Control Microsystems Announces SOLARPack

"Alternative Energy"

01/02/2007

Engineering Newsletter
January 2, 2007


Control Microsystems has released SOLARPack, an integrated solar power control and communication system designed for harsh environments. SOLARPack combines solar power technology, with a unique, intelligent battery charger that prevents hydrogen generation due to overcharging. Designed for use at remote sites where the environment is extreme and power is hard to come by, SOLARPack is ideal for such applications as valve plunger automation with electronic flow measurement (EFM), and well head gas measurement with tubing and casing pressure.

“SOLARPack brings solar power, intelligent battery charging, and reliable spread-spectrum communications to remote gas flow installations”, stated Dale Symington, Senior Vice President Engineering, Control Microsystems. “The innovative design allows for quick, out-of-the-box installation. And the intelligent battery charger delivers a highly reliable energy source and ensures operation even in the harshest of environments.”

Uninterrupted Power: Intelligent Battery Charger

SOLARPack employs a unique precision adaptive battery-charging algorithm that ensures autonomous flow computer operation with uninterrupted power during periods of little or no sunshine lasting up to one month. Temperature-compensated battery charging and radio load-shedding extend battery life beyond that of competitive options.

SOLARPack’s unique battery charging algorithm is designed to manage solar battery charging in three stages to ensure optimal charging in varying conditions, providing complete charging while at the same time preventing overcharging. The first stage tests the battery to determine if it is safe to proceed; the second stage applies a temperature compensated charge voltage and is where the bulk of the battery charge is replenished. The third and final stage operates at a reduced or float voltage. This approach maximizes the life of the battery and delivers a highly reliable energy source.

Integrated Remote Communications

Remote communications to a SCADA host are provided using integrated spread spectrum radio technology. Supported radio platforms include FreeWave FGR09CSU 900 MHz Spread Spectrum, MDS TransNet 900 MHz Spread Spectrum Transceiver, and MaxStream XTend OEM RF 900 MHz Spread Spectrum Module. SOLARPack also can be integrated to a PC or optional SCADAPack Vision or Vision50 operator interface terminal.