Specialty Concepts ASC 12/16A, PWM Charge Controller, 16 amps, 12 volts
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.*
*Some exceptions apply. Approvals pending. Contact us for current status
FEATURES: Guaranteed to FULLY CHARGE a COMPLETELY DEAD battery!
CHARGE REGULATION
- 1-16 amp charge current, 12 volt
- 8 or 16 amp charge current, 24 volt
- 4 amp charge current, 6 volt
- Switching shunt, pulse charging
- Remote temperature compensation (option)
- Adjustable set-points (option)
LOW VOLTAGE LOAD DISCONNECT (LVD) (option)
- 10 amp LVD Relay
- Contacts for generator start or alarm
DESIGN FEATURES
- Completely encapsulated and waterproof
- 100% solid state charge control
- Reverse leakage protection - blocking diode
- Lightning protection
- Input noise suppression
- Low power consumption
- Simple, rugged circuitry
MONITORING & MOUNTING
- Charging light
- LVD activated light (with LVD)
- Surface mount
- Suitable for outdoor mounting
| PRODUCT (2) |
VOLTAGES AVAILABLE |
CURRENTS AVAILABLE (1) |
OPTIONS AVAILBLE |
APPROVALS |
| ASC™ |
12 |
8, 12, 16 |
A, E, F |
UL,FM,CSA |
| ASC™ |
24 |
8, 16 |
A, E, F |
UL,FM,CSA |
| ASC™ |
36, 48 |
12 |
A |
FM |
OPTION "F" is NON-STANDARD and may have longer lead times. Please contact factory for delivery. NOTE 1: Maximum continuous ratings shown. All products can handle substantial short-term overloads. NOTE 2: Some product/option combinations may be special order. OPTION
DEFINITIONS: A=Temperature Compensation (available INTERNAL or
EXTERNAL), E=Low Voltage Load Disconnect, F=User Adjustability
OPERATION
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) 
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