A Forum run by Enthusiasts of MidNite Solar

Charge Controllers and Clippers => The "KID" charge controller => Topic started by: dgd on February 08, 2014, 05:31:38 PM

Title: KID at max power output
Post by: dgd on February 08, 2014, 05:31:38 PM
How well does the KID cope with near maximum power throughput?
WHen are the temps as reported too high? above what readings?
I want to connect a 1.4Kw pv array to KID on 24v battery but that has the potential to produce way more than the 30amp max the KID can handle. So will the KID simply current limit its output at the 30amp limit with no ill effects?
The reason I am doing this is to get the 30A charge into battery bank but after the bank is in Float the power from the 1.4Kw array is SSR switched to a water heating element - a Classic 150 does this switching until the KID gets an AUX float high capability.

dgd
Title: Re: KID at max power output
Post by: ClassicCrazy on February 10, 2014, 08:27:54 AM
Sounds like a good beta test !
Title: Re: KID at max power output
Post by: Westbranch on February 10, 2014, 12:28:57 PM
And a LIFETIME warranty too! Have no fear little Jedi... ::)
Title: Re: KID at max power output
Post by: TomW on February 10, 2014, 12:49:00 PM
Quote from: Westbranch on February 10, 2014, 12:28:57 PM
And a LIFETIME warranty too! Have no fear little Jedi... ::)

Yes, if history teaches anything here that may be a dangerous guarantee!

Been known to blow stuff up for no good reason myself. :o

Tom
Title: Re: KID at max power output
Post by: Halfcrazy on February 10, 2014, 01:38:00 PM
I say when in doubt try it!  :o
But thats just me.
The only thing the Kid can not protect itself from is over voltage.
Title: Re: KID at max power output
Post by: Westbranch on February 10, 2014, 10:14:57 PM
What was that Ross said about 5000 rounds of 7.62mm?? ::)
Title: Re: KID at max power output
Post by: dgd on February 11, 2014, 03:21:59 AM
Typical.  Connected the 1.4kw array to KID then its cloudy weather for 2 days, max 560 watts input.
Should be cloudless by Friday then testing begins.
Title: Re: KID at max power output
Post by: SolarMusher on May 06, 2014, 10:12:22 AM
Hi all,
David, did you have success with you test?
I would need to be sure if I can connect a 500W PV array at 12V on the kid without problem.
Is there someone who have already done it in the beta kid's gang?
Is there a way to limit input current like in the classic?
String sizing tool told me that it's excessive and to add a second kid after 1.2
Erik
Title: Re: KID at max power output
Post by: Halfcrazy on May 06, 2014, 01:17:32 PM
I am running 750 watts into a Kid on a 12v battery here. The Kid simply ignores the excess and only makes 30 amps
Title: Re: KID at max power output
Post by: SolarMusher on May 06, 2014, 02:50:24 PM
Great,
Thank a lot Ryan.
So, no problemo with my little 34Amps array.
What about temp with your 750W array?
Are they available now? I've seen them "out of stock" in several webstore.
Erik
Title: Re: KID at max power output
Post by: dgd on May 06, 2014, 05:45:41 PM
Erik,

As Ryan said it just ignores the availability of more input power and limits the output to 30A.
Robin mentioned that there was some work underway to install a fan on a KID and that current outputs of 35 or 40A (or greater?) may be possible. (sort of reminds me of the MX60 where it could really be configured for 70A)
For those of us that fan noise was not an issue that extra 10A output would be very nice  :)

dgd
Title: Re: KID at max power output
Post by: SolarMusher on May 07, 2014, 12:02:38 PM
Thanks David
Title: Re: KID at max power output
Post by: philb on May 11, 2014, 03:07:27 PM
Is there a software adjustment to change the 30 amp output somewhere?  ::)

I have an external fan blowing on the kid that's configured through the daylight aux function in the classics. The fins get slightly warm.
Without it, the fins DO get warm enough I don't want keep my hand on it too long.