OutBack FLEXmax 80, MPPT Charge Controller, 80 Amp, 12, 24, 36, 48, 60V
Includes LCD Display

Detailed Description:

The FLEXmax family of charge controllers is the latest innovation in Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) charge controllers from OutBack Power Systems. The innovative FLEXmax MPPT software algorithm is both continuous and active, increasing your renewable energy yield up to 30% compared to non-MPPT controllers. Thanks to active cooling and intelligent thermal management cooling, the FLEXmax charge controllers can operate at their full maximum current rating, 60 Amps or 80 amps respectively, in ambient temperatures as high as 104°F (40°C).

OutBack FLEXmax 80

• The output current limit of the FLEXmax 80 is 80 amps
• Use a minimum of 4 AWG (21.15 mm2) wire for the output between the FLEXmax 80 and the battery
bus bar conductors
• Install OutBack OBB-80-150VDC-PNL breakers for disconnect and overcurrent protection
• The largest PV array that can connect to a Charge Controller must have a rated short-circuit current
of 64 amps or less under STC (Standard Test Conditions).

Continuous Maximum Power Point Tracking Charge Controllers

- Increases PV Array Output by up to 30%
- Advanced Continuous Maximum Power Point Tracking
- Full Power Output in Ambient Temperatures up to 104°F (40C)
- Battery Voltages from 12 VDC to 60 VDC
- Fully Output Network Integrated and Programmable
- Programmable Auxiliary Control Output
- Built-in 128 days of Data Logging
- Standard 5 Year Warranty

The FLEXmax family of charge controllers is the latest innovation in Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) charge controllers from OutBack Power Systems. The innovative FLEXmax MPPT software algorithm is both continuous and active, increasing your renewable energy yield up to 30% compared to non-MPPT controllers. Thanks to active cooling and intelligent thermal management cooling, the FLEXmax charge controllers can operate at their full maximum current rating, 60 Amps or 80 amps respectively, in ambient temperatures as high as 104°F (40°C).

Included in all of the FLEXmax Charge Controllers are the revolutionary features first developed by OutBack Power, including support for a wide range of nominal battery voltages and the ability to step-down a high voltage solar array to recharge a low voltage battery. A built-in back lit 80 character display shows status information and logged system performance data for the last 128 days at the touch of a button. The integrated OutBack network communications allow the FLEXmax series charge controller to be remotely programmed and monitored via a MATE system display and provides unrivaled complete system integration.

FLEXmax MPPT Charge Controllers are the only choice when you demand a high performance, efficient and versatile charge controller for your advanced power system.

FM80 MPPT Charge Controller Specifications
Nominal Battery Voltages: 12, 24, 36, 48, or 60 VDC
Maximum Output Current: 80 amps @ 104º F (40ºC) with adjustable current limit

Maximum Solar Array STC Nameplate

    * 12 VDC systems 1250 Watts
    * 24 VDC systems 2500 Watts
    * 48 VDC systems 5000 Watts
    * 60 VDC Systems 7500 Watts

NEC Recommended Solar Array STC Nameplate

    * 12 VDC systems 1000 Watts
    * 24 VDC systems 2000 Watts
    * 48 VDC systems 4000 Watts
    * 60 VDC Systems 5000 Watts

PV Open Circuit Voltage (VOC): 150 VDC absolute maximum, 145 VDC start-up and operating maximum
Standby Power Consumption: Less than 1 Watt typical
Power Conversion Efficiency: 97.5% @ 80 Amps in a 48 VDC System - Typical
Charging Regulation: Five Stages: Bulk, Absorption, Float, Silent and Equalization
Voltage Regulation Set points: 10 to 80 VDC user adjustable with password protection

Equalization Charging: Programmable Voltage Set point and Duration & Automatic Termination
Battery Temperature Compensation: Automatic with optional RTS 5.0 mV per °C per 2V battery cell
Voltage Step-Down Capability: Max 150 VDC input PV array can charge a lower voltage battery

Programmable Auxiliary Control Output:12 VDC (0.2 amp max) programmable output signal
Status Display: 3.1” (8 cm) back lit LCD screen - 4 lines with 80 alphanumeric characters total
Remote Display and Controller: Optional Mate or Mate2 with RS232 Serial Communications Port
Network Cabling: Proprietary CAT 5e Cable (8 wires) with RJ 45 Modular Connectors

Data Logging: Last 128 days of Operation - Amp Hours, Watt Hours, Time in Float , Peak Watts, Amps, Solar Array Voltage, Max Battery Voltage Min Battery Voltage and Absorb for each day along with total Accumulated Amp Hours, and kW Hours of production

Hydro Turbine Applications: Consult factory for approved Turbines

Positive Ground Applications: Requires two Pole Breakers for switching both positive and Negative Conductors on both Solar Array and Battery Connections (HUB-4 and HUB-10 can not be used for use in positive ground applications)

Operating Temperature Range: Minimum -40° to maximum 60° C
Environmental Rating: Indoor Type 1
Conduit Knockouts: One 1” (35mm) on the back; One1” (35mm) on the left side; Two 1” (35mm) on the bottom
Menu Languages: English & Spanish
Warranty: Standard 5 year

Weight Unit: 12.20 lbs (5.56 kg)
Dimensions Unit: 16.25” x 5.75” x 4” (41.3 x 14 x 10 cm) - (H x W x D)
Shipping Weight: 15.75 lbs (7.10 kg)
Shipping Dimensions : 21” x 10.5” x 9.75” (53 x 27 x 25 cm)

Options

    * Remote Temperature Sensor (RTS)
    * HUB 4
    * HUB 10
    * MATE
    * MATE 2

What is MPPT?
It stands for Maximum Power Point tracking.

What is the difference between a MPPT and a non-MPPT controller?
A non-MPPT controller needs an array at the same nominal voltage as your battery bank. It then connects the
array to the battery to charge and disconnects it when the batteries get full. This is pretty basic, but far cheaper
than hiring someone with a meter and a switch.


An MPPT controller does a little more than that. Rather than connecting an array to the battery bank, this type
of controller is a DC-DC converter. It can take a higher voltage than the battery as an input, and step it down to
the battery voltage. Much like a step-down transformer in AC circuits, the voltage on the output drops and the
amperage is increased, providing the same power out as is coming in (ignoring efficiency, of course).


If the power is the same, what is the benefit?
A better way to look at it is that an MPPT charger is more efficient at collecting the same amount of power from
an array.

If the controller is just more efficient, how can it get more power from the array?
A common misconception is that a 12 volt module will operate at 12 volts. Even a car battery, at least with the
car running, will be at a higher voltage. Go ahead. Start your car. We'll wait.

If you don't have a meter handy, it is common to see the battery charging (from the alternator) at about 14VDC.
At rest, a full battery will be around 12.8VDC. PV modules are similar. Their actual voltage is higher than their
nominal voltage, as long as they have enough light. PV modules also operate best at certain voltage and current levels.
This voltage and current is located at the Max Power Point.


Where is this Power Point and how is it tracked?
An MPPT controller finds the voltage and current that produces the highest output; the Max Power Point. If we
look at a graph showing the voltage and current drawn from a PV module, we will see that it does not follow a
straight line.