Tracer An Manual en V2.5
Tracer An Manual en V2.5
User Manual
Model
Tracer1206AN/Tracer2206AN
Tracer1210AN/Tracer2210AN
Tracer3210AN/Tracer4210AN
Important Safety Instructions
This manual contains safety, installation, and operation instructions for the Tracer-AN
Read all the instructions and warnings carefully in the manual before installation.
Mount the controller indoors. Avoid exposure to the components and do not allow
Install the controller in a well-ventilated place; the controller's heat sink may become
Power connections must remain tight to avoid excessive heating from a loose
connection.
Contents
1 General Information 1
1.1 Overview 1
1.2 Characteristics 2
1.3 Naming rules 3
1.4 Maximum Power Point Tracking Technology 3
1.5 Battery charging stage 4
2 Installation 7
2.1 Attentions 7
2.2 Requirements for the PV array 7
2.3 Wire size 8
2.4 Mounting 9
3 Operation 12
3.1 Buttons 12
3.2 Interface 12
3.3 Setting 14
4 Others 22
4.1 Protection 22
4.2 Troubleshooting 23
4.3 Maintenance 25
5 Specifications 26
1.1 Overview
Adopting the advanced MPPT control algorithm, the Tracer-AN solar controller can minimize the
maximum power point loss rate and time. It makes this product tracks the PV array's maximum power
point and obtains maximum energy under any situation. Compared with the PWM charging method,
MPPT solar controllers can increase the energy utilization ratio by 10%-30%. Charging current limit,
charging power limit, and high temperature charging automatic power reduction fully ensure system
stability when access to excess PV modules and high temperature running. Increase a professional
protection chip for the RS485 port, which further improves the reliability and meets the different
application requirements.
The Tracer-AN series controller owns a self-adaptive three-stage charging mode based on a digital
control circuit. It can effectively prolong the battery lifespan and significantly improve the system's
performance. They are equipped with comprehensive electronic protections to ensure the solar system is
more reliable and durable. This controller can be widely used for RV, household systems, field
monitoring, and many other applications.
Features:
Advanced MPPT control algorithm to minimize the MPPT loss rate and loss time
Support the lead-acid and lithium batteries; voltage parameters can be set on the controller
High quality and low failure rate components of ST or IR to ensure the service life
1
Standard Modbus communication protocol based on the RS485 communication bus, making the
communication distance longer
A power protection chip, which can provide 5VDC/200mA power and over-current, short-circuit
protections, is adopted by the communication interface
Support monitoring and setting the parameters via the APP or PC software
For the BCV, FCV, LVD, and LVR, users can modify them on the local controller when the
battery type is "USE."
1.2 Characteristics
★ Suppose the remote temperature sensor is not connected to the controller or damaged. In that
case, the controller will charge or discharge the battery at the default temperature setting of 25
ºC (no temperature compensation).
2
1.3 Naming rules
Tracer 1 2 10 AN
Due to the nonlinear characteristics of the solar array, there is a maximum energy output point (Max
Power Point) on its curve. Traditional controllers, equipped with switch charging technology and PWM
charging technology, can't charge the battery at the maximum power point and cannot obtain the
maximum energy available from the PV array. In contrast, the solar charge controller with Maximum
Power Point Tracking (MPPT) Technology can lock the point to obtain the maximum energy and deliver it
to the battery.
Our company's MPPT algorithm continuously compares and adjusts the operating points to locate the
array's maximum power point. The tracking process is fully automatic and does not need the user's
adjustment.
As Figure 1-2, the curve is also the array's characteristic curve; the MPPT technology will 'boost' the
battery charge current by tracking the MPP. Assuming 100% conversion efficiency exists in the solar
system, the following formula is established:
Input voltage (VMpp) *input current (IPV) =Battery voltage (VBat) *battery current (IBat)
Normally, the VMpp is always higher than VBat. Due to the principle of energy conservation, the IBat is
always higher than IPV. The greater the difference between VMpp &VBat, the greater the difference between
IPV& IBat. The greater the difference between the array and the battery will also decrease the system
conversion efficiency. Therefore, the controller's conversion efficiency is particularly important in the PV
system.
Figure 1-2 is the maximum power point curve, whose shaded area is the traditional solar charge
controller (PWM Charging Mode). It is known that the MPPT mode can improve solar PV usage.
3
According to the test, the MPPT controller can raise 20%-30% efficiency compared to the PWM
controller. (Specified value may fluctuate due to the circumstance's influence and energy loss.)
The controller has a three-stage battery charging algorithm, including Bulk Charging, Constant Charging,
and Float Charging. The system can extend the battery's lifespan through the three-stage charging
method.
4
Figure 1-4 Battery charging stage curve
A) Bulk Charging
The battery voltage has not yet reached constant voltage (Equalize or Boost Charging Voltage). The
controller operates in constant current mode, delivering its maximum current to the batteries (MPPT
Charging). When the battery voltage reaches the constant voltage set point, the controller will start to
operate in constant charging mode.
B) Constant Charging
When the battery voltage reaches the constant voltage set point, the controller will start to operate in
constant charging mode. The MPPT charging stops during this process, and the charging current will
drop gradually simultaneously. Constant charging has two stages, namely, equalize charging and boost
charging. These two charging processes are not repeated. Among them, equalized charging starts on
the 28th of each month.
Boost Charging
The default duration of the boost charging stage is generally 2 hours. Customers can adjust the constant
time and preset value according to actual needs. The system will switch to the float charging stage when
the duration is equal to the set value.
Equalize Charging
Explosive Risk! Equalizing flooded batteries would produce explosive gases, so well
WARNING ventilation of the battery box is recommended.
5
Equipment damage!
Equalization may increase battery voltage to the level that damages sensitive
DC loads. Verify that the load's allowable input voltages are greater than the
equalize charging voltage.
CAUTION Over-charging and excessive gas precipitation may damage the battery plates
and activate material shedding on them. Too high an equalized charging or for
too long may cause damage. Please carefully review the specific requirements
of the battery used in the system.
Some battery types benefit from equalizing charging, stirring electrolytes, balancing battery voltage, and
accomplishing chemical reactions. Equalize charging increases the battery voltage to make it higher than
the standard complement voltage, gasifying the battery electrolyte.
If the controller automatically controls the next charge for equalizing charging, the equalizing charging
time is 120 minutes. Equalize and boost charges are not carried out constantly in a full charge process to
avoid too much gas precipitation or overheating of the battery.
Due to the installation environment or load work, the system may not stabilize
the battery voltage at a constant voltage. The controller will accumulate the time
when the battery voltage is equal to the set value. When the accumulative time
CAUTION: is equal to 3 hours, the system will automatically switch to float charging.
If the controller time is not adjusted, the controller will equalize charging
following the inner time.
C) Float Charging
After the constant charging stage, the controller will reduce the battery voltage to the float charging
preset voltage by reducing the charging current. During the floating charge stage, the battery is charged
weakly to ensure that the battery is maintained in a fully charged state. In the float charging stage, loads
can obtain almost all power from the solar panel. Suppose loads' power exceeds the solar array's power.
In that case, the controller will no longer maintain the battery voltage in the float charging stage. When
the battery voltage goes lower than the boost voltage reconnect voltage, the system will exit the float
charging stage and enter the bulk charging stage again.
6
2 Installation
2.1 Attentions
Be careful when installing the batteries. Please wear eye protection when installing the open-type
lead-acid battery and rinse with clean water in time for battery acid contact.
Keep the battery away from any metal objects, which may cause a short circuit of the battery.
Acid gas may be generated when the battery is charged. Confirm that the surrounding environment
is well ventilated.
Avoid direct sunlight and rain infiltration when installing it outdoor.
Loose power connectors and corroded wires may produce high heat that can melt wire insulation,
burn surrounding materials, or even cause a fire. Ensure tight connections and secure cables with
cable clamps to prevent them from swaying in moving applications.
Only charge the lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries within the control range of this controller.
The battery connector may be wired to another battery or a bank of batteries. The following
instructions refer to a singular battery. Still, it is implied that the battery connection can be made to
either one battery or a group of batteries in a battery bank.
Select the system cables according to 5A/mm2 or less current density.
7
24V 1 1 - - -
The above parameters are calculated under the STC (Standard Test
Condition)--module temperature 25℃, air mass1.5, irradiance 1000W/m2.)
CAUTION
Tracer1210/2210/3210/4210AN:
12V 2 1 1 1 1
24V 2 1 1 1 1
The above parameters are calculated under the STC (Standard Test
Condition)--module temperature 25℃, air mass1.5, irradiance 1000W/m2.)
CAUTION
The wiring and installation methods conform to the national and local electrical code requirements.
PV wire size
The PV array's output current varies with size, connection method, and sunlight angle. Its ISC (short
circuit current) can calculate the minimum wire size. Please refer to the ISC value in the PV module's
specifications. When the PV modules are connected in series, the total ISC equals any PV module's ISC.
When the PV modules are connected in parallel, the total ISC equals the sum of the PV module's ISC.
The PV array's ISC must not exceed the controller's maximum PV input current. For max. PV input
current and max. PV wire size, please refer to the table below:
Tracer1206AN
10A 4mm2/12AWG
Tracer1210AN
Tracer2206AN
20A 6mm2/10AWG
Tracer2210AN
8
Tracer3210AN 30A 10mm2/8AWG
The total voltage must not exceed the PV open circuit voltage when the PV modules
are connected in series. PV open circuit voltage 46V(Tracer**06AN) or
CAUTION 92V(Tracer**10AN) at 25℃ environment temperature.
The battery and load wire size conform to the rated current, and the reference size as below:
Rated Rated
Model charge discharge Battery wire size Load wire size
current current
Tracer1206AN
10A 10A 4mm2/12AWG 4mm2/12AWG
Tracer1210AN
Tracer2206AN
20A 20A 6mm2/10AWG 6mm2/10AWG
Tracer2210AN
The wire size is only for reference. Suppose there is a long distance between the
PV array and the controller or between the controller and the battery. In that
case, larger wires can be used to reduce the voltage drop and improve
CAUTION performance.
The recommended wire is selected for the battery according to the conditions
that its terminals are not connected to any additional inverter.
2.4 Mounting
Risk of explosion! Never install the controller in a sealed enclose with flooded
batteries! Do not install the controller in a confined area where battery gas
can accumulate.
WARNING Risk of electric shock! The PV array may generate a high open-circuit voltage
when wiring the PV modules. Disconnect the breaker or fuse first, and be
careful when wiring.
The controller requires at least 150mm of clearance above and below for proper
9
CAUTION airflow. Ventilation is highly recommended if mounted in an enclosure.
Installation procedures:
Figure2-1 Mounting
Step 2:Connect the system in the order of battery -- load --PV array following Figure 2-2,"
Schematic Wiring Diagram," and disconnect the system in the reverse order.
Please do not connect the circuit breaker or fuse during the wiring and ensure
that the electrode polarity is correctly connected.
CAUTION A fuse whose current is 1.25 to 2 times the controller's rated current must be
installed on the battery side with a distance from the battery no longer than
10
150 mm.
If an inverter is to be connected to the system, connect the inverter directly to
the battery, not to the load side of the controller.
Step 3:Grounding
Tracer-AN series are common-negative controllers. Negative terminals of the PV array, the battery, and
the load can be grounded simultaneously, or any negative terminal is grounded. However, according to
the practical application, the negative terminals of the PV array, battery, and load can also be
ungrounded. However, the grounding terminal on its shell must be grounded. It shields electromagnetic
interference and avoids electric shock to the human body.
CAUTION common-positive controller is used and the positive electrode is grounded in the
common-negative system.
The internal circuit of the RS485 port has no isolation design. Connecting an
11
3 Operation
Note: The display screen can be viewed clearly when the angle between the end-users horizontal
sight and the display screen is within 90°. If the angle exceeds 90°, the information on the display
screen cannot be viewed clearly.
3.1 Buttons
Mode Note
Load ON/OFF It can turn the load On/Off via the ENTER button in manual load mode.
Press the ENTER button and hold on 5s to enter the setting mode. Press the
SELECT button to set the parameters. Press the ENTER button to confirm
Setting mode
the setting parameters or no operation for 10s. It will exit the setting interface
automatically.
3.2 Interface
1) Status Description
12
No charge
Charging
Battery type
Load ON
2) Error codes
① When the load current reaches1.02-1.05 times, 1.05-1.25 times, 1.25-1.35 times, and 1.35-1.5 times
more than the rated value, the controller will automatically turn off the loads in 50 seconds, 30
seconds,10 seconds, and 2 seconds respectively.
3) Browse interface
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3.3 Setting
Sealed(default)
1 Battery Gel
Flooded
Lithium LiFePO4 (4S/12V; 8S/24V)
2
battery Li(NiCoMn)O2 (3S/12V; 6S/24V; 7S/24V)
3 User
② Set the battery type via the LCD
Operation:
Step1: Press the SELECT button to jump to the battery voltage interface.
Step2: Press and hold the ENTER button until the battery-type interface flashes.
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Step3: Press the SELECT button to change the battery type, shown below:
Connect the controller's RJ45 interface to the PC's USB interface via a USB to RS485 cable (model:
CC-USB-RS485-150U). When selecting the battery type as "USE," set the battery voltage parameters by
the PC software. Refer to the cloud platform manual for detail.
Connect the controller to the WIFI module through a standard network cable or connect to the Bluetooth
module by Bluetooth signal. When selecting the battery type as "USE," set the battery voltage
parameters by the APP. Refer to the cloud APP manual for details.
15
Setting the battery parameters via the LCD
Operation:
Step1: Press and hold the ENTER button to enter the battery type interface on the battery voltage
interface.
Step2: Press the SELECT button to change the battery type, such as selecting the "GEL," and then
press the ENTER button to confirm and go back to the battery voltage interface automatically.
Step3: On the battery voltage interface, press and hold the ENTER button to enter the battery type
interface again.
Step4: Press the SELECT button to change the battery type to the "USE." Under the "USE" battery type,
the battery parameters can be set via the LCD.
16
(LEN) Note: It exists automatically from the current
interface after no operation of more than 10S.
The SYS value can only be modified under the non-lithium "USE" type. If the battery type is
Sealed, Gel, Flooded before entering the "USE" type, the SYS value can be modified. The SYS
value cannot be modified if it is a lithium battery type before entering the "USE" type.
Only the above battery parameters can be set on the local controller. The remaining battery
parameters follow the following logic (the voltage level of the 12V system is 1, and the voltage
level of the 24V system is 2).
Battery type
Sealed/Gel/Flooded
Battery LiFePO4 User Li(NiCoMn)O2 User
User
parameters
Battery type
parameters
Over voltage disconnect 16.0V 16.0V 16.0V 9~17V
17
voltage
Charging limit voltage 15.0V 15.0V 15.0V 9~17V
Over voltage reconnect 15.0V 15.0V 15.0V
9~17V
voltage
Equalize charging voltage 14.6V -- 14.8V 9~17V
Boost charging voltage 14.4V 14.2V 14.6V 9~17V
Float charging voltage 13.8V 13.8V 13.8V 9~17V
Boost reconnect charging 13.2V 13.2V 13.2V
9~17V
voltage
Low voltage reconnect 12.6V 12.6V 12.6V
9~17V
voltage
Under voltage warning 12.2V 12.2V 12.2V
9~17V
reconnect voltage
Under voltage warning 12.0V 12.0V 12.0V
9~17V
voltage
Low voltage disconnect 11.1V 11.1V 11.1V
9~17V
voltage
Discharging limit voltage 10.6V 10.6V 10.6V 9~17V
Equalize Duration 120 minutes -- 120 minutes 0~180 minutes
Boost Duration 120 minutes 120 minutes 120 minutes 10~180 minutes
When the default battery type is selected, the battery voltage parameters cannot be
When the battery type is "USE," the battery voltage parameters follow the following logic:
A. Over Voltage Disconnect Voltage > Charging Limit Voltage ≥ Equalize Charging Voltage ≥ Boost
Charging Voltage ≥ Float Charging Voltage > Boost Reconnect Charging Voltage.
B. Over Voltage Disconnect Voltage > Over Voltage Reconnect Voltage
C. Low Voltage Reconnect Voltage > Low Voltage Disconnect Voltage ≥ Discharging Limit Voltage.
D. Under Voltage Warning Reconnect Voltage>Under Voltage Warning Voltage≥ Discharging Limit Voltage;
E. Boost Reconnect Charging voltage >Low Voltage Reconnect Voltage.
⑤ Lithium Battery voltage parameters
Over voltage
14.8V 29.6 V 12.8 V 25.6 V 29.8 V 9~17V
disconnect voltage
18
Charging limit voltage 14.6 V 29.2 V 12.6 V 25.2 V 29.4 V 9~17V
Over voltage
14.6 V 29.2 V 12.5 V 25.0 V 29.1 V 9~17V
reconnect voltage
Equalize charging
14.5 V 29.0 V 12.5 V 25.0 V 29.1 V 9~17V
voltage
Boost charging voltage 14.5 V 29.0 V 12.5 V 25.0 V 29.1 V 9~17V
Float charging voltage 13.8 V 27.6 V 12.2 V 24.4 V 28.4 V 9~17V
Boost reconnect
13.2 V 26.4 V 12.1 V 24.2 V 28.2 V 9~17V
charging voltage
Low voltage reconnect
12.8 V 25.6 V 10.5 V 21.0 V 24.5 V 9~17V
voltage
Under voltage warning
12.2 V 24.4 V 12.2 V 24.4 V 28.4 V 9~17V
reconnect voltage
Under voltage warning
12.0 V 24.0 V 10.5 V 21.0 V 24.5 V 9~17V
voltage
Low voltage
11.1 V 22.2 V 9.3 V 18.6 V 21.7 V 9~17V
disconnect voltage
Discharging limit
11.0 V 22.0 V 9.3 V 18.6 V 21.7 V 9~17V
voltage
① The battery parameter under the "User" battery type is 9-17V for LFP4S. They should x2 for
LFP8S.
When the battery type is "USE," the Lithium battery voltage parameters follow the following
logic:
The required accuracy of BMS is no higher than 0.2V. We will not assume
19
CAUTION responsibility for the abnormal when the accuracy of BMS is higher than 0.2 v.
Step1: Press the SELECT button to jump to the load type interface.
Step2: Press and hold the ENTER button until the load type interface flashes.
Step3: Press the SELECT button to modify the load type.
Step4: Press the ENTER button to confirm.
① Load mode
When selecting the load mode as the Light ON/OFF mode, Test mode, and Manual
CAUTION mode, only the Timer 1 can be set, and the Timer 2 is disabled and display "2 n ".
20
Connect the controller's RJ45 interface to the PC's USB interface via a USB to RS485 cable (model:
CC-USB-RS485-150U). Set the load mode by the PC software. Refer to the cloud platform manual for
detail.
Connect the controller to the WIFI module through a standard network cable or connect to the Bluetooth
module by Bluetooth signal. Set the load mode by the APP. Refer to the cloud APP manual for details.
MT50 Setting
Please refer to the instructions for detailed setting methods or contact after-sales
CAUTION support.
21
4 Others
4.1 Protection
22
(The LTPT is 0 °C by default and can be set within 10 ~ -40 °C).
When a short circuit occurs on the load side (four times higher than the
rated load current), the controller automatically cuts off the output. The
output still attempts to resume five times automatically (delay 5 seconds, 10
Load short
10 seconds, 15 seconds, 20 seconds, 25 seconds). Suppose you want the
circuit protection
controller to restart the auto-recovery process. In that case, you need to
press the Load button, restart the controller, or experience a night-to-day
change (night time > 3 hours).
If the load current exceeds 1.05 times the controller's rating, the controller
will cut off the output after a delay. After the overload occurs, the output
attempts to resume automatically five times (delay of 5 seconds, 10
Overload
11 seconds, 15 seconds, 20 seconds, and 25 seconds). Suppose you want the
protection
controller to restart the auto-recovery process. In that case, you need to
press the Load button, restart the controller, or experience a night-to-day
change (night time > 3 hours).
An internal temperature sensor can detect the internal temperature of the
Device
controller. The controller stops working when its internal temperature is
12 overheating
higher than 85℃and resumes working when its internal temperature is
protection
below 75℃.
the internal temperature is lower than or equal to 75ºC, the controller resumes charging per the rated
charging power.
4.2 Troubleshooting
23
Check whether the battery voltage is
Battery over higher than OVD (over voltage
Battery frame blink,
voltage disconnect voltage) and disconnect the
fault icon blink
PV array connection.
① When the battery voltage is restored to
① When the load current goes higher than 1.02-1.05 times, 1.05-1.25 times, 1.25-1.35 times, and
1.35-1.5 times the rated value, the controller may automatically turn offloads in 50 seconds, 30
seconds,10 seconds, and 2 seconds respectively.
24
4.3 Maintenance
The following inspections and maintenance tasks are recommended at least twice yearly for good
performance.
Make sure no block on airflow around the controller. Clear up any dirt and fragments on the radiator.
Check all the naked wires to ensure insulation is not damaged by sun exposure, frictional wear,
Verify the indicator display is consistent with the actual operation. Pay attention to any
Confirm that terminals have no corrosion, insulation damaged, high temperature, burnt/discolored
Check and confirm that the lightning arrester is in good condition. Replace a new one in time to
Risk of electric shock! Ensure that the power is turned off before the above
CAUTION operations, and then follow the corresponding inspections and operations.
25
5 Specifications
Electrical Parameters
When a lithium battery is used, the temperature compensation coefficient will be 0 and can't be
changed.
Environmental parameters
Environment
temperature -25℃~+45℃ (100% loads working)
Storage
temperature -20℃~+70℃
Relative humidity < 95% (N.C.)
Enclosure IP30
26
The controller can full load working in the working environment temperature. When the internal
temperature reaches 81℃, the reducing charging power mode is turned on. Refer to chapter 4.1
Protection.
Mechanical parameters
Tracer1206AN Tracer2206AN
Model Tracer3210AN Tracer4210AN
Tracer1210AN Tracer2210AN
Dimension
172x139x44mm 220x154x52mm 228x164x55mm 252x180x63mm
(L x W x H)
Mounting
124x130mm 170x145mm 170x155mm 204x171mm
size (L x W)
Mounting
Φ5mm
hole size
2 2
Wire size 12AWG(4mm ) 6AWG(16mm ) 6AWG(16mm2) 6AWG(16mm2)
Recommend
12AWG(4mm2) 10AWG(6mm2) 8AWG(10mm2) 6AWG(16mm2)
ed cable
Net Weight 0.57kg 0.94kg 1.26kg 1.65kg
27
Annex I Conversion Efficiency Curves
28
Model: Tracer1210AN
1. PV array Max. power point voltage(17V, 34V)/system voltage(12V)
29
Model: Tracer2206AN
1. PV array Max. power point voltage(17V, 34V)/system voltage(12V)
30
Model: Tracer2210AN
1. PV array Max. power point voltage(17V, 34V)/system voltage(12V)
31
Model: Tracer3210AN
1. PV array Max. power point voltage(17V, 34V)/system voltage(12V)
32
Model: Tracer4210AN
1. PV array Max. power point voltage(17V, 34V)/system voltage(12V)
33
HUIZHOU EPEVER TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
Tel: +86-752-3889706
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.epever.com