Solar Energy Harvesting System

Features & Benefits

To provide maximum power efficiency and consumption, the Optimum inverter can operate in ECO MODE which significantly reduces the amount of current drawn from the storage battery. It is always advisable when the load permits to use this function if possible.

The inverter will shut down when the Low Battery Voltage Threshold is detected. This value is adjusted at the factory but can be changed by connecting the optional USB-VE Direct cable to the inverter and entering the main menu settings. After a delay of 30 seconds, the inverter will attempt to restart. After three restarts, the inverter will stop trying. To remediate the condition, manually charge the battery or wait until the solar system has recharged and switch the inverter OFF, and back ON to restore normal operations. Should the Battery become fully discharged, the solar charge controller can recover it within 2-3 hours of full sun normally

When the ECO setting is selected on the front panel switch, the GREEN LED will flash as a slow single Pulse. A solid GREEN LED indicates the inverter is in the ON mode, the RED LED should be OFF. Tech Note: When the inverter is in ECO Mode, it will require a minimum load of 15 watts AC current to activate the output and drive the load. In ECO MODE, the inverter will automatically switch off as soon as it detects that there is no load connected, <15watts). It will switch on every 2.5 seconds to detect a load. If the output power requires more than the 15watt setpoint level, the inverter will output.

Optimum uses a 100AMP/HR LiFEPO4 storage battery and an option for doubling storage capacity. Storage Capacity is rated at 1.28KW/HR and is 100% usable. Grade A Cells provides 4000+ deep cycles (a 10-year lifetime) & extends the battery lifespan by 8× more than the lead-acid batteries. 100% protection Using without Risk: The lithium battery contains a 100A BMS to protect from overcharging & is charging, over current, short circuit, and over temp.

Optimum has a robust and advanced protection circuit expressly designed for solar PV system applications. Incoming power from attached PV panels and arrays go directly to the protective device and any excessive voltages that may arise from a direct or indirect lightning strike are passed safely to earth ground. The protection device has integral relay outputs that are coupled to indicator LEDs on the front panel of Optimum to alert if any surge conditions have been encountered. The protective device is a two-pole, V configuration 600VDC rated system.

Optimum has 8 Digital I/O points that can be interfaced with external sensors, data collection systems, temperature sensors and more. The inputs are non-isolated. They operate at 3V3 levels and can withstand up to 5V input. Each input has an internal 10k pull-up resistor to 3V3. We recommend wiring it to a potential free relay or otherwise open collector/optocoupler output. NPN or PNP sensors can be used on digital inputs. An open collector signal provides an open and ground connection. This type of signal represents a switch connected to a ground point. Each of the digital inputs can be configured as one of several predefined sensors that can also be configured as alarms.

Other parameters related to that function can be configured by entering the device menu and selecting Setup. For sensors and alarms, you can decide whether the input should be treated as an alarm condition, whether the labels should be inverted, and whether the logical levels should be inverted.

Optimum has two internal, programmable Relays that can be activated for external control and
signaling. Each relay has a NO/NC contact that can be tied to specific functionality or sensor inputs. 12VDC is already present on the DC rail that can be connected to the common on each relay to send a 12VDC signal upon relay activation.

All system components are protected by an individual circuit fuse of the appropriate rating including the solar panel input. Optional UL Listed circuit breakers can be ordered with the system as well if desired instead of standard DC fuses. All internal power handling wiring is constructed using Ancor, 10gauge pre-tinned Marine Grade stranded copper wire and is UL certified. Low current conductors are also Ancor pre-tinned Marine grade stranded copper wire and is 18Gauge. All connection points are labelled and properly identified.

Optimum is fully compatible with specific USB GPS sensors. We have tested with the Globalsat device sold as an option on our website. It is possible to establish and configure Geofencing as well which will send an email should the Optimum travel outside the geofence. Connect the USB GPS antenna to either of the USB sockets on the central unit. It can communicate at both 4800 and 38400 baud rates. Connection may take a few minutes normally, but the device will be automatically recognized. The unit’s location will automatically be sent to the VRM online portal, and its position shown on the map.

Optimum is an intelligent system and connects gracefully to any internet access point via wi-Fi, or a wired CAT-6 network cable. There is a dedicated external weatherproof connection for wired networks on the outside of the Optimum cabinet for this purpose. Optimum also connects to Wi-Fi and wired networks simultaneously and will automatically fail safe to the working network connection should one of the interfaces go down. Optimum can also be supplied with an option to allow connection to cellular GSM networks.

Finally, it is compatible with some cell phones via USB tethering but not all phones are supported. When Optimum finds multiple Wi-Fi networks of which the password is known, the strongest network is elected automatically. When the signal of the connected network becomes too weak, it will automatically switch to a stronger network (if it knows the password of that network). Wi-Fi is an inherently less reliable connection than a hardwired ethernet cable. It should always be a preference to connect via ethernet when possible. Signal strength should always be at least 50%. To connect the Optimum to a mobile (cellular) network, such as a 4G or 5G network, use a cellular router. Connect Optimum to that router with either a LAN cable or the router’s Wi-Fi network.

We recommend a single, 24-volt DC 200-Watt solar panel be connected to the MC-4 connectors on the Optimum. You can also connect an array of solar panels provided the combined input does not exceed 100VDC at the input connections to Optimum. Observe color coded polarity connections as shown:
RED POSITIVE connection here LAN Connection Port