Relay Driver
Relay Driver
The Relay Driver™ is a logic module which provides high level system control functions such as high/low voltage alarms, load control and generator start. The product controls four independent relay driver outputs by reading digital data inputs from Morningstar’s TriStar controller or by reading battery voltage when used in systems with other controllers.
Key features and benefits
- Cost-effective and Highly reliable
- Fully Programmable
- Advanced Generator Control
- Industrial Design
- LED Indicators
- 4 independent relay driver outputs (relays not included)
- Used for high/low voltage alarms, load control, and generator start
- Reads digital data inputs from ‘compatible’ controllers and inverters
- Reads battery voltage in systems with other controllers
A. Premium high-frequency CoilCraft surface mount inductors
They’re worth it, because they provide the faster power “tracking” that lets us engineer this much power and control into a compact design.
B. High-frequency design
Combined with premium, “over-spec’d” components, this greatly improves control response which guards against system transients, regulation overshoot and overcurrent/overload conditions
C. Built-in 4500W Transient Voltage Surge Suppression for lightning protection
Nature do your worst–this controller can take it
D. Large diameter, high torque, corrosion resistant terminals
If you’ve ever trashed a lesser terminal during an installation, you’ll appreciate some “overkill” here
E. DirectFET™ MOSFET power devices
Allows the surface-mounting of critical components underneath the main board next to the heat sink, which reduces heat travel distance and keeps the controller even cooler
F. Highly-conductive aluminum heatsink extrusion
As opposed to cast aluminum, which is less effective in passive cooling applications
G. Communications/data port with serial/meter auto detect
“Talks solar” with standard industry language, for system monitoring and cloud connectivity-speaks Modbus, and SNMP (with the EMC-1)
H. Lithium foldback circuit
Lithium batteries are expensive and vulnerable to cold temperatures. When it gets close to freezing, the controller backs-off charging to avoid damaging batteries
I. High-speed ARM processor
All-digital calibration for high accuracy, using the same efficient technology found in advanced mobile device
J. TrakStar™ Technology
Morningstar’s hallmark MPPT technology precisely seeks and locks onto the true maximum power point quickly and accurately, to ensure the highest output possible from a solar array
K. Large format, high-resolution backlit LCD
When you’ve been in the field installing, you appreciated being able to read a crisp, high contrast display on site
L. 5 year warranty
Up to 2 1/2 times longer than some competitors in this class
M. Self-diagnostics
ProStar is smart enough to monitor and analyze system performance, and alert you when you need to know
N. High temperature architecture
Heat is the enemy of all electronics. That’s why Prostar’s critical components are rated to withstand temperatures right up to the boiling point of water (100°C)
O. Lexan polycarbonate UL listed case
Protects the precision electronics inside with an impact strength 30 times greater than the acrylic thermoplastics commonly found on lesser controllers
P. Cooling Fan
Just kidding. We’ve never needed them
Specifications and Certifications
| Model | RD-1 |
|---|---|
| *voltage of user selected relays must be same as battery voltage | |
| System Voltage | 12 to 48 volts* |
| Max. Channel Current | 750mA |
| Voltage Accuracy | 2% +/- 50 mV |
| Temperature Accuracy | +/- 2C |
| Minimum Operating Voltage | 8V |
| Maximum Operating Voltage | 68V |
| Self Consumption | <20mA |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +45C |
| Temperature Sensor Range | -40C to +85C |
| Transient Surge Protection | 1500W/channel |
| Warranty | 5 Years |
| CE and RoHS | Yes |
| Manufactured in a Certified ISO 9001 Facility | Yes |
Operation Manuals
Download the Relay Driver Manual.
Videos
The Relay Driver and Its Applications
Recorded Webinar
This presentation discusses how you can use Morningstar’s Relay Driver to facilitate generator starts, notifications, advanced lighting controls, prioritize loads and eliminate unnecessary system components.
Applications
- Boating
- Lighting
- Oil & Gas
- Railroad
- Rural Electrification
- Residential
- Security
- Transportation
- Traffic
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Firmware
It’s a recommended best practice to install your product’s latest firmware to ensure access to all up-to-date features, accessory compatibilities, and code modifications. Watch this 5 minute video for instructions on how to download and update ProStar MPPT firmware.
After watching the video, click here to download the firmware.
System Diagrams
Off-Grid Diagram with DC Load
The schematic diagram above, illustrates how the ProStar MPPT regulates power to batteries and a direct current (DC) load in an off-grid system.
- Sunlight contacts the solar modules, which convert solar into DC electrical power that it delivers to a charge controller.
- The charge controller regulates the amperage and voltage that is delivered to the loads and any excess power is delivered to the battery system so the batteries maintain their state of charge without getting overcharged.
- During the evening when there is no sunlight, battery power is used to run the load.
Off-Grid Diagram with AC Load
The schematic diagram above, illustrates how the ProStar MPPT regulates power to batteries and an alternating current (AC) load in an off-grid system. This diagram is very similar to the DC load diagram above it except an inverter has been added.
- Sunlight contacts the solar modules, which convert solar into DC electrical power that it delivers to a charge controller.
- The charge controller regulates the amperage and voltage that is delivered to the battery system so the batteries maintain their state of charge without getting overcharged.
- Batteries deliver power to the inverter which converts DC to AC power that it delivers to the load. Notice that the inverter is connected to the battery, not the controller’s load terminals, like we did in the DC load example. That’s because the inverter can have a high energy surge upon start up, and this high current surge might be higher than the rated capacity of the charge controller, whereas the batteries will be able to meet the high energy surge requirement.