classic controller 150 that displays more PV power amp or intensity

[bafaro]

Hello, I have my classic controller 150 that displays more PV power amp or intensity. all this started after a poor clamping circuit breaker between the regulator and the batteries and resulting in a surge in the regulator output that has a little smoky. what do I have to do?

Thanks

[Vic]

Hi bafaro,

So the smoke came from inside the Classic?

And,  are you saying that this smoke appears to have resulted from a poorly-tightened circuit breaker terminal connection on the output of the Classic,  to the battery positive?

The output current now appears to be higher on the Classic's display (MNGP),  that is displayed elsewhere?

What is the amount of the increase in intensity.   And,  how do you know that this higher intensity is a problem,  and above what you expect?

Thanks for any added details.   Vic

[bafaro]

Vic thank you for your prompt response,
to the fact the smoke does not come from within, it is only at the positive output of the Classic. I only deduce that there had been an over but it's not sure. The circuit breaker was very hot to the touch.

Bafaro

[Vic]

Hi bafaro,

OK,  Cable connections at any connection point must be very tightly torqued.  AND,  then torqued again after approximately 24 hours time.   This is because  the wires in the cable,  basically flow away from the force applied by the clamping screw mechanism.  This is true for the MNEPV type breakers,  with the screw terminals.

Loose (poor) connections often have fairly high resistance.  This resistance,  with high currents generates a lot of heat.

It might be possible that the breaker was damaged by the heat.  Be certain to carefully clean the wires in the cable that was hot,  or if possible,  cut off any dark burned part of the cable,  strip,  and then torque very tightly,  the connection.

If you have a spare breaker of the correct size,  you might want to replace the original breaker with a new or good one.

If the output of the Classic going through the breaker that was getting hot had been reduced due to a fairly high resistance,   and then you corrected the problem,  by cleaning or cutting off the damaged part of the cable,  and  then correctly torqued the breaker connections,  it is possible for you to see an increase in the output of the Classic.   This could possibly be the origin of an increase in the output current of the Classic.  If this is what you are now seeing,  with the increase in output intensity,  things might be good and correct ...

More later,   Vic

[bafaro]

Actually I replaced the breaker and the cable after cleaning the smoky positive terminal of the regulator. But after all this still no PV power, no amps.

[Vic]

Actually I replaced the breaker and the cable after cleaning the smoky positive terminal of the regulator. But after all this still no PV power, no amps.

OH!!  Sorry,  had felt that you noticed that there had been an INCREASE in the Amp output of the Classic,  after fixing this event,  and that the  "smoky"  was not from inside the Classic...

Do you have a photo of that part of the Classic,  so the amount of possible damage might be more apparent?

When the Classic's battery breaker is turned on,  does the display backlight come on?   Do the fans turn on for a few seconds,  and then off?

Is there anything displayed on the Classic display panel (MNGP)?

Thanks,   Vic

[bafaro]

MNGP display is normal, communication with the localstatuspanel is correct. I will make a picture to send but somehow attach the photo.
Thanks
Bafaro

[dgd]

Wow! thats a bit of a disaster 
I would certainly not expect that Classic to be working normally after that heat damage. The pcb beside the burnt terminal and below it is probaby pretty damaged
Maybe you need to contact MN and see if it is repairable since it seems the logic pcb (topmost one) has survived as it still starts up.

dgd

[bafaro]

Thank you board, I will contact Midnite if the PCB can be replaced if it is not repairable.

[Vic]

WOW!!   That is some serious looking damage.

Good Luck bafaro.    Vic

[mike90045]

it's not likely that the traces on the circuit board are any good.  at the least , the one board is bad.

[bafaro]

what to do in this case?
Thanks

[grgdgreek]

Contact midnite- pcb is fried!

[bafaro]

Ok, thanks

[grgdgreek]

P.s. change the batt. temperature sensor clip after you get the classic fixed. :-)