A Forum run by Enthusiasts of MidNite Solar

Charge Controllers and Clippers => The "KID" charge controller => Topic started by: Highflyer on November 07, 2014, 12:58:50 PM

Title: Using "Float on" or PWM Divert?
Post by: Highflyer on November 07, 2014, 12:58:50 PM
I was using PWM divert but then tried  the "Float on" option and I saw a larger amount of energy going to the load (my batteries were full at the time).  There was no load running off the batteries at that time either.

Why the difference, and which one is better to use? 

I don't want to waist energy, but I also want full batteries as night approaches.


Any thoughts?
Title: Re: Using "Float on" or PWM Divert?
Post by: Highflyer on November 15, 2014, 06:06:07 PM
Okay, let me restate the question.


I have a water heater as my dump load.  If I use PWM divert, my system will give it around 15 amps. And the system will produce around 18 amps.  (no other load on the system).  With the same sun, the same panels, the same load, ect.  I changed the load to "manual on" and then the system gave the load nearly 30 amps and it upped the amps from the panels to the limit (I am over paneling my system for the winter months).

So, why won't the system up the amps from the panels and give the load more power in PWM divert? 

Do I have a setting off?  Is there a way to use more and "waist" less without using "manual on?"


Thanks for any insight.
Title: Re: Using "Float on" or PWM Divert?
Post by: Highflyer on November 19, 2014, 11:03:31 PM
Okay, I worked with Mario and Ryan and found out that my settings were causing the Kid to turn PWM on and off really quickly giving me very little power to my load, now with the right settings, I am putting a lot of extra power to my water heater and the fish could not be happier!!
Title: Re: Using "Float on" or PWM Divert?
Post by: thanasis on November 19, 2014, 11:07:12 PM
Highflyer,
could you share the specifics on your  settings that fixed the problem?


Thanks
Title: Re: Using "Float on" or PWM Divert?
Post by: Highflyer on November 20, 2014, 03:36:27 AM
I used PWM Divert using an offset of -.8 and a width of .5.  This keeps the PWM load on while protecting the batteries for my system.

I saw the Clipper light on solid sooner, but I wanted to be sure the load would get power anytime the batteries are full or really close to full.
Title: Re: Using "Float on" or PWM Divert?
Post by: Kent3 on November 20, 2014, 07:17:53 AM
Thanks Brian for the update.

Kent