Morningstar TriStar TS-60 12/24/48 60A PWM Solar Charge Controller

Morningstar’s TriStar Controller is a three-function controller that provides reliable solar battery charging, load control or diversion regulation. The controller operates in one of these modes at a time and two or more controllers may be used to provide multiple functions.

The TriStar uses advanced technology and automated production to provide exciting new features at a competitive cost. The optional TriStar meter is the most sophisticated and informative controller meter on the market. The controller is UL listed and is designed for both solar home systems and professional applications.

HIGHEST RELIABILITY

Large heat sink (1) and conservative design enables operating at full ratings to 60°C. No need to de-rate.

MORE POWER

Ratings to 60A at 48VDC will handle solar arrays up to 4kW.

COMMUNICATIONS CAPABILITY

RS-2312 (2) connects to a personal computer for custom settings, data logging and remote monitoring and control.

FULLY ADJUSTABLE

DIP switch (3) provides user with a choice of 7 different digital presets and custom settings via RS-232.

EXTENSIVE ELECTRONIC PROTECTIONS

Fully protected against reverse polarity, short circuit, overcurrent, high temperature and overvoltage.

SIMPLE MECHANICAL INTERFACE

Larger power terminals (4) and conduit knockouts (5). Extra space for wire turns. Fits on power panels.

BETTER BATTERY CHARGING

Connecting battery sensor wires (6) and optional remote temperature sensor (7) will improve control accuracy. Constant voltage series PWM algorithm increases battery capacity and life.

MORE INFORMATION

3 LED’s (8) to indicate status, faults and alarms.Optional meter (9) displays extensive system and controller information, automatic self-test and reset capabilities. Meter connection via RJ-11 phone jack (10).

EASY TO RESET

Pushbutton (11) provides manual reset and stop/start battery equalization or load disconnect.

LOW TELECOM NOISE

DIP switch setting will change PWM to "On-Off" battery charging.

ELECTRICAL SPECIFICATIONS:

ENVIRONMENTAL

• Operating ambient temperature:	Controller	–40°C to +60°C
  	Meter	–40°C to +60°C

• Storage temperature: –55°C to +85°C
• Humidity: 100% (non-condensing)
• Tropicalization: Conformal coating on both sides of all printed circuit boards

ELECTRONIC PROTECTIONS

• Reverse polarity protection (any combination)
• Short-circuit protection
• Overcurrent protection
• Lightning and transient surge protection using 4500W transient voltage suppressors
• High temperature protection via automatic current reduction or complete shut down
• Prevents reverse current from battery at night

TRISTAR OPTIONS:

DIGITAL METERS -

•  Two digital meters can be added to the TriStar at any time during or after installation. One version is mounted on the controller (TS-M), the other is suitable for remote locations (TS-RM):
  • TriStar Meter (TS-M) — 2 x 16 display mounts to controller and provides system and controller information, data logging, bar graphs and choice of 5 languages
  • TriStar Remote Meter(TS-RM) — Includes 30 meters of cable for mounting meter away from the controller

  The display is a 2x16 LCD meter with backlighting. Four pushbuttons are used to scroll through the displays and to execute manual functions. There are a series of display screens that provide information such as:

  • operating information and data
  • operating bar charts (voltage and current)
  • alarms and faults
  • diagnostics
  • settings

  In addition, there are various manual functions built into the meter. For example, the meter can be used to reset Ah data or start/stop equalizations. One of 5 languages can be selected for the meter.

REMOTE TEMPERATURE SENSOR

If the temperature of the system battery varies more than 5°C (9°F) during the year, temperature compensated charging should be considered. Because the battery’s chemical reactions change with temperature, it can be important to adjust charging to account for the temperature effects. The RTS will measure the battery temperature, and the TriStar uses this input to adjust the charging as required.

The battery charging will be corrected for temperature as follows:

The RTS should be used only for battery charging and diversion control. Do not use the RTS for load control. The charging parameters that are adjusted for temperature include:

• PWM regulation
• Equalization
• Float
• High Voltage Disconnect

Provides temperature compensated charging by measuring temperature at the battery (10 meter cable)

MECHANICAL

• Dimensions:	Height:	26.0cm/10.3 inch
  	Width:	12.7cm/5.0 inch
  	Depth:	7.1cm/2.8 inch

• Weight: 1.6 kg/3.5 lb
• Largest Wire: 35mm2/2 AWG
• Conduit Knockouts: Eccentric 2.5/3.2 cm (1.0/1.25 inch)
• Enclosure: Type 1, indoor rated