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Preliminary datasheet on Polar’s New M2 Charger Controller. Polar’s new microprocessor based Solar Charge Controller, Model M2, is “Simply Incredible”.   It offers “No Limits” capability. Applications include: Telecommunications, Oil Field, Military, Navigational Aids, Lighting, Scientific Instruments, Water Pumping, Hybrid Power Systems, SCADA and RTU. Engineered for high performance and reliability, the M2 is ideal for applications where the load can not tolerate the electrical noise (ripple) typical of most charge controllers on the market.  The M2 also fills the need for system performance verification and maintenance studies by providing data logging capability. Polar has over 20 years of experience building charge controllers and incorporating them into complete systems.  What is unique to Polar is the method of how we have achieved this experience.  The same engineers that design our products also service our customers.  The M2 was designed with that personal experience of our customers in mind. Features Include: Up to nine months of data logging capability Control set points can be changed via a cell phone and modem or down load via computer. You can select your own charge control algorithm and temperature compensation curve.  -40 to +85 C rated electronic components Powerful 16 bit AMD 188ES microprocessor Watchdog timer with automatic reset Real time clock 12 bit A/D for accurate voltage and current measurements High level C++ language for future expansion convenience On board Hall Effect type current sensors for isolated load and array current measurements High isolation, voltage measurement circuitry. Two RS232 ports for modem communications and remote display panel Energy saving latching type relays for PV array and load control Multiple charging control algorithms allow you to tailor 12 or 24 Vdc operation.  48, 120 and 240 Vdc units to be announced Two latching 10 amp relays for independent control of two loads, or one load and one generator start Automatic load disconnect and reconnect based on load over current Two latching 10 amp relays for PV array current regulation without PWM switching circuits Night time sense disconnects the batteries from the array at night eliminating the need for reverse bias diodes Switch closure inputs for timed load operation

Have you ever calculated how much support time in dollars it takes to resolve customers’ problems with their system? 

How many customers have you had in the past fidget with their systems and eventually run into problems only to call you to resolve them?

These are just a few reasons why the M2 was designed  with an simple setup command language and an integrated data logger for complete recording capability, but without cumbersome mechanical adjustments (like potentiometers and switches).  In addition, the M2 is modem capable for remote setup and data collection.

Get the information you need from your solar system to optimize battery life and predict potential system problems.  Determine when to replace batteries or if you need additional PV modules.

Most solar companies are not setup for on site support. Here is the opportunity to get the support you need without incurring the high cost of a service call.  Just download the data off the controller into a floppy or modem it directly to your dealer.

Why spend considerable money on a solar system and “short change” yourself on the controller.

Polar is confident that you will find the enhanced capability of the Model M2 Charge controller well worth the additional cost.  Your support overhead will go down and customer satisfaction will increase.

Engineering reliability into a controller requires a high degree of electrical isolation against ESD and lightning, the selection of wide temperature components, and solid packaging.

The MOV’s and Transzorbs across the PV Array and load terminals provide the first line of defense against static electricity and lighting surges.  Transzorbs clamp more quickly and protect better at lower voltages and the MOV can absorb more energy.

The M2 relays provide the next barrier of circuit defense by providing 1,500-volt isolation.  Transistors that switch the PV array and loads do not have the same immunity as the relay.  In the outdoor environment the relay has proven to be more reliable than the transistor (MOSFET or IGBT).

The Hall effect type current sensors and the operational amplifiers with the high impedance voltage dividers provide additional electrical isolation.

The M2 model uses electronic components that meet or exceed military temperature requirements thereby providing exceptional reliability in harsh environments.   The M2 meets needs of industrial users who have sensitive electronics connected to the battery.

The M2 produces no electrical ripple and EMI electrical noise.  Most charge controllers from other companies will use some sort of switching circuit to regulate the charge from the array to the battery. In their effort to reduce cost, no chokes and filters are used in the circuit and this creates a switching noise that can effect the electronics of other devices powered by the battery. Using two relays to step control the PV array charging to the batteries eliminates the high or low switching frequency noise.

For larger systems the M2 on board relays are used to control (pilot) larger external relays therefore there are no limits on array and battery size.

To measure larger currents, remote current transducers can plug into the controller.

There are additional I/O ports available to increase the number of relays if required.

Charge Control Algorithms

The battery charging program has 3 basic modes: Bulk, Absorption, and Float. The operator has complete set point control of current, voltage, and time duration.  There are also two absorption modes to select from, one uses measured amp-hours charged into the battery, and the other is based on the battery reaching a preset voltage with the current falling below a set point.  Temperature compensation curves are also adjustable.

Data Logging

The M2 stores the following information in memory: date and time, battery voltage, PV array voltage, charging current, load currents (option), battery temperature, ambient air temperature (option), PV amp-hour, load amp-hours, low or high voltage alarms, high load current alarms, and high temperature alarms.  Up to 7,104 data points can be stored in to M2 memory at user set sampling intervals.

Timed load operation

Two opto-isolated switch inputs allow timed load control based of an external event.

For example: one switch can be used for a manual load test, the other switch can connect to a level switch and activate a pump for controlled time duration. Even two level switches can be used on the same input, one to start the pump and the other to stop the pump with the third a switch as a manual test.

Solar Lighting Control Option. 

Excellent for bus stops, billboards, signage, traffic lights, street lighting, etc.

This option adds the software required to independently control two lights for any desirable timed configuration. Once nighttime has been detected the user can set the M2 to light at his desired time of darkness.  The light can be timed to go off and come on again during the same night.  This is desirable for maximum illumination during peak traffic periods.  Two independent load relays allow dimming control in response to battery condition and security lights.  The opto-isolated switch inputs allow motion detectors to also control lights.

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