OutBack Power > 100 Amp 24/48 Volt Flexmax 100 MPPT Charge Controller
Includes LCD Display
Manufacturer Part Number: FM100-300VDC-AFCI
Specifications
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Model
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Flexmax 100
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Series
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Flexmax
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Manufacturer
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OutBack Power
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Mechanical
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Type
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MPPT Charge Controller
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Dimensions (W x H x D)
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22" x 8.8" x 6"
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Weight
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18.3 lbs
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Shipping Method
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Ground
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Specs: FLEXmax 100
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Nominal Battery System Voltage
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24 VDC / 36 VDC / 48 VDC
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Maximum Continuous Output Current
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100 A
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Maximum Input Current (Short-Circuit)
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64 A
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Maximum Array (STC Nameplate)
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3000W / 4500W / 6000W (charging output limited to 100A at battery voltage)
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Maximum PV System Voltage
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300 VDC
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Operating Input Voltage Range
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30 VDC to 290 VDC
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Standby Power Consumption
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~2.5 W
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Power Conversion Efficiency
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24V: 96% 48V: 97%
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Peak Efficiency
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24V: 97.5% 48V: 98.8%
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Charging Regulation
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Three-stage
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Voltage Regulation Set Points
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Absorption, float, silent and equalization
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Equalization Charging
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Programmable start time, voltage set point and duration, automatic termination when completed
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Battery Temperature Compensation
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Adjustable from 2mV/cell/°C to 6mV/cell/°C
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Voltage Step-Down Capability
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Down convert from any acceptable array voltage to any battery voltage (example: 72VDC array to 24VDC battery)
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Programmable Auxiliary Control Output
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12VDC output signal which can be programmed for different control applications (maximum of 0.25ADC)
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Status Display
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LED indicators
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Remote Display and Controller
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MATE3s compatible
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Network Cabling
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Proprietary network system using RJ-45 modular connectors
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Data Logging
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128 days
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Operating Temperature Range
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Ambient, -25°C to 60°C (-13°F to 140°F), output power reduced above 25°C
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Ingress Protection Rating
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IP54
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Enclosure Type
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3R
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Maximum Altitude Rating
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10,000ft
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Conduit Knockouts
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Bottom and sides
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Warranty
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5 years
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Options
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Remote Temperature Sensor (RTS), HUB4, HUB10.3, MATE3s
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Certifications
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UL 1741, CSA C22.2 No. 107.1, IEC 62109-1
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Minimum Battery Bank Size
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100Ah
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Charging Range (Output)
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20VDC to 68VDC
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Additional Features
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Built-in GFCI, field-replaceable cooling fan
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The FLEXmax 100 is the latest innovation in Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) charge controllers from OutBack Power.
The advanced FM100 MPPT algorithm offers increased energy harvest from the PV array than other MPPT controllers. The FLEXmax 100 delivers both higher voltage and higher power, offering improved flexibility and performance.
OutBack network communications and OPTICS RE compatibility allows the FLEXmax 100 to be remotely programmed, monitored and controlled via any internet connected device providing unrivalled system integration.
The FM100-300VDC is a top-of-the-line high performance, efficient and versatile charge controller for your advanced power system.
Features
- Up to 5000 watt of solar power charging
- 300VDC open-circuit voltage limit
- Built-in ground-fault protection and rapid shutdown capacitor
- Compatible with 24, 36 and 48VDC battery banks
- System configures quickly with smart programming wizards
(MATE3s required)
The FLEXmax family of charge controllers is the latest innovation in Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) charge controllers from OutBack Power Systems. The innovative FLEXmax MPPT software algorithm is both continuous and active, increasing your renewable energy yield up to 30% compared to non-MPPT controllers. Thanks to active cooling and intelligent thermal management cooling, the FLEXmax charge controllers can operate at their full maximum current rating, 100 amps respectively, in ambient temperatures as high as 140°F (60°C).
Included in all of the FLEXmax Charge Controllers are the revolutionary features first developed by OutBack Power, including support for a wide range of nominal battery voltages and the ability to step-down a high voltage solar array to recharge a low voltage battery. A built-in back lit 80 character display shows status information and logged system performance data for the last 128 days at the touch of a button. The integrated OutBack network communications allow the FLEXmax series charge controller to be remotely programmed and monitored via a MATE system display and provides unrivaled complete system integration.
The default settings of the FLEXmax 100 charge controller are for lead-chemistry batteries intended for deep discharge. These include all energy storage offered by OutBack Power as well as batteries for marine, golf-cart, and forklift applications. They also include gel-cell batteries and absorbed glass-mat (AGM) batteries. OutBack Power recommends the use of batteries designed specifically for renewable energy applications. Lithium-based batteries and other advanced battery technologies may require special charging considerations.
FLEXmax MPPT Charge Controllers are the only choice when you demand a high performance, efficient and versatile charge controller for your advanced power system.
Detailed Description
What is MPPT?
It stands for Maximum Power Point tracking.
What is the difference between a MPPT and a non-MPPT controller?
A non-MPPT controller needs an array at the same nominal voltage as your battery bank. It then connects the array to the battery to charge and disconnects it when the batteries get full. This is pretty basic, but far cheaper than hiring someone with a meter and a switch.
An MPPT controller does a little more than that. Rather than connecting an array to the battery bank, this type of controller is a DC-DC converter. It can take a higher voltage than the battery as an input, and step it down to the battery voltage. Much like a step-down transformer in AC circuits, the voltage on the output drops and the amperage is increased, providing the same power out as is coming in (ignoring efficiency, of course).
If the power is the same, what is the benefit?
A better way to look at it is that an MPPT charger is more efficient at collecting the same amount of power from an array.
If the controller is just more efficient, how can it get more power from the array?
A common misconception is that a 12 volt module will operate at 12 volts. Even a car battery, at least with the car running, will be at a higher voltage. Go ahead. Start your car. We'll wait.
If you don't have a meter handy, it is common to see the battery charging (from the alternator) at about 14VDC. At rest, a full battery will be around 12.8VDC. PV modules are similar. Their actual voltage is higher than their nominal voltage, as long as they have enough light. PV modules also operate best at certain voltage and current levels. This voltage and current is located at the Max Power Point.
Where is this Power Point and how is it tracked?
An MPPT controller finds the voltage and current that produces the highest output; the Max Power Point. If we look at a graph showing the voltage and current drawn from a PV module, we will see that it does not follow a straight line.
