1. Introduction
Thank you for selecting the ANERN MPPT series solar charge controller. This device features an advanced MPPT control algorithm that quickly tracks the maximum power point of your PV array in any environment, maximizing energy harvest from solar panels and significantly improving the utilization of energy in your solar system. It is suitable for various applications, including communication base stations, home power supply systems, traffic lights, solar street lamps, and courtyard lamp systems.
This manual provides essential information for the safe and efficient operation of your ANERN AN-MSC MPPT Solar Charge Controller. Please read it thoroughly before installation and use.
2. Safety Information and Important Notices
- Connection Order: Always connect the battery first, and then connect the solar panel after setting the system parameters. Failure to follow this order may result in battery damage.
- Common Positive Controller: This MPPT controller is a common positive type. The positive poles of the PV array, battery, and load can be grounded simultaneously.
- Inverter Connection: If an inverter or other high starting current device is used in the system, connect it directly to the battery. Do not connect such devices to the controller's load terminal.
- Lithium Battery Setup: If a lithium battery is used, ensure you set the system voltage and then the battery type before use. Refer to section 3.8 and 3.9 for detailed instructions.
3. Product Overview
3.1 Key Features
- Advanced MPPT maximum power point tracking technology with tracking efficiency no less than 99.5%.
- High-quality components for improved system performance, reaching a maximum conversion efficiency of 97%.
- Super-fast maximum power tracking speed.
- Accurate identification and tracking of multi-wave peak maximum power points.
- Reliable maximum input power for PV array to ensure equipment safety.
- Wide PV array maximum power point operating voltage range.
- Automatic 12V/24V voltage identification.
- LCD for dynamic display of operation data and working status.
- Various load control modes: Regular mode, Light control mode, Light & time mode, Reverse light control mode.
- Supports Seal, GEL, Flooded, LifePO4, and Li(NiCoMn)O2 battery charging processes.
- Battery temperature compensation function.
- Power statistics recording function.
- External display unit support for real-time data view and parameter setting.
3.2 Product Display
3.3 LCD Interface Description
The LCD provides dynamic information about the controller's operation. Below are the key elements and their meanings:
| Item | Icon | Status |
|---|---|---|
| PV array | ☀️ / 🌙 | Day / Night |
| PV array | ☀️ → MPPT → 🔋 | Charging |
| Battery | 🔋 | Uncharged / Battery capacity |
| Battery | LiPo / LiFe | Battery type |
| Load | 💡 | Load on / Load off |
| Button Meaning | Button Pattern | Button Function |
|---|---|---|
| MENU | ◀ | Short press to switch down; press and hold for 3 seconds to enter the next interface. |
| SET | ▶ | Short press to switch up; press and hold for 3 seconds to exit without saving. |
4. Setup and Installation
Follow these steps carefully to connect the cables and install your MPPT Solar Charge Controller. Incorrect wiring can damage the battery or the controller.
4.1 Wiring Instruction
- Connect Batteries: Open the cover and connect the battery cables to the screw terminals first.
- Connect Load: Next, connect the load cables.
- Connect Solar Panels: Finally, connect the solar panel cables.
Important: Always connect the battery first, then the solar panel, and then the load. Reversing this order, especially connecting the solar panel before the battery, can damage the battery.
5. Operation
5.1 Boot Screen
When the controller is powered on, the LCD will display a boot sequence:
- Starting Interface: The LCD will detect and display information.
- Battery Voltage Interface: Shows the current battery voltage.
- Software Revision: Displays the software version.
Notice: From the first interface, long press the “MENU” button for 3 seconds to enter the secondary interface. If no action is taken for 15 seconds, it will automatically switch back to the first interface.
5.2 Load Switch On/Off
From the main page, a short press of the “SET” button will switch the load on or off. To save settings, long press “MENU” for 3 seconds. To switch back to the main page without saving, long press “SET” for 3 seconds.
5.3 Main Loop Pages
After power-on, the controller enters the main page. Short press “MENU” or “SET” to cycle through the main loop pages, which include battery temperature, charging current, discharging current, accumulated charging AH, and accumulated discharging AH.
5.4 Setting Pages
From the main page, long press “MENU” for 3 seconds to enter the setting page. Then, short press “MENU” or “SET” to navigate between the various setting pages.
5.4.1 System Voltage Setting
Navigate to the system voltage page. Long press “MENU” for 3 seconds until “auto” starts to flash. Then, short press “MENU” or “SET” to select 12V, 24V, 36V, or 48V. Note that 36V is not automatically identified and must be manually set.
5.4.2 Battery Type Setting
From the main page, long press “MENU” for 3 seconds to enter the setting page, then short press “MENU” to reach the battery type page (user mode 1). Long press “MENU” for 3 seconds to enter battery type selection. Short press “MENU” or “SET” to choose among Gel, Sealed, Flooded, and Lithium batteries.
For lithium batteries, long press “MENU” for 3 seconds on the lithium battery page to enter the capacity setting program. The parameters on the screen will flash. Long press “MENU” for 3 seconds again to confirm the parameter as battery capacity. Use short presses of “MENU” or “SET” to adjust the capacity. Long press “MENU” for 3 seconds to save the settings.
5.5 Load Operating Modes
The controller defaults to 24-hour load operation. There are four selectable load working modes:
- LD1 (Regular mode): The load operates normally and can be manually turned on or off.
- LD2 (Light control mode): The load automatically turns on at dusk and off at dawn.
- LD3 (Light & time control mode): The load operates for a set number of hours after dusk and before dawn. It automatically identifies dark and light conditions based on the local environment. If this mode is selected, you can configure the duration of DC output in the setting interface.
- LD4 (Reverse light control mode): The load automatically turns on at dawn and off at dusk.
5.6 PV Voltage Page
Long press “SET” for 3 seconds to switch between the main page and the PV voltage page, which displays the current PV array voltage.
5.7 Equalization Charging Duration Setting
From the main page, switch to the equalization charge page. Long press “MENU” for 3 seconds until the parameter starts to flash. Continue pressing for 3 seconds to enter the equalization charging duration setting page. Use short presses of “MENU” or “SET” to increase or decrease the time.
5.8 Absorption Charging Duration Setting
Similar to equalization charging, from the main page, switch to the absorption charge page. Long press “MENU” for 3 seconds until the parameter flashes. Continue pressing for 3 seconds to enter the absorption charging duration setting page. Use short presses of “MENU” or “SET” to adjust the time.
6. Maintenance
The ANERN AN-MSC MPPT Solar Charge Controller is designed for low maintenance. However, regular checks can ensure optimal performance and longevity:
- Ensure all wiring connections are secure and free from corrosion.
- Keep the controller clean and free from dust and debris to ensure proper heat dissipation.
- Periodically check the LCD display for any error codes or unusual readings.
- Verify that the ventilation openings are not obstructed.
7. Troubleshooting
This section provides guidance for common issues. Refer to the LCD error codes for specific problems.
7.1 Fault Management Table
| Error Code | Cause | Correction |
|---|---|---|
| PV array indicator is off when sunlight is enough | Solar panel is disconnected | Check whether PV array connection is proper or not |
| No sign on the LCD when connection is right | 1. Battery voltage is less than 8V 2. Voltage of solar panel is less than battery voltage | 1. Check battery voltage (at least 8V to activate the controller) 2. The voltage of PV must be higher than battery voltage. |
| E1 (Ex1) | Battery over discharge | The load will stop automatically and recover when battery voltage reaches 12.6V (LVR) |
| E2 (Ex2) | Battery over voltage | Make sure the settled value of high voltage disconnection voltage is over battery voltage and reconnect PV array. |
| E3 (Ex3) | Over load | Reduce load or check load connection |
| E5 (Ex5) | Controller overheating | The controller will restart after it cools down |
| E6 (Ex6) | Input voltage of solar panel is too high | Check voltage of solar panel and reduce quantities of solar panel in series |
| E7 (Ex7) | Controller will restart after setting system voltage | No operation |
7.2 Controller Error Code Reference
- E01: Battery low voltage protection
- E02: Over load protection
- E03: Load short circuit protection
- E04: Battery over voltage protection
- E05: Controller over heat protection
- E06: PV input over voltage protection
- E07: No PV input
- E11: Battery low voltage protection
- E12: Battery over voltage protection
- E13: Over load protection
- E14: Load short circuit protection
- E15: Controller over heat protection
- E16: PV input over voltage protection
8. Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Model Number | AN-MSC |
| Maximum Current | 20A, 30A, 40A |
| Battery Voltage | 12V/24V Auto |
| Charging Current | MPPT 20A, 30A, 40A |
| Battery Type Support | Seal, GEL, Flooded, LifePO4 and Li(NiCoMn)O2 |
| Max Open Voltage of PV Module (20A) | 60V |
| Max Open Voltage of PV Module (30A/40A) | 100V |
| Operating Temperature | -20°C ~ +55°C |
| Storage Temperature | -30°C ~ +80°C |
| Working Humidity | ≤90% No condensation |
| Protection Class | IP30 |
| Grounded Type | Positive grounded |
| Aperture for Installation | Φ5mm |
9. User Tips
- Efficient Energy Management: This controller ensures efficient energy management and optimized power generation, contributing to the longevity and performance of your solar system.
- Comprehensive Functions: The product offers real-time data monitoring, solar system control, battery management, charging control, and voltage control, providing a complete solution for your solar power needs.
- Battery Protection: The controller initiates a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) function at the High Voltage Disconnection (HVD) voltage point. This mechanism limits voltage rising to protect your battery from overcharging, extending its lifespan.
- Application Versatility: The AN-MSC is highly versatile and can be used in various scenarios, including solar working stations, as a dedicated charger controller, or as a voltage controller within a larger solar system.
10. Support and Certifications
10.1 Certifications
The ANERN AN-MSC MPPT Solar Charge Controller is certified with:
- CE: Conforms to European safety, health, and environmental protection requirements.
- FCC: Complies with Federal Communications Commission standards for electronic devices.
- RoHS: Restricts the use of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment.
10.2 Additional Resources
A comprehensive user manual (PDF) is available for download for more detailed information and advanced settings. Please refer to the official product page or contact ANERN customer support for access to this document.
PDF Manual Reference: User manual (PDF)
