Solar Power Supply Output Controllers for Cathodic Protection by Farwest Corrosion

Controls Output of Solar Power Systems for Cathodic Protection
  
Charge / Output Controller

Controller:

The LP Hoying Co. charge / output controller provides a precise, electronic charge regulator to control battery terminal voltage during charging and an efficient wattage converter for stepping the voltage down to the required power supply output level. This unique feature allows the solar panels to operate at their peak power point for longer periods of time during the day. Printed circuit board LED indicators illustrate battery charging and converter functions.

  • Standard features include temperature compensation on the charge circuitry and load drop for lead acid battery protection during extended cold weather, or sunless periods. PC board is environmentally sealed: low loss FET's are used in battery charging and converter circuitry: Continuous potentiometer adjustment and solid-state circuitry are provided for fine current control. All functions are engraved into the instrument panel. Continuous reading voltmeter and ammeter are standard. Compression lugs are provided for battery, solar and load connections.
      
  • Reduced Energy at Night (REN) type is designed to provide 100% of the daytime current rating during daytime solar energy periods and a minimum of 1/2 the daytime current rating of the power supply at night. This approach works on well casings and coated pipelines where the structure maintains polarization and can be polarized during the daytime. Only a fraction of the current required to initially polarize a structure is needed to maintain polarization once the structure is polarized. The size and quantity of components required are reduced which results in lower total power supply costs.
      
  • Continuous Voltage Output (CVO) type is designed for use in areas where a constant voltage is needed to provide protection at the set level 24 hours a day. Once set, the output voltage stays at the set point and current output changes as the ground-bed resistance changes. A magnetic circuit breaker is provided for over current protection.
     

LVIP & NVIP solar power supplies provide constant voltage, current and potential control modes.

  • Constant Voltage Control mode:  In this mode of operation, the power supply output voltage is adjusted up or down by the operator and is held constant at the set point. The rectifier's output current changes as load resistance changes.
      
  • Constant Current Control mode:  When a constant current power supply is specified, the operator has the ability to adjust the output current to a maximum desired level. The power supply automatically adjusts its output voltage to maintain the desired current level as load resistance changes.
      
  • Constant Potential Control mode:  The operator has the capability of setting the desired reference to structure potential. A permanent reference half-cell is required for the constant potential power supply to operate in this mode. The reference cell to structure potential is sensed by the controller and compared to set the potential programmed by the operator. If there is a difference between the two, the power supply automatically adjusts its output to compensate for the difference.
     

For additional information, please see:
Solar Power Supply Types
 & Solar Power Supply Components

 

Reduced Energy at Night (REN) Type Controllers

  • When a lower cost solar power supply is needed, a Reduced Energy at Night (REN) type supply may be the answer. If you have a structure with little interference, such as a well casing with a good cement job or a coated pipeline, and the structure maintains polarization and can be polarized during the daytime, a REN type power supply will do the job. Only a fraction of the current required to initially polarize a structure is needed to maintain polarization once the structure is polarized.
      
  • The Reduced Energy at Night (REN) power supply is designed to provide 100% of the daytime current rating during daytime solar energy periods and a minimum of 1/2 the daytime current rating of the power supply at night. This reduces the size and quantity of components required resulting in lower power supply costs. REN type regulators provide the customer with the ability to adjust the output voltage  electronically from zero to the rated output of the power supply. The unit automatically drops to 50% of the daytime output current during periods of darkness.
      
  • REN type units are shipped with all required components for easy installation in the field.
     

For additional information, please see:
Solar Power Supply Types
 & Solar Power Supply Components

Continuous Voltage Output (CVO) Type Controllers
  • CVO type power supplies were developed for use in areas where protection is needed at a constant level. These supplies can provide the rated voltage output continuously, 24 hours a day. The charge regulator features temperature compensation and load drop for lead-acid battery protection during extended cold weather or sunless periods.
  • All functions are engraved into the instrument panel. Continuous reading voltmeter and ammeter are standard. Compression lugs are provided for battery, solar, and load connections.
  • Continuous potentiometer adjustment and solid-state circuitry are provided for fine current control.
  • Available with NiCad or lead-acid battery. Specify the battery type wanted.
  • A heavy-duty, lockable battery enclosure with recessed padlock openings and hinged lid is standard. It provides plenty of space for the battery and allows easy access for service.
  • CVO units are furnished complete with stand and all hardware required for field assembly.
  • Anti-theft hardware is provided for added security.
  • Support pole lengths are optional, up to 20 foot long. 10-foot pole length is standard.
  • Standard voltage ratings are 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 and 24 volts.
     

For additional information, please see:
Solar Power Supply Types
 & Solar Power Supply Components

Low-Voltage Regulator for Solar Power Supplies


Model HCS-4/6

  • HCS-4/6 charge / output controllers provide a precise, electronic charge regulator to control battery terminal voltage during charging of 4 V or 6 V  or batteries and can handle up to 40 A of solar collector current. The regulator uses a power rheostat for ground bed current control.
      
  • This basic regulator is designed for long life and serviceability. All serviceable components are exposed and easy to get to. A 16-gauge painted steel enclosure with hinged, lockable doors is standard.
      
  • An LED indicator lamp on the printed circuit board shows battery charging functions. The board is environmentally sealed. Low loss FET's are used in the battery charging circuitry. Charge voltage temperature compensation is provided. A circuit breaker provides current protection. A .001-ohm shunt is provided to monitor output current.
      
  • All functions are engraved into the instrument panel. A continuous reading voltmeter and ammeter are optional. Output adjustment is by means of a rheostat. Compression lugs are provided for battery, solar, and load connections.

     

For additional information, please see:
Solar Power Supply Types
 & Solar Power Supply Components