TCU String Powered – SurgeTrack TCU S350

Description

Product Introduction

TCU String Powered – SurgeTrack TCU S350 is a solar tracker control unit powered directly from the photovoltaic string DC bus. It eliminates the need for grid power or a dedicated charging panel, providing a practical power supply solution for utility-scale grid-connected PV plants.

The TCU draws stable power directly from the solar panel array and supports a wide input voltage range from 300/400 VDC to 1500 VDC. It integrates high-precision solar tracking control, position sensing, astronomical algorithms, and self-forming mesh communication to support coordinated tracker operation across large photovoltaic installations.

With an IP67-rated enclosure, wide ambient operating temperature range, multiple operation modes, and optional weather-related protection functions, the SurgeTrack TCU S350 is designed for demanding outdoor solar power environments.

Key Product Features

1. Direct String-Powered Operation

The TCU obtains operating power directly from the PV string DC bus, eliminating external grid power and separate charging panels. This simplifies system architecture and can reduce additional power supply requirements.

2. Wide DC Input Voltage Range

The unit supports an input voltage range of 300/400 to 1500 VDC, making it suitable for modern high-voltage photovoltaic string configurations.

3. High-Precision Solar Tracking

With tracking accuracy of less than ±1°, the controller supports precise tracker positioning. The tracking range is -60° to +60°, allowing the solar tracker to adjust its position according to the system's tracking strategy.

4. Astronomical Algorithm + Position Sensor

The control system combines an astronomical algorithm with a position sensor to determine and maintain the required tracker position, supporting accurate solar tracking throughout daily operation.

5. Self-Forming Mesh Network

The TCU supports Sub-1GHz, LoRa Mesh, RS485, and Bluetooth communication. Its self-forming mesh network reduces the need for individual TCU configuration and supports communication across distributed tracker systems.

6. Rugged IP67 Enclosure

The IP67 protection rating provides enhanced protection for outdoor installation, helping the TCU withstand dust and water exposure in suitable installation environments.

7. Multiple Operation Modes

The controller supports automatic operation as well as fault, night, fixed-angle, heavy-rain, strong-wind, heavy-snow, maintenance, stop, and farm modes, providing flexibility for different PV plant operating conditions.

8. Low Daily Energy Consumption

Daily power consumption is approximately 0.05 kWh/day, supporting efficient operation in large-scale solar tracking systems.

Basic Specifications

Parameter	Specification
Product Type	SurgeTrack TCU S350
Power Supply	String-Powered
Input Voltage	300/400–1500 VDC
Communication	Sub-1GHz / LoRa Mesh / RS485 / Bluetooth
Communication Protocol	Modbus RTU
IP Rating	IP67
Ambient Temperature	-35°C to 60°C
Maximum Altitude	<4000 m
Motor Type	Brushless / Brushed
Daily Consumption	0.05 kWh/day
Motor Speed	Adjustable

Battery Specifications

The TCU is equipped with a LiFePO4 battery system.

Battery Parameter	Specification
Battery Type	LiFePO4
Rated Voltage	25.6 V
Capacity	3.4 Ah / 6 Ah
Charging Mode	CC-CV

The available battery capacity can be selected according to the system configuration and application requirements.

Tracking Parameters

Parameter	Specification
Tracking Accuracy	< ±1°
Tracking Range	-60° to +60°
Control Method	Astronomical Algorithm + Position Sensor
Networking	Self-Forming Mesh Network
Debugging	PC / Mobile / NCU
Motor Speed	Adjustable

The self-forming network architecture is designed to simplify deployment across distributed solar tracker systems, reducing the requirement for individual TCU configuration.

Communication & Networking

SurgeTrack TCU S350 supports multiple communication methods to facilitate communication between tracker controllers and higher-level control systems.

Supported communication interfaces include:

• Sub-1GHz

• LoRa Mesh

• RS485

• Bluetooth

The communication protocol is Modbus RTU, enabling integration with compatible monitoring and control systems.

The self-forming mesh network allows TCUs to establish network connections automatically, helping simplify installation and commissioning for large-scale PV tracker arrays.

Protection Functions

The TCU incorporates multiple electrical protection functions:

• Overcurrent protection

• Overvoltage protection

• Undervoltage protection

• Night return

• Backtracking

Additional weather-related protection functions are available as optional configurations.

Wind Protection

Optional wind protection can be configured with an anemometer. When supported by the appropriate sensing system, the tracker can respond to strong-wind conditions according to the configured control strategy.

Snow Protection

Optional snow protection is available and requires a snow depth sensor. This configuration can support tracker operation strategies under heavy-snow conditions.

Rain Protection

Optional rain protection is available and requires a rain gauge. This option can be used as part of weather-based tracker control strategies.

Operation Modes

The SurgeTrack TCU S350 supports multiple operating modes for different PV plant conditions:

• Auto Mode

• Fault Mode

• Night Mode

• Fixed Angle Mode

• Heavy Rain Mode

• Strong Wind Mode

• Heavy Snow Mode

• Maintenance Mode

• Stop Mode

• Farm Mode

These operating modes provide additional flexibility for automatic tracking, adverse weather response, maintenance, and specialized operating requirements.

Solar Tracker Application

The TCU String Powered is designed for utility-scale grid-connected photovoltaic plants using solar tracking systems. By obtaining power directly from the PV string, it can simplify tracker controller power architecture and reduce dependence on external power sources.

The combination of precise positioning, weather-responsive functions, mesh networking, and rugged outdoor protection makes the TCU suitable for large solar farms where numerous trackers must operate as a coordinated system.

Installation & System Integration

For system design and procurement, buyers should consider:

• PV string voltage range

• Tracker motor type

• Required tracking angle

• Communication architecture

• Battery capacity

• Weather sensor requirements

• Network configuration

• Environmental temperature

• Installation altitude

• Required operating modes

• Monitoring and debugging method

The TCU supports PC, mobile, and NCU debugging methods, providing flexibility during commissioning, maintenance, and system troubleshooting.

B2B Product Advantages

For utility-scale PV developers, EPC contractors, tracker manufacturers, and solar power system integrators, TCU String Powered – SurgeTrack TCU S350 provides a dedicated control solution designed around direct PV string power.

Its main advantages include:

• Direct power from PV string DC bus

• No grid power requirement for TCU operation

• No dedicated charging panel required

• Wide 300/400–1500 VDC input range

• Tracking accuracy below ±1°

• Astronomical algorithm and position sensor control

• Self-forming mesh networking

• Sub-1GHz and LoRa Mesh communication

• RS485 and Bluetooth connectivity

• Modbus RTU protocol

• IP67 outdoor protection

• -35°C to 60°C operating temperature

• LiFePO4 battery

• Multiple automatic and weather-related operating modes

• Optional wind, snow, and rain protection

Supplier Information

Shanghai SolarSurges Technology Co., Ltd. develops solar tracking control solutions for photovoltaic applications. Its SurgeTrack TCU S350 is designed to support reliable and efficient control of large-scale solar tracker systems while simplifying power supply and network deployment.

For utility-scale solar farms and grid-connected PV projects, the TCU String Powered – SurgeTrack TCU S350 combines direct string-powered operation, high-precision tracking, distributed communication, and environmental protection in a compact tracker control platform.

Product Summary

TCU String Powered – SurgeTrack TCU S350 is a string-powered solar tracker control unit that draws power directly from the PV string DC bus and supports a 300/400–1500 VDC input range. It integrates ±1°-class tracking accuracy, astronomical algorithm and position sensor control, self-forming mesh networking, Modbus RTU communication, and IP67 protection.

With support for brushless or brushed motors, LiFePO4 batteries, multiple operating modes, and optional wind, snow, and rain protection, the S350 provides a flexible control solution for utility-scale grid-connected photovoltaic tracking systems. Shanghai SolarSurges Technology Co., Ltd. offers this platform for solar tracker manufacturers, EPC companies, system integrators, and large-scale PV project developers.