Newbie here, curious about voltages as it relates to the Anker F3800 60v limit. 1st: what happens if I sled it 62a. Does ot restrict to 60 or blow up? 2nd: if I plan 62v at the array but know it’ll likely not be more than 60v after loss in the 40’ line, is that okay?
F3800: 62v solar array with line loss
- Thread starter rmnoonan
- Start date
sunshine_eggo
Happy Breffast!
I am not speaking specifically to your unit... Most solar generators seem to have some tolerance. If you go over 60V, they simply will not operate.
60V refers to Voc, not Vmp.
Voltage is maximum at zero current. Voltage at zero current is not significantly affected by the mentioned distance. In reality, a tiny amount of current has to flow to take the voltage measurement, but the difference between the open circuit voltage at the panel vs. 40' away is probably smaller than the error in your voltmeter.
If you plan 62Voc and not 62Vmp, it's probably going to be fine. Voc is rated for CELL temperature of 25°C. Cells are almost always hotter than 25°C except in cold (freezing and lower) conditions.
60V refers to Voc, not Vmp.
Voltage is maximum at zero current. Voltage at zero current is not significantly affected by the mentioned distance. In reality, a tiny amount of current has to flow to take the voltage measurement, but the difference between the open circuit voltage at the panel vs. 40' away is probably smaller than the error in your voltmeter.
If you plan 62Voc and not 62Vmp, it's probably going to be fine. Voc is rated for CELL temperature of 25°C. Cells are almost always hotter than 25°C except in cold (freezing and lower) conditions.
crossy
Solar Addict
Voc is generally accepted as a hard limit, go over it and the magic-smoke emerges, but as @sunshine_eggo notes 62V on a 60V max input probably isn't going to kill anything.
BUT
I see you are in Chicago, which got down to -30C in 2019! Brrr!
Your Voc will increase by about 0.3% to 0.5% per degree C below the 25C reference point, so you're looking at 55C below that reference on a cold day.
If I've done my sums correctly then that could lead to a worst case Voc increase of 27.5% taking your 62V up to 79V. I suggest that that is pushing the envelope on a 60V input, even if it shuts down to protect itself the input FETs are not going to be happy.
BUT
I see you are in Chicago, which got down to -30C in 2019! Brrr!
Your Voc will increase by about 0.3% to 0.5% per degree C below the 25C reference point, so you're looking at 55C below that reference on a cold day.
If I've done my sums correctly then that could lead to a worst case Voc increase of 27.5% taking your 62V up to 79V. I suggest that that is pushing the envelope on a 60V input, even if it shuts down to protect itself the input FETs are not going to be happy.
sunshine_eggo
Happy Breffast!
I'm normally a "never exceed" guy, but the solar generators seem to be tolerant of over-volt, much like the Midnite HyperVoc function.
I'd reach out to Anker and ask them the specific question.
I'd reach out to Anker and ask them the specific question.
Suijkerbuijk
I cannot be held responsible for this information.
The best is 10% under the max input volts
This way you have a lot of spare for summer vs winter on your pv systeem .
You never let somting run 100% limit .
It will cost soon or later the mppt , inverter, battery and so on.
Somting wil break .
Just my 2 cents about it.
This way you have a lot of spare for summer vs winter on your pv systeem .
You never let somting run 100% limit .
It will cost soon or later the mppt , inverter, battery and so on.
Somting wil break .
Just my 2 cents about it.
sunshine_eggo
Happy Breffast!
Seriously. If you're PLANNING for 62Voc, you should contact the manufacturer. If you want to stay absolutely safe, then ensure that the Voc of your array is never over 60V in any conditions. If you want to see if there's any wiggle room, ask them.