Outback FM60 User Manual

Applications
100 900-0009-01-00 Rev D
Array Design
Sizing Guidelines
Below is a list of maximum array wattages for the FLEXmax for various nominal voltage
batteries. This should be used for sizing an array. Note that every PV module is different. The
specifications for every model should be consulted before designing or assembling a PV array.
Table 5 Maximum PV Input Wattage per Charge Controller
1
Nominal
Battery
Voltage
Maximum Array Size
(in watts, Standard Test Conditions)
FLEXmax 80 FLEXmax 60
12 V 1000 W 800 W
24 V 2000 W 1600 W
36 V 3000 W 2400 W
48 V 4000 W 3200 W
60 V 5000 W 4000 W
Open Circuit Voltage (V
oc
)
Open-circuit voltage (V
oc
) is the unloaded voltage generated by the PV array. The FLEXmax
controller can withstand V
oc
of up to150 Vdc. However, if the V
oc
exceeds 145 Vdc, the
FLEXmax will suspend operation to protect the system components.
CAUTION: Equi
pment Damage
Although the FLEXmax shuts down when voltage is greater than 145 Vdc, this will not
prevent the array from generating voltage. Anything higher than 150 Vdc will damage the
FLEXmax, whether it has shut down or not. The array should be designed so that voltage
never exceeds 145 Vdc in order to prevent equipment damage.
Weather Conditions
Cooler climates can cause the V
oc
to rise above the array’s rated V
oc
. In climates that observe
temperatures less than about –15°C (5°F), a V
oc
greater than 125 Vdc is not recommended.
o
Hot weather: lower V
oc
and lower V
mp
o
Cold
weather: higher V
oc
and higher V
mp
If the specific
voltage temp
erature correction factor is not known for a particular module, allow for ambient
temperature correction using the following information:
25° to 10°C (77° to 50°F) multiply V
oc
by 1.06
9° to 0°C (49° to 32°F) multiply V
oc
by 1.10
–1° to –10°C (31° to 14°F)
multiply V
oc
by 1.13
–11° to –20°C (13° to –4°F)
multiply V
oc
by 1.17
–21° to –40°C (–5° to –40°F)
multiply V
oc
by 1.25
1
Based on the most common solar arrays under Standard Test Conditions (1000 watts per square meter
to solar panel at 25°C [77°F] ).