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In smartsolar datasheet it is written :
maximum battery current = 20 A
doest it mean that current to charge batteries will be properly limited to 20A or will it be a problem if, for instance, 400W are provided to victron and then : 400/12 => I = 33A. Will battery charge current be limited to 20A ? or will it break the victron ?
best regards
@iostrym Use the calculator https://mppt.victronenergy.com/.
You will find a 400W panel at 12v is more than 30% oversized for the charge controller and not generally advised. It would be better on a 24V system.
Yes it will current limit to 20A output. Whenever you configure a system you do not want to exceed the input Voltage of the charge controller, which in your case is 100V.
I have used a 390W Jinko panel as an example since I know their Specs.
You would still need to program your battery specific into the charge controller to make sure it is charged correctly according to manufacture recommendations.
Hi @iostrym
As written in the datasheet:
and in the manual:
The maximum (short circuit or Isc Panel) input Current of the panels is 20A for your controller, so as long as your panels are wired not to exceed that, there is no problem.
But will it be a lot of power dissipation by joule effect (temperature increase) if the charge controller can't distribute all energy provided by solar panel to batteries ?
350wc+185wc = 535WC (Isc < 20A, ok)
but because of 20A limitation on battery side, power provided to batteries is 20*14 = 280W
=> 535W-280W = 255W wasted and dissipated in joule effect.
I'm ok with the waste (because my concern is to increase production in winter or when there is no much sun) but I worry about the temperature rise of the victron controler. Will it damage it ? or is it designed to support this king of power dissipation ?
