Specialty Concepts ASC 12/12E, PWM Charge Controller, 12 amps, 12 volts, w/LVD
Product Description: The ASC photovoltaic battery charge controller is ideal for 1-4 panel systems. This rugged unit holds the record for high reliability since 1981. The ASC has a simple, low component count design that is 100% solid state and is completely sealed against harsh environments. Lightning protection and a blocking diode are included. The ASC is UL listed and is FM approved for hazardous locations. The ASC is a negative ground, switching shunt controller available in 12 and 24 volt units up to 16 amps (6V, 36V, and 48V are special order only, and must be ordered in minimum quantities of 200 units). Options include low-voltage load-disconnect, battery temperature compensation, and user adjustable setpoints.
THE ASC™ IS UL RECOGNIZED, CSA APPROVED, AND FM APPROVED.*
FEATURES
CHARGE REGULATION
LOW VOLTAGE LOAD DISCONNECT (LVD) (option)
DESIGN FEATURES
MONITORING & MOUNTING
SWITCHING SHUNT REGULATION - The ASC will allow maximum array current to flow into the battery through a blocking diode, lighting the "CHARGING" light (LED), until the battery voltage reaches the charge termination set-point. At this point, a shunt transistor will turn on, shorting out the solar array, turning off the "CHARGING" LED and halting any further battery charging. When the battery voltage drops to the charge resumption set-point, the shunt transistor will turn off and charging will resume. The result is that when battery capacity is low, charging will be continuous. As the battery charges up, current will pass into the battery for shorter and shorter periods, until at full charge, it will pulse current into the battery to achieve and maintain full charge.
FOR LARGER ARRAYS - The ASC can be wired in parallel to subarrays. This method provides the added reliability of independent, redundant charge controls and allows for sequential charging.
OPTIONS DESCRIPTION
A - Temperature Compensation : Temperature compensation is generally recommended for sealed batteries or where batteries are expected to experience temperature variations of more than + 10° from 25°C during periods of charging. A small temperature sensor on a 10 foot lead monitors battery temperature and adjusts the charging thresholds according to battery temperature. The rate of compensation is -5mv/°C per battery cell from 25°C.
E - Low Voltage Disconnect (LVD) / Generator Start : The ASC can be provided with an auxiliary relay. This relay can be used to protect the battery from lowvoltage damage by disconnecting loads or by signaling a standby generator to start or stop battery charging. The relay is rated for 10 amps and is not available on 6 volt or 1 amp units. This option provides the common, the normally open and the normally closed voltage free contacts of the relay. The relay consumes 30 ma when activated and is activated at 1.92 + .03 volts/cell and deactivated at 2.17 + .03 volts/cell. A separate terminal block is provided for connection.
F - Adjustability : The ASC may be ordered with the adjustment pot available to change the charging set-points if required. (Not available on units with E option: LVD / Gen. start)
