Outback Power Systems FLEXMAX 80 User Manual

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17. Micro-Hydro and Fuel Cell Applications
The FLEXmax 80 is designed to work with solar arrays. Although it will work with micro-hydro turbines
and fuel cell, OutBack Power Systems can only oer limited technical support for these applications
because there is too much variance in micro-hydro and fuel cell generator specications. When
used for micro-hydro or fuel cell applications, the FLEXmax 80 warranty will be honored only if the
manufacturer and turbine model have been approved by OutBack Power Systems. Please check with
one of the following manufacturers or OutBack Power Systems before employing the FLEXmax 80 with
these applications:
• Harris Hydroelectric
(831) 425-7652
www.harrishydro.com
• Alternative Power & Machine
(541) 476-8916
www.apmhydro.com
• Energy System & Design
(506) 433-3151
www.microhydropower.com
The FLEXmax 80 is not compatible with wind turbine applications
and OutBack cannot
warranty its use in these applications.
MICRO-HYDRO AND FUEL CELL SYSTEMS PERFORMANCE OPTIMIZATION
Micro-hydro and fuel cell systems are dierent than PV systems, whose VOC output is more subject to
change due to weather and time of day. A PV system normally nds its Maximum Power Point voltage
between 50-90% of its VOC. A micro-hydro or fuel cell system’s MPP voltage can be outside of this
range.
The FLEXmax 80 allows a user to experiment and nd more appropriate set points to best capture
the MPP voltage using U-Pick mode. Otherwise, Auto Track begins tracking the VOC and works its way
down until the optimum percentage of input voltage yields the MPP voltage. If U-Pick % Voc is chosen,
the MPP is calculated by whatever value is found in Park Mpp, even if it’s not the optimal value for
determining the MPP voltage. For this reason, OutBack normally suggests leaving the system in Auto
Sweep mode.

Outback Power Systems FLEXMAX 80 Specifications

General

Brand	Outback Power Systems
Model	FLEXMAX 80
Category	Controller
Language	English