SunXtender Technical Manual

Document No. 6-0100 Rev. H
Page 22 of 43
Installation
1. Within the first week of operation, put the battery system on a full charge cycle and record
the following parameters (baseline readings):
a. Charger amperage output
b. Absorption voltage at battery system terminals
c. Float voltage at battery system terminals
d. Ripple voltage at battery system terminals (see Note 1)
e. Voltage of each battery when charger is in float mode (see Note 2)
f. Ambient temperature
2. Allow the battery system to discharge until it reaches the low voltage disconnect, and record
the following parameters:
a. Run time
b. Capacity delivered (Ampere-hours)
c. Average DC load (amperes)
d. Endpoint voltage at battery system terminals
3. After discharging, return the battery to a fully charged condition as soon as possible.
Quarterly
1. Inspect each battery terminal for corrosion deposits and for loose connections. If corrosion is
present, remove with a wire brush, neutralize with a baking soda solution, dry, and then
apply NO-OX-ID grease. If connections are loose or had to be loosened to remove corrosion
deposits, re-torque terminal bolts to the values given in Section 4.2.
2. Record the following parameters with the battery on float charge:
a. Float voltage at battery system terminals
b. Voltage of each battery (see Note 2)
c. Ambient temperature
Yearly
1. Put the battery on a full charge cycle and record the following parameters:
a. Charger amperage output
b. Absorption voltage at battery system terminals
c. Float voltage at battery system terminals
d. Ripple voltage at battery system terminals (see Note 1)
e. Voltage of each battery when charger is in float mode (see Note 2)
f. Ambient temperature
2. Allow the battery system to discharge until it reaches the low voltage disconnect, and record
the following parameters:
a. Run time
b. Capacity delivered (Ampere-hours)
c. Average DC load (amperes)
d. Endpoint voltage at battery system terminals
3. After discharging, return the battery to a fully charged condition as soon as possible.
NOTES:
(1) Excessive ripple voltage will negatively impact battery life. Maximum recommended ripple
voltage (peak to peak) is 0.5% of the float voltage setting.
(2) A large variation of individual float voltages in a new battery system is normal because of
variations in oxygen recombination efficiency due to slight variations of acid saturation within
the AGM. As the battery ages, the variation should drop to lower values. Excessive variation
of float voltages after the first 1-2 months is an indication that the batteries may be out of
balance. If individual battery voltage readings during float charge vary by more than 0.10
volt per cell (0.10 volt for 2V batteries, 0.30 volt for 6V batteries, and 0.6 volt for 12V
batteries), then a conditioning charge per Section 5.5 is recommended.