POWER
Design Requirements & Considerations
Two standard 8Ah batteries are supplied with
SwingSmart DCS 20 and nominally support up to
100 cycles per day based on the following:
z
Battery storage capacity based on 5 solar hours
per day.
z
20WATT solar panel system (minimum
requirement).
z
A gate weight of 750lbs (340kg) and gate length
of 12ft (3.7m)
z
Connection to two HY-5B and one multi-code
radio receiver. Note that if connected properly,
photo eyes are not considered in the power load
because the Smart DC Controller only powers
the photo eyes when the motor engages.
NOTICE
The available 50Ah battery option supports
more peripheral connections because of its
higher storage capacity. A higher energy
storage capacity provides a higher sustained
current draw. If the solar operator will be
opening and closing more often at night or in
low solar hour conditions, consider using the
50Ah option and two 20WATT panels (for a
total capacity of 40 WATTS).
The design of the solar-powered site is important
in maintaining the highest gate cycle capacity
and extending the life of the batteries. The
construction of a solar-powered gate and its cycle
capacity is significantly affected by the following:
z
Energy demand of the peripheral devices. The
more energy efficient the device the less power
draw occurs to the batteries.
z
Solar hours at the site. “Solar hours” relate to
the amount of energy delivered by the sun and
absorbed by the solar panels. It is NOT the same
as the number of daylight hours available at the
z
Design considerations must use calculations
that are figured for the darkest months of the
year (typically December/January). Higher
wattage panels may be required.
z
Impediments to the sun’s rays reaching the
solar panels. Elements such as, shade, improper
alignment, or dirty panels will reduce the
amount of power available.
z
Extreme temperatures affect battery life. Keep
the batteries away from temperatures above
90°F (32°C). See "Important Considerations for
DC-Powered Operators" on page 49
.
z
Good gate hardware and smooth, unobstructed
gate travel lowers the operator’s power draw
and serves to extend battery life.
NOTICE
Solar panels must not be shaded (not
even partially) or the output power will be
significantly reduced. Panels must be kept
clean as small areas of sunlight blockage cause
a large reduction in output power. Alignment is
also critical because the rated wattage output
is based on the solar panels being mounted
perpendicular to the angle of the sun’s rays
midday on winter solstice (December 21st).
NOTICE
Any solar systems that are designed close to
the minimum margins will stress and shorten
the battery life and risk unreliable operation,
especially in periods of inclement weather.
44
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SWINGSMART DC PROGRAMMING AND OPERATIONS MANUAL
MX3640-01 REV. D ©2018
