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SoLED User Manual 1.4

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Preface:

Sole: Meaning free from the interference of others. We also took the name of the Sun in Swedish, which is Sol, and added LED to it and came up with the name SoLED. And the name says it all: Independent, energy saving, non-polluting solar lights that can give you years and years of night light without any operating expense.

SoLEDs can be used anywhere the Sun shines. A combination of solar energy with U-Tron's award winning design for LED lamps -- a proven technology that gives a very wide coverage of light from a low height -- eliminates electricity bills and complicated power line wiring.

There are six components we need to address for a solar light system:
1.    LED lumiaires
2.    Photovoltaic Solar Panel
3.    Rechargeable Batteries
4.    Controller
5.    Light Post
6.    Installation Kit: (brackets, Underground battery box, cables, and special tools)

U-Tron SoLED solutions can be supplied with everything you need to install the lamp. However, the light post and rechargeable batteries (highlighted in blue) can also be purchased locally to avoid long distance shipping of non-vital parts. We can supply a reference table to help you identify alternative brands of rechargeable batteries that can be found in your area.

Note:
Due to their relatively low efficiency in converting light to electricity (15% to 17%) solar panels are relatively large. They require proper installation to withstand stresses wind, rain, earthquakes and other natural disasters. At the same time you should set the direction and the tilt angle of the panel according your local geographical location to maximize the incident light on the panel. Data on sunrise, sunset, and annual hours of sunshine can be found on our website.

The solar panel, rechargeable batteries, and the controller box are third party products but are covered under the U-Tron warranty. However, more information and installation tips can be found at the respective suppliers web sites.

SoLED I 30 LED

Figure 1

SI 30 Technical Specifications:

Number of LED 30 High Power Cree Q2 LED
Lumens 2,622 lm (87.4 Lumens per LED)
At 4 meters >55.75lx (average)
At 5 meters >35.67lx (average)
At 6 meters >24.77lx (average)
At 7 Meters Not recommended
Operating voltage 10 to 30 Volts DC
Solar panel 1382 x 1050 mm (2 x 13W Solar panels-designed forSweden)
Battery

Two 60 AH 12 V Automobile batteries connected in seriesto give 24 V output.

Duration of operation Not less than 10 Hours for three consecutive nights when fully charged
Controller functions Light control, over-charge protection, over-discharge protection, and dimming after xx hours of operation.

 

 

Solar Module Dimensions and Pole Details

This solar module is specified according to the sunlight-hours in Sweden, we have calculated that a 40W LED light working 10 hours a day requires two 130 Watt solar modules. (SoLED I 30 LED only consume 34.5 Watts)

 

 

SI 30 Packaging Information:

Net Weight:                                                                            6.49 Kg

Gross Weight                                                                           8.41Kg

Carton Size (1 Pc/carton):                                                         520mmx400mmx200mm

 

Container

Number of Pieces

20 Foot

561

40 Foot

1,166

40 Foot HQ

1,378

 

Figure  2

SoLED I 42 LED

Figure 3

SI 42 Technical Specifications:

Number of LEDs 42 High Power Cree Q2 LED
Lumens 
3,671 lm (87.4 Lumens per LED)
At 4 meters 
>39.0lx (average)
At 5 meters >30.5.0lx (average)
At 6 meters >25.0.0lx (average)
At 7 Meters Not recommended
Operating voltage 10 to 30 Volts DC
Solar panel 1470 x 680 mm (4 x 85Watt Solar panels - designed for Sweden)
Battery
Two 60 AH 12 V Automobile batteries connected in series to give 24 V output.
Duration of operation Not less than 10 Hours for three consecutive nights when fully charged.
Controller functions Light control, over-charge protection, over-discharge protection, and dimming after xx hours of operation.

 

Solar Modules Dimensions and Pole Details

 

In this example the solar module is specified according to the sunlight-hours in Sweden, we have calculated that a 50W LED light working ten hours a day requires four 85 Watt solar modules.(SoLED I 42 LED only consumes 48.3 Watts)

 

SI 42 Packaging Information:

Net Weight:                                                                           6.49 Kg

Gross Weight                                                                          8.41 Kg

Carton Size (1 Pc/carton):                                                         520mmx400mmx200mm

 

Container

Number of Pieces

20 Foot

561

40 Foot

1,166

40 Foot HQ

1,378

 

Figure 4

SoLED II 60 LED

Figure 5

SII 60 Technical Specifications:

Number of LEDs
60 High Power Cree Q2 LED
Lumens 5,244 lm (87.4 Lumens per LED)
At 4 meters >111.5 lx (average)
At 5 meters >70.0 lx (average)
At 6 meters >49.5 lx (average)
At 7 Meters >36.4 lx (average)
At 8 Meters >27.87 lx (average)
At 9 Meters
>22.0 lx (average)
Operating voltage 10 to 30 Volt DC
Solar panel 1100 x 500 mm 4 panels
Battery
Four 60 AH 12 V Automobile batteries connected in series and parallel to give 24 V output.
Duration of operation Not less than 10 Hours for three consecutive nights when fully charged
Controller functions Light control, over-charge protection, over-discharge protection, and dimming after xx hours of operation.

 

 

SII 60 Packaging Information:

Net Weight:                                                                            8.71 Kg

Gross Weight                                                                          11.07 Kg

Carton Size (1 Pc/carton):                                                         640mmx400mmx200mm

 

Container

Number of Pieces

20 Foot

561

40 Foot

1,166

40 Foot HQ

1,378

 

Figure 6

 

 

SoLED II 84 LED

Figure 7

SII 84 Technical Specifications:

 

Number of LEDs 
84 High Power Cree Q2 LED
Lumens 
7,341 lm (87.4 Lumens per LED)
At 4 meters >156.10 lx (average)
At 5 meters 
>99.90 lx (average)
At 6 meters >69.38 lx (average)
At 8 Meters >39.03 lx (average)
At 9 Meters
>30.83 lx (average)
At 10 Meters >30.83 lx (average)
Operating voltage 10 to 30 Volt DC
Solar panel   
Four 1100 x 500 mm panels
Battery Four 60 AH 12 V Automobile batteries connected in series and parallel to give 24 V output
Duration of operation
Not less than 10 Hours for three consecutive nights when fully charged.
Controller functions Light control, over charge-protection, over-discharge protection, and dimming after xx hours of operation.

 

 

SII 84 Packaging Information:

Net Weight:                                                                            8.71 Kg

Gross Weight                                                                          11.07 Kg

Carton Size (1 Pc/carton):                                                         640mmx400mmx200mm

 

Container

Number of Pieces

20 Foot

561

40 Foot

1,166

40 Foot HQ

1,378

Figure 8

Assembly Drawing

 

Figure 9

 

1- Head

8 - Heat Transfer Sole

15- M8 Split Lock Washer

2 - Main Frame

9 - Driver Board

16 - M8 Hex Cap Nut

3 - Tail

10 - Glass Rubber

17 - M10 Bolt

4 - Gasket

11 - Glass Cover

 

5 - LED Board

12 - Glass Holder

 

6 - LED Reflector Caps

13 - M8 Stud

 

7 - LED Reflector Cover

14 - M8  Flat Washer

 

 

 

SoLED 30 LED installed on a four meter high lamp post with 2 x 130W solar panels connected to the charge controller and a 12V rechargeable battery, which are installed underground.

Special Components Needed:

Photovoltaic Cells (Solar Panels)

Mono-Crystal Solar Cell                    Polycrystalline Solar Cell

 

 

Characteristic

RE-30S

 

 

Peak Power (Pm):

30

 

 

Open-Circuit Voltage (Voc):

21.6

 

 

Short-Circuit Current

1.83

 

 

Maximum Power Voltage

18.0

 

 

Maximum Power Current

1.67

 

 

Temperature coefficients of Isc (%)

+ 0.1/ ℃

 

Temperature coefficients of Voc (%)

-0.38/ ℃

 

Temperature coefficients of Pm (%)

-0.47/ ℃

 

Warranty

20 Years

Configuration

12V

 

Maximum system voltage (V)

715VDC

 

Operating Temperature

-40℃~+85℃

 

Installation Instructions for the Solar (PV) Module

Photovoltaic (PV) System Schematic:

 

Metal Bracket:

Depending on the size and model you have purchased the installation brackets may vary. Please refer to the instruction manual supplied with the product.

 

Note:
PV modules require at least two people for installation, and may require special vehicles equipped with lifts and / or ladders depending on the size and height of your lamp post. You can also mount on a roof or on the ground depending on the actual location. U-Tron will not take any responsibility for improper installation of solar panels. The user should get qualified professional help if they assemble their own light post and bracket for the PV modules. The size and recommended location of installation holes are given in this document for each module. When purchasing fittings locally ensure that they conform to U-Tron's specifications (see the Setting and Fixing section for the nut and bolt sizes).

There are two important considerations when designing and constructing the support mounting brackets:

1) To avoid damage from floods and other unpredictable events, and to avoid heavy impact.

2) To design the gradient angle to maximize the incident sunshine on the PV panel. Please refer to the instruction manual shipped with the product  or visit www.u-Tron.com for more details.

Exposure to the Sun

The solar modules array should be installed facing south (in the Northern Hemisphere) and form a pre-determined angle to the horizon, to ensure the radiation-receiving surface of the modules is perpendicular to the incident sunlight.

Always ensure that no shadows from buildings, trees, cables, etc. fall on any part of the module(s).

Installation and Fixing

Note: To prevent water ingress into the junction box it is recommended that the PV module(s) be installed with the junction box located at the top. Use stainless steel screws and mounting brackets. Screws to be 8.0 mm, and 20.0 mm long to ensure adequate fixing

Ensure that the screw holes on the back of the PV module are in direct line of sight and concentric with the mounting hole of the brackets.

Then tighten all six screws with a stainless steel screwdriver

IMPORTANT: all the six screws must be tightened securely but not over-tightened.

Wiring and Connection:

  1. Before proceding, please read the operation instructions for the PV control system carefully.
  2. Use the multi-connection cables to connect the PV modules in series or parallel -- as determined by user's configuration requirements for system power, current, and voltage.
  3. Open the connection box of the control system and connect the cables from the PV arrays to the connection box according with the installation instructions for the PV control system.

 

Care and Maintenance of PV Modules

1.    A build up of dust or dirt on the module(s) front face will result in decreased energy output. Clean the panel(s) once per annum where possible using a soft dry or damp cloth (depending on site conditions).
2.    Never use abrasive cleaning materials.
3.    Examine the PV module(s) for signs of deterioration. Check all wiring for possible rodent damage and weathering, and ensure that all connections are tight and corrosion free. Check for electrical leakage to ground.
4.    Check that fixing screws and mounting brackets are tight -- adjust and tighten as necessary.

Precautions

1) To avoid water leakage, keep the connection box closed and sealed once the wiring connection is completed.

2) Where there is risk of lightning strike, please install a lightning conductor on the PV Array.

3) Take care not to reverse the polarity of the PV modules.

4) Although 12V DC is not life threatening avoid touching both positive pole (+) and the negative (-) of the modules and array at the same time. When the installation is exposed directly to the sun this is a danger of severe electric shock. PV installation work should only be done under the protection of covers or sunshades. Installation or maintenance work on this module should only be done by qualified people.

Follow the battery manufacturer’s recommendations for batteries used with PV modules.

The instructions should be read and understood before attempting to install, wire, operate, or maintain the module.

 

Solar Charge Controller

U-Tron SOLAR CHARGE CONTROLLER (6830-100-S0)

Operating instructions

Characteristics

Control circuit: uses MCU and proprietary software as the center for intelligent system controls.

Charging mode: uses PWM high efficiency charging method. Automatically sets boost, recovery, and float charging levels for long battery life. Uses temperature compensation.

Controls discharge rate accurately: Over-discharge control voltage modified by the battery discharg= rate curve.

Self protection: protection from overload, external and internal short circuit, reverse connection, lightning, PV panel reverse current, over charging and discharging etc. During the operation short circuit and overload protection no components will be damaged and require replacing -- include fuses.

LED indication of system condition: LED indicates system system status -- charging, overcharge, power full, power low, over-discharge, over load, short circuit, load on/off, etc.

Industry level production standard: wide operating temperature range -35℃ to +50℃

No hardware adjustment: uses flash memory instead of variable resistance to save all work control parameters. This protects the control parameters from drifting due to the variable resistance value being changed by temperature or vibration and ensures accuracy and reliability of control.

Operation: easy to operate, robust in design.

Two output modes: direct current output mode and 1HZ output mode. The1HZ output mode is suitable for traffic caution lights.

Controller Panel Indications

 

System main circuit diagram

Installation:

a. Align the controller with the installation hole :     
Size: 140 ×90.5(mm) Length between installing holes:133.5×70(mm)

b. Prepare wire. Use plastic insulated copper wire. Current density must not be more than 4A/mm2. Cut suitable lengths of wire making them as short as possible. Peel off 5mm of the insulation from the ends of the wire.

c. Connect the wires to the battery port on the controller then to the battery. Pay attention to the polarity of the connection. If the polarity is reversed the controller will not work (although the self protection function will ensure that the modules are not damaged).

d. Connect the wires to the PV port on the controller then to the PV panel. If the connection is correct and the PV panel is in sunlight, the charging indicator will be lit.

e. Connect the load to the load port on the controller. Pay attention to the polarity

!! Attention: if the voltage of the system is 24V to avoid electric shock you must not touch any conductor in the system circuit.

Operation

Charge & over-charge indication: If the system is properly connected, when sunlight shines on the PV panel, the charge LED light shows green, indicating the system is in good working order. PWM mode applies when charging. During charging, in the event of over discharge, the battery charging voltage for charging battery will boost the voltage and hold for 10 minutes, then return to direct voltage and hold for 10 minutes to activate battery, then to float voltage and hold this state to maintain the battery condition. This process has the benefit of keeping the battery full charged and maximizing its life -span.

Battery status: when the battery voltage is normal, the status LED shows a green light; the status LED flashes green slowly when the battery is charged. When the voltage of the battery is lower, it shows a yellow color. When the voltage goes down continuously to over discharge, the system states LED will display a red color, and at the same time cuts off the output until the battery voltage recovers from over discharge, thereafter the system will work again automatically.

Load indication: the load LED lights when the load (lumiere) is working. If the load current is 1.25 times higher for 60 seconds or 1.5 times higher for five seconds than the rated current of the controller, the warning LED will flash red slowly to indicate an overload, and the controller will shut down the output. When a load short circuit happens, the trouble LED will flash quickly, then the controller will shut down its output. When it happens, please check if the load is properly connected. Disconnect the load at fault and press the button the controller will resume working 30 seconds or on another day.

Work mode setting:

Setting Working Mode

How to set: press the on & off button for five seconds until the number on the LED screen begins to flash. Press the button to choose the required number. When the number no longer flashes, the setting is completed. Press the button to check the value.

Light ON + Light OFF control mode: The load will work from when it gets dark until it is light, or for a preset time. There will be a 10 minute delay before the load is turned on in order to ensure it really has become dark.

Light ON + Set time delay OFF mode: the initial process is the same as above. Load will be shut down after the preset time. The preset time settings are shown in the time setup table below.

Common controller mode: The controller will work as a common controller, no light and time control, no ON and OFF delay time. If there is no sunlight on the PV panel, it will turn the load on at once; If there is sunlight on the PV panel, it will turn the load off at once.

Test mode: Used for the light control system installation test. It cancels the delay on turning the load ON and OFF

Output modes: when the number displayed on the LED is an integer from 1 to 7, the controller is in Direct Output mode. When the number is a decimal from 0.1 to 7.0, the controller is in 1HZ output mode. LED can be directly started to display the 1HZ output mode. Only use a pure resistance load in 1HZ output mode. Do not use 1HZ output mode for capacitive or inductive loads.

Time settings:

Working mode

LED

Work mode

LED

Light ON+ Light OFF

0

0

Light ON +10 Hour delay OFF

4

4

Light ON + 4Hours delay OFF

1

1

Light ON +12Hours delay OFF

5

5

Light ON + 6Hours delay OFF

2

2

Common controller

6

6

Light ON + 8Hours delay OFF

3

3

Test no delay

7

7

output mode

D C

1HZ

output mode

D C

1HZ

Problems & Troubleshooting:

Problem

Probable Cause

The charge LED indicator doesn't light  green when sunlight falls on the PV panel.

Check if the solar panel cable is connected correctly.

The charge LED indicator flashes quickly .

System over voltage or open circuit of the battery. Check if the battery is correctly connected to the system cable or the if the charging circuit is damaged.

The load LED indicator lights but there is no power output.

Check if the load is correctly connected to the system.

The load LED indicator flashes quickly and there is no power output .

Check output circuit. If the load is shorted or if over load occurs, remove the load and push the button and the controller will resume operation after 30 minutes.

The load LED indicator lights slowly and there is no power output.

Overload. Reduce the load and push the button again and the controller will resume operation after 30 minutes.

System state LED indicator flashes red and there is no power output.

Battery over-discharge of the battery. The controller will resume operation after finishing charging the battery.

Specifications:

Type

SDRC5(I)

SDRC-10(I)

SDRC-20(I)

Rated charge current

5A

10A

20A

Rated load current

5A

10A

20A

Work voltage

12v; 12/24V Auto

Over load, short circuit protection

1.25 rated load current 60sec, 1.5 rated loads current 5sec, over load protection action. ≥3 Rated load current short circuit protection action.

No load current

≤6mA

Charging circuit voltage drop

≤0.26 V

Load circuit voltage drop

≤0.15 V

Over voltage protection

17V; ×2/24V

Work temperature

Industry stage:-35℃ to +55℃;

Boost charge voltage

14.6V;×2/24V; (keep 10min)

Direct charge voltage

14.4V; ×2/24V; (keep 10min)

Float charge voltage

13.6V; ×2/24V;

Charge return voltage

13.2v;×2/24V;

Temperature compensation

-5mv/℃/cell (Boost charge, Direct charge, Float charge, charge return voltage);

Lower voltage indicate

12.0V; ×2/24V;

Over discharge voltage

11.1V(no load)- real-time modified voltage by the discharge rate; ×2/24V;

Over discharge return voltage

12.6V; ×2/24V

Control mode

PWM charge mode: discharge voltage modified by the discharge rate.

Battery Pack

Battery Specification for Local Procurement.

6 mm Female Terminal - FT 4 = 16 mm with M6 Bolt

8 mm Female Terminal - FT 5 = 16 mm with M8 Bolt

Specifications

POSITIVE PLATE: Lead calcium flat plate grid

NEGATIVE PLATE: Flat pasted grid

ELECTROLYTE: Sulphuric acid or thixotropic Gel

CATALYST VENT: Catvent (optional)

CONTAINER: Grade ABS V-0

SEPARATORS: Microporous separator

FLOAT VOLTAGE: 2.25 vpc at 20/25oC

MAX CHARGE VOLTAGE: 2.35 vpc at 20/25oC

SAFETY ONE WAY VALVE: 1-3 p.s.i self-resealing

TERMINALS: Integral heavy duty brass inserts

INTERCONNECTS: Copper bar or cables

Features

Maintenance Free

Front terminal battery

Tank formed flat Calcium plates

Manifolded gasing system

Incorporates precious metal catalyst Catvent

Benefits of Catalyst in SEC VRLA Batteries

Catalyst Reduces Float Current

One of the most immediate, observable effects of installing a catalyst in a VRLA cell is a marked reduction in the float current. Typically float currents are one half or less when a catalyst is installed. Adding a catalyst to the cell prevents some of the oxygen reaching the negative plate and allows the negative plate to stay polarised. This means that less current needs to be supplied to the cell from the charging system, manifesting itself as a lower float current and leading to the following benefits :-

* Minimizes water loss

Gasses are recombined into water inside the cell rather than exiting the cell. Too much gas leaving the cell can lead to premature dry-out and cell failure. Cell dry-out has been the main cause of customer dissatisfaction with VRLA technology.

* Increased life

There are many potential failure modes for  VRLA cells. A number of these failure modes can be mitigated by the catalyst technology. These include: Cell dry-out, positive plate corrosion, thermal runaway, and capacity loss due to negative plate depolarization.

 

* Minimizes positive plate corrosion

A reduction in float current reduces the amount of over-charge on the positive plate, which directly impacts the corrosion rate. The design life of a lead acid cell is based on the corrosion of the plate (barring any unforeseen reasons for failure).

* Maintains cell capacity

Many VRLA cells in service fail capacity tests because their negative plates are depolarized. Significant capacity increases have been seen on some cells just by installing a catalyst.

 

Rechargeable Battery Compatibility Chart (TBC)

 

Country

Brand

Model and AH size

Where to buy

USA

Excide

PCM - 70

1-800-456-2965

 

Eveready

 

 

 

Lucas

 

 

 

Duracell

 

 

Chile

OPTIMA

 

 

Sweden

Excide

 

 

China

DongFang

 

 

 

Terminal voltage

Open Circuit Voltage (12 V)

Open Circuit Voltage (6 V)

Approximate charge

Relative acid density

12.65 V

6.3 V

100%

1.265 g/cm3

12.45 V

6.2 V

75%

1.225 g/cm3

12.24 V

6.1 V

50%

1.190 g/cm3

12.06 V

6.0 V

25%

1.155 g/cm3

11.89 V

6.0 V

0%

1.120 g/cm3

 

 

Warning:

Rechargeable batteries can explode if left unattended or misused and can cause bodily harm.

 

Please click on the the following links for more information about rechargeable batteries:

 

Autobatteries.com Frequently Asked Questions

 

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