The solar power generation controller is one of the core components in the solar power generation system, and its usage environment has the following requirements:
Temperature requirements
Generally speaking, the temperature range for the normal operation of solar power generation controllers is usually between -20 ℃ and+50 ℃. Within this temperature range, the electronic components inside the controller can operate stably and their performance can be guaranteed. For example, when the temperature is below -20 ℃, the conductivity of some semiconductor components may change, leading to changes in circuit parameters and affecting the precise control of the controller over the charging and discharging processes. When the temperature is too high, exceeding+50 ℃, the heat dissipation problem of electronic components will become prominent, which may accelerate component aging and even cause faults such as thermal breakdown, thereby affecting the stability and service life of the entire system.
For some specially designed solar power controllers used in extreme environments, the operating temperature range may be expanded, but these products are usually costly and have relatively few application scenarios.
Humidity requirements
The environmental humidity should be maintained within a reasonable range, with a recommended relative humidity between 30% and 80%. Excessive humidity can easily cause a short circuit in the internal circuit of the controller. Because when water vapor in the air condenses into droplets on the surface of circuit boards and electronic components, it may form conductive paths between different circuit nodes, leading to short circuit faults. Meanwhile, high humidity environments can accelerate the corrosion of metal components and reduce their reliability. For example, when using solar power systems in coastal or humid rainforest areas, if the humidity is not properly controlled, the connectors, solder joints, and other parts of the controller are easily corroded and damaged.
On the contrary, if the humidity is too low (below 30%), static electricity may be generated, and the accumulation of static electricity to a certain extent may cause damage to electronic components in the controller, especially some chips and other components that are sensitive to static electricity.
Dust and sandstorm requirements
Solar power controllers should be installed in environments with less dust and sand as much as possible. Excessive dust accumulation on the heat dissipation holes of the controller, the surface of the circuit board, and other locations can affect the heat dissipation performance of the controller. If the heat dissipation is not smooth, the temperature inside the controller will rise, which will affect its performance and lifespan.
In addition, dust and sand may also contain some conductive or corrosive substances. When these substances enter the interior of the controller, they may cause circuit faults or component damage. For example, in desert areas or dusty industrial environments, if appropriate protective measures are not taken, solar power controllers are easily susceptible to sand and dust erosion.
Altitude requirements
In general, solar power controllers are suitable for areas below an altitude of 2000 meters. As the altitude increases, the air pressure will decrease and the air density will also decrease. This will have a negative impact on the heat dissipation of the controller, as heat dissipation mainly relies on air convection. In high-altitude areas, air convection weakens and the heat generated inside the controller is difficult to effectively dissipate.
At the same time, the environment in high-altitude areas is often harsh, such as drastic temperature changes, strong ultraviolet radiation, etc. These factors combined can pose challenges to the performance and reliability of the controller.
Electromagnetic environment requirements
Solar power generation controllers should be avoided from being installed in environments with strong electromagnetic interference. For example, electromagnetic interference is more severe near some large motors, transformers, or communication base stations. Strong electromagnetic interference may affect the signal transmission of the internal circuit of the controller, causing errors or distortions in the control signal.
This may cause deviations in the charging and discharging control of solar panels and batteries by the controller, such as misjudging the battery’s state of charge, thereby affecting the normal operation of the entire solar power generation system. In order to reduce the impact of electromagnetic interference, it is usually necessary to maintain a certain distance from strong electromagnetic interference sources or take protective measures such as electromagnetic shielding when installing solar power generation controllers.