MPPT technology enables a charging current increase of about 10 to 30% compared to conventional control technology with an efficiency of over 95%. The advantage can come into play especially at cooler temperatures and weaker or diffuse solar radiation. In contrast to a simple PWM controller, the higher module voltage is not merely limited to the voltage level of the battery. Instead, the MPPT controller uses the existing voltage surplus to generate additional charging current.

• Separate charging of service and starter battery

The solar controller has two battery charging outputs. The main output supplies the 12 V service battery with up to 18.5 A. In addition, an output with maximum 1 A is available for the vehicle starter battery. This is intended for support charging and charge retention. Thus, the energy provided by the solar modules is primarily used for the supply battery, while at the same time the state of charge of the starter battery can be supported.

• Eight charging programs for lead-acid and LiFePO4 batteries

A total of eight switchable charging characteristics are available for adaptation to different battery technologies. Three of them are intended for lead-acid, gel or AGM batteries. Five further programs cover different LiFePO4 applications. Charging is carried out according to an IU1oU2 characteristic. Current and voltage are automatically adapted to the respective state of charge.

• Temperature monitoring for the connected battery

A Votronic battery temperature sensor can be connected to the controller. For lead-acid batteries, this enables temperature-dependent adjustment of the charging voltage. At low temperatures, the voltage is increased accordingly, while it is reduced at high temperatures. For LiFePO4 batteries, the temperature detection is used for protection and control functions. For the regular lithium charging programs, a temperature sensor mounted on the battery is required. An exception is the special program for heated LiFePO4 batteries. The charging program selection must therefore always be matched to the specifications of the battery manufacturer used.

• CI bus, EBL and external solar displays

Via the existing CI bus connection, the MPPT 260 CI can be integrated into suitable vehicle and display systems. Relevant operating data can thus be transmitted to a compatible central vehicle display. For parallel operation of several CI bus solar controllers, the address can be set via a DIP switch. In addition, the device has an output for the solar current display of an existing EBL (electroblock). According to the operating instructions, a separately available cable set is required for the EBL connection. There are also ready-made connection options for various display and monitoring solutions. These include, among others, Solar Computer S, VPC, Bluetooth Connector and LCD Energy Monitor or other compatible CI components. Via the optional Bluetooth Connector S-BC, performance data can also be displayed on a mobile device.

• Protection functions and automatic operation

The Votronic solar charge controller works fully automatically and monitors the state of charge of the connected battery. Integrated protection functions include overload, overheating, short circuit and reverse polarity. A reverse current blocking prevents unwanted discharge via the solar modules at night. An on-board power supply filter supports parallel operation with other charging sources such as mains chargers, alternators, battery-to-battery chargers or generators. In addition, the device automatically compensates for voltage losses on the charging cables. An overvoltage limitation protects sensitive consumers in the 12 V on-board network.