Renogy Adventurer 30A PWM Charge Controller

Important Safety Instructions

Please save these instructions.

This manual contains important safety, installation, and operating instructions for the charge controller. The following symbols are used throughout the manual:

WARNING: Indicates a potentially dangerous condition. Use extreme caution when performing this task.

CAUTION: Indicates a critical procedure for safe and proper operation of the controller.

NOTE: Indicates a procedure or function that is important to the safe and proper operation of the controller.

General Safety Information

• Read all of the instructions and cautions in the manual before beginning the installation.
• There are no serviceable parts for this controller. Do NOT disassemble or attempt to repair the controller.
• Make sure all connections going into and from the controller are tight. There may be sparks when making connections, therefore, make sure there are not flammable materials or gases near installation.

Charge Controller Safety

• NEVER connect the solar panel array to the controller without a battery. Battery must be connected first. This may cause a dangerous occurrence where the controller would experience a high open circuit voltage at the terminals.
• Ensure input voltage does not exceed 50 VDC to prevent permanent damage. Use the Open Circuit (Voc) to make sure the voltage does not exceed this value when connecting panels together in series.
• The charge controller should be installed indoors in a well-ventilated, cool, and dry environment.
• Do NOT allow water to enter the controller.

Battery Safety

• Do NOT let the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals of the battery touch each other.
• Explosive battery gases may be present while charging. Be certain there is enough ventilation to release the gases.
• Be careful when working with large lead acid batteries. Wear eye protection and have fresh water available in case there is contact with the battery acid.
• Over-charging and excessive gas precipitation may damage the battery plates and activate material shedding on them. Too high of an equalizing charge or too long of one may cause damage. Please carefully review the specific requirements of the battery used in the system.
• Equalization is carried out only for non-sealed / vented / flooded / wet cell lead acid batteries.
• Do NOT equalize VRLA type AGM / Gel / Lithium cell batteries UNLESS permitted by battery manufacturer.

WARNING: Connect battery terminals to the charge controller BEFORE connecting the solar panel(s) to the charge controller. NEVER connect solar panels to charge controller until the battery is connected.

Once equalization is active in the battery charging, it will not exit this stage unless there is adequate charging current from the solar panel. There should be NO load on the batteries when in equalization charging stage.

Product Overview

Key Features

• Automatic recognition for 12V or 24V system voltage.
• 30A charging capacity.
• Backlit LCD screen for displaying system operating information and data.
• Compatible with AGM, Sealed, Gel, Flooded, and Lithium batteries.
• 4 Stage PWM charging: Bulk, Boost, Float, and Equalization.
• Temperature compensation and correcting the charging and discharging parameters automatically, improving battery lifetime.
• Protection against: overcharging, over current, short-circuit, and reverse polarity.
• Unique USB port on the front display.
• Integrated communication port for remote monitoring.
• Charges over-discharged lithium iron-phosphate batteries.
• Specifically designed for RV application and allows for aesthetically clean flush mounting on walls.
• Remote temperature compensation compatible.
• Remote battery voltage sensor compatible.

Identification of Parts

The following diagram identifies the components of the Adventurer charge controller:

Dimensions

The dimensions for the Adventurer Controller are 165.8mm (6.5in) x 114.2mm (4.5in) x 22.1mm (0.9in). Mounting holes are 4.8mm (0.2in) in diameter. The controller depth for flush mounting is 25mm (1.0in) with an overall depth of 47.8mm (1.9in).

The dimensions for the Adventurer Accessory (e.g., mounting bracket) are 170.6mm (6.7in) x 118.2mm (4.7in) x 45mm (1.8in).

Included Components

Adventurer Surface Mount Attachment

The Renogy Adventurer Surface Mount allows the charge controller to be mounted to any flat surface, as an alternative to flush mounting. Screws are included for attachment and flush mounting.

Optional Components

These components are not included and require a separate purchase:

• Remote Temperature Sensor: Measures battery temperature for accurate temperature compensation, crucial for proper charging regardless of ambient temperature. ℹ️ Do not use this sensor when charging lithium batteries.
• Battery Voltage Sensor (BVS): Polarity sensitive sensor used for longer wire runs to ensure accurate battery voltage readings at the terminals, thus ensuring efficient charging.
• Renogy BT-1 Bluetooth Module: Pairs with Renogy charge controllers via RS232 port to connect with the Renogy DC Home App for remote monitoring and parameter adjustment via cell phone or tablet.
• Renogy DM-1 4G Data Module: Connects to select Renogy charge controllers via RS232 to pair with the Renogy 4G monitoring app, allowing remote system monitoring from anywhere with 4G LTE service.

Installation

WARNING: Connect battery terminal wires to the charge controller FIRST, then connect the solar panel(s) to the charge controller. NEVER connect solar panels to the charge controller before the battery.

CAUTION: Do not over tighten the screw terminals. This could potentially break the piece that holds the wire to the charge controller.

Refer to the technical specifications for maximum wire sizes and amperage ratings.

Mounting Recommendations

WARNING: Never install the controller in a sealed enclosure with flooded batteries. Gas can accumulate and there is a risk of explosion.

The Adventurer is designed for flush mounting on a wall. This involves cutting a section of the wall to accommodate the projecting terminals on the backside. Ensure the wall cut leaves enough space to avoid damaging the terminals when the controller is installed.

The front of the Adventurer acts as a heat sink. Ensure the mounting location is not near heat-generating sources and allows for proper airflow across the faceplate to dissipate heat.

1. Choose Mounting Location: Place the controller on a vertical surface protected from direct sunlight, high temperatures, and water. Ensure good ventilation.
2. Check for Clearance: Verify sufficient room for wires and at least 6 inches (150mm) clearance above and below the controller for ventilation.
3. Cut out Wall section: The recommended wall cut should follow the inner protruding part of the charge controller, to a depth of at least 1.7 inches (43mm), being careful not to go past the mounting holes.
4. Mark Holes
5. Drill Holes
6. Secure the charge controller: The Adventurer comes with screws for wall mounting. Alternative screws like Pan Head Phillips Screw 18-8 Stainless Steel M3.9 Size 25mm length may be used if needed.

Flush Mounting

Diagrams illustrate the process of flush mounting the controller. This involves cutting a hole in the wall and inserting the controller so its faceplate is flush with the wall surface.

Surface Mount Attachment

The charge controller can also be mounted on a flat surface using the Adventurer Surface Mount Attachment. This method does not require cutting into the wall. Mark and drill holes using the provided pan head Phillips screws for the surface mount option.

Wiring

1. Unscrew battery terminals by rotating counterclockwise to open the hatch. Connect the positive (+) and negative (-) battery connections to their appropriately labeled terminals. The controller will turn on upon successful connection.
2. Unscrew PV terminals by rotating counterclockwise to open the hatch. Then connect the positive and negative PV connections to their appropriately labeled terminals.
3. Insert the temperature sensor block terminal and connect the wire. This is not polarity sensitive (Optional, requires a separate purchase).
4. Insert the battery voltage sensor terminal block into the Batt Remote port. This is polarity sensitive (Optional, requires a separate purchase). WARNING: If unscrewing the Battery Voltage Sensor terminal block, make sure to not mix the wires. It is polarity sensitive and may cause damage to the controller if connected incorrectly.

Operation

After connecting the battery, the controller turns on automatically. In normal operation, it cycles through different display parameters:

The Adventurer is user-friendly and requires minimal maintenance. Parameters can be adjusted using the "SELECT" and "ENTER" buttons:

• SELECT: Cycles forwards through the different display screens.
• ENTER: Cycles backwards through the different select screens & Customize some parameters on the charge controller.

System Status Icons

The LCD display uses icons to indicate system status:

Change the Parameters

To change parameters, hold the "ENTER" button for approximately 5 seconds until the display flashes. Then, press "SELECT" until the desired parameter is reached, and press "ENTER" to lock it in.

NOTE: The screen must be at the appropriate interface to change the specific parameter.

1. Power Generation Interface → Reset: The user can reset the current power generation (kWh) back to 0 kWh.
2. Battery Interface → Set Battery Type: Select the type of battery connected (Sealed, Gel, Flooded, or Lithium).

Lithium Battery Settings

1. Battery Temperature Interface → Change from C° to F°: Select between Celsius or Fahrenheit for battery temperature display.
2. Set Battery Type to Lithium → Set Lithium Battery Parameters: When charging lithium batteries, set parameters in the Battery Interface. Short press "ENTER" to access Battery Voltage selection. Press "SELECT" to choose voltage and "ENTER" to confirm. Press "SELECT" to change Boost Voltage (default 14.2V, adjustable 12.6-16.0V in 0.2V steps). Hold "ENTER" to confirm. Settings auto-save after 15 seconds of inactivity. NOTE: These settings are only available for Lithium Battery type.

Lithium Battery Activation

The Adventurer PWM charge controller features a reactivation function for sleeping lithium batteries. It applies a small charge current to activate the protection circuit of over-discharged Li-ion batteries, allowing them to be recharged normally.

CAUTION: When charging a 24V lithium battery bank, set the system voltage to 24V instead of auto-recognition to ensure activation of over-discharged batteries.

PWM Technology

The Adventurer utilizes Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) technology for battery charging. This method controls current to regulate battery voltage, ensuring accurate capacity return and preventing excessive gassing. The controller uses automatic duty cycle conversion, creating pulses of current proportional to the difference between sensed battery voltage and set points for Absorption, Float, and Equalization stages.

Four Charging Stages

The Adventurer employs a 4-stage battery charging algorithm for rapid, efficient, and safe charging: Bulk Charge, Boost Charge, Float Charge, and Equalization.

A diagram illustrates the voltage over time, showing NIGHT, BULK CHARGE, BOOST, FLOAT, and NIGHT stages.

• Bulk Charge: Uses 100% of available solar power for day-to-day charging, equivalent to constant current.
• Boost Charge: An absorption stage at constant voltage regulation to prevent heating and gassing. Boost time is 120 minutes.
• Float Charge: Reduces battery voltage to a float set point to offset power consumption and maintain full storage capacity. If load exceeds charge current, it reverts to bulk charging.
• Equalization: Carried out periodically (e.g., every 28 days) for intentional overcharging to stir electrolyte, balance voltage, and complete chemical reactions. This increases battery voltage and gasifies the electrolyte.

WARNING: Once equalization is active, it will not exit this stage unless there is adequate charging current from the solar panel. There should be NO load on the batteries during equalization.

WARNING: Over-charging and excessive gas precipitation can damage battery plates. Review specific battery requirements.

System Status Troubleshooting

Indicator Status

Other Considerations

• Charge controller does not charge during daytime when the sun is shining on the solar panels: Confirm tight and correct connections from battery bank to controller and solar panels to controller. Use a multi-meter to check solar module polarity.
• Everything is connected correctly, but the LCD on the controller does not turn on: Check rated battery voltage. The LCD requires at least 9V from the battery bank to display.

Error Codes

Maintenance

For optimal controller performance, perform these tasks periodically:

1. Check that the controller is mounted in a clean, dry, and ventilated area.
2. Check wiring for damage or wear.
3. Tighten all terminals and inspect for loose, broken, or burnt connections.

Fusing

Fusing is recommended in PV systems for safety. Always use the recommended wire gauge size based on the PV system and controller.

NEC Maximum Current for different Copper Wire Sizes

Fuse from Controller to Battery

Controller to Battery Fuse = Current Rating of Charge Controller. Example: Adventurer = 30A fuse from Controller to Battery.

Fuse from Solar Panel(s) to Controller

Example: 200W; 2 X 100 W panels in Parallel.

Total Amperage = Isc1 + Isc2 = (5.75A + 5.75A) * 1.56

Fuse = minimum of 11.5 * 1.56 = 17.94 = 18A fuse.

Technical Specifications

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Battery Charging Parameters

Contact Information

United States
2775 E Philadelphia St, Ontario, CA 91761, USA
Phone: 909-287-7111
Website: www.renogy.com
Email: support@renogy.com

China
苏州高新区科技城培源路1号5号楼-4
Phone: 400-6636-695
Website: https://www.renogy.cn
Email: support@renogy.cn

Japan
Website: https://www.renogy.jp
Email: supportjp@renogy.com

Canada
Website: https://ca.renogy.com
Email: supportca@renogy.com

Australia
Website: https://au.renogy.com
Email: supportau@renogy.com

United Kingdom
Website: https://uk.renogy.com
Email: supportuk@renogy.com

Germany
Website: https://de.renogy.com
Email: supportde@renogy.com

Renogy reserves the right to change the contents of this manual without notice.