MPPT Solar Charge Controllers

Maximum Power Point Tracking, frequently referred to as MPPT, is an electronic system that operates the Photovoltaic (PV) modules in a manner that allows the modules to produce all the power they are capable of. MPPT is a fully electronic system that varies the electrical operating point of the modules so that the modules are able to deliver maximum available power. Additional power harvested from the modules is then made available as increased battery charge current.

To understand how MPPT works, let's first consider the operation of a conventional (non- MPPT) charge controller. When a conventional controller is charging a discharged battery, it simply connects the modules directly to the battery. This forces the modules to operate at battery voltage, typically not the ideal operating voltage at which the modules are able to produce their maximum available power. The PV Module Power/Voltage/Current graph shows the traditional Current/Voltage curve for a typical module at standard test conditions.

This graph also shows PV module power delivered vs module voltage. For the example shown, the conventional controller simply connects the module to the battery and therefore forces the module to operate at 12V. By forcing the 75W module to operate at 12V the conventional controller artificially limits power production to ≈53W or just 4.4 Amps as battery charging current.

Rather than simply connecting the module to the battery, the Everon MPPT charge controller calculates the voltage at which the module is able to produce maximum power. In this example the maximum power voltage of the module (VMP) is 17V. The MPPT system then operates the modules at 17V to extract the full 75W, regardless of present battery voltage. A high efficiency DC-to-DC power converter converts the 17V module voltage at the controller input to battery voltage at the output. Battery charge current in this example would be VMODULE ÷ VBATTERY x IMODULE, or 17V ÷ 12V x 4.45A = 6.30A. A charge current increase of 1.85A or 42% would be achieved by harvesting module power that would have been left behind by a conventional controller and turning it into useable charge current.

Actual charge current increase varies with operating conditions. As shown above, greater the difference between PV module maximum power voltage VMP and battery voltage, the greater the charge current increase will be.

• Use Everon MPPT charge controllers for maximizing throughput from your solar PV plant.
• Let us help you calculate the savings in your design when using Everon MPPT Charge controllers.
• You may save upto 40% of plant capacity by adopting Everon MPPT Charge Controllers.
• Let us know your PV wattage, Battery Voltage and required backup time, we shall help you design your solar PV plant.

So if your design requires charging of 6 Amps as battery charging current , then use only 75 watt panel with Everon MPPT charge controller. Saving panel cost, installation and cabling costs.

Another significant advantage of Everon MPPT charge controller is its ability to track wide voltage range. Design your systems at almost double the battery voltage. Save on cabling cost between panel and charge controller.

For more information and design support please write to us at mktg@everon.in and we shall be glad to help you design the most efficient solar plant.

• Micro-controller based design
• True MPPT energy harvesting algorithm
• High efficiency > 97%
• Available in various voltage and current ratings
• Available with or without display
• Display indicates PV Voltage, PV Current, Battery Voltage, Battery Current
• Available for indoor and outdoor applications.
• Economize your solar installation with Everon True MPPT Solar Charger