The ATESS PBD250 Solar Charge Controller, designed for large-scale solar installations in conjunction with ATESS Power Conversion Systems (PCS), is a robust DC-to-DC MPPT charge controller. Offering 250 kW rated capacity, five MPPT channels, a modular and transformerless design, and scalable architecture, it’s tailored for demanding environments such as off-grid, hybrid, or weak-grid regions like rural Tanzania. It ensures efficient solar integration, adaptable system growth, and helps provide reliable, clean power where grid supply is unstable or unavailable.
Features & Benefits
- Parallel Scalability: Enables seamless expansion to MW-scale systems by paralleling multiple units—ideal for growing solar farms or community energy systems in Tanzania.
- Five Independent MPPTs: Allows optimized harvesting from solar arrays with varying orientations or shading—especially useful in diverse topographies of Tanzanian landscapes.
- Modular, Transformerless Design: Compact footprint, reduced energy loss, and easier incremental deployment—supports phased rollouts in remote setups.
- High Conversion Efficiency (~99%): Maximizes energy yield from solar inputs—crucial for achieving ROI in high-sun areas like Tanzania.
- Robust Protection Suite: Safeguards include OV/UV, reverse polarity, short-circuit, overcurrent, overtemp, lightning—enhancing system reliability in harsh environments.
- Flexible Control & Connectivity: Touch-screen interface and RS485/CAN communications simplify setup and integration into Tanzanian microgrids or ESS.
Use Cases
- Off-Grid / Rural Electrification: Perfect for powering schools, clinics, or village microgrids beyond grid reach—with optional DG backup via ATESS PCS.
- Hybrid Systems in Weak-Grid Areas: Enhances energy resilience in regions with unreliable power; seamlessly integrates solar, storage, and backup sources.
- Large Commercial & Industrial Applications: Supports estates, factories, agricultural processing units—especially scalable as demand grows.
- Water Pumping & Agricultural Installations: Used in Malawi for water booster systems (e.g., 120 kW solar + 200 kWh storage)—applicable to similar projects in Tanzania.
Value Propositions
- Reliable Renewable Power: High efficiency and rugged protection reduce downtime and maintenance—a critical advantage for rural distribution.
- Scalable & Cost-Effective Growth: Facilities can start small and expand as needed—protecting capital and optimizing investment.
- Local Climate Resilience: Designed to withstand tropical heat and humidity, adaptable to altitude—suitable for diverse Tanzanian regions.
- Compatibility with Older Generators: Programmable modes and communications support integration with existing diesel or hybrid backup systems.
- Strong Safety Standards: Multiple international certifications reassure investors and project developers of compliance and reliability.
Local Market Positioning (Tanzania)
- Ideal for National Rural Electrification Goals: Projects under TANESCO or rural utility programs can leverage this controller in PV + storage setups.
- Commercial & Agribusiness Uptake: Tanzanian businesses—like agro-processing companies—can deploy modular solar systems using the PBD250 to cut energy costs.
- NGO & Development Projects: Suitable for donor-backed installations due to efficiency, reliability, and scalability.
- Competitive Edge: Compared to traditional inverter-based solutions, the PBD250 offers a streamlined, high-voltage, DC-coupled configuration that’s more efficient and easier to expand.
Technical Specifications
Specification | PBD250 | PBD350 |
---|---|---|
Rated Power | 250 kW | 350 kW |
Max Efficiency | ~99% | ~98% |
MPPT Channels | 5 independent MPPTs | 2 MPPTs |
MPPT Voltage Range | 350 V – 850 V (Full load: 480–850 V) | 800 V – 1100 V |
Max Input Current | 575 A (115 A per MPPT) | 480 A (240 A per MPPT) |
Output Voltage | 600 V – 900 V | 450 V – 900 V |
Max Charge Current | ~416 A | ~700 A |
Cooling Method | Forced air cooling | Forced air cooling |
Enclosure Protection | IP20 | IP20 |
Operating Temp. | –25 °C to +55 °C | –25 °C to +55 °C |
Altitude | Up to 6000 m (derates above 3000 m) | Up to 6000 m (derates above 3000 m) |
Noise Level | < 65 dB(A) @ 1m | < 65 dB(A) @ 1m |
Safety Protection | Over/under voltage, over current, short circuit, overheating, lightning protection, emergency stop, DC breaker | Over/under voltage, over current, short circuit, overheating, lightning protection, emergency stop, DC breaker |
Communication | RS485, CAN, Touch-screen interface | RS485, CAN, Touch-screen interface |
Scalability | Parallel connection for MW-level systems | Parallel connection for MW-level systems |