Morningstar PS-30 Manual

Operation
ProStar Operator’s Manual
33
32
4.0
Absorption Stage
When the battery has recharged to the Absorption
voltage set-point, constant voltage regulation is
used to maintain battery voltage at the Absorption
set-point. This prevents heating and excessive battery
gasing. The battery is allowed to come to full state
of charge at the Absorption voltage set-point. The
green SOC LED will blink once per second during
Absorption charging. The battery must remain in the
Absorption charging stage for a cumulative 120 - 150
minutes, depending on battery type, before transition
to the Float stage will occur. However, Absorption
time will be extended by 30 minutes if the battery
discharges below 12.50 Volts (12V system) the
previous night.
The Absorption set-point is temperature compensated
through either the on-board local temperature sensor,
or an optional Remote Temperature Sensor (RTS).
Float Stage
After the battery is fully charged in the Absorption
stage, the ProStar reduces the battery voltage to the
Float voltage set-point. When the battery is fully re-
charged, there can be no more chemical reactions and
all the charging current is turned into heat and gasing.
The float stage provides a very low rate of mainte-
nance charging while reducing the heating and gasing
of a fully charged battery. The purpose of float is to
protect the battery from long-term overcharge. The
green SOC LED will blink once every two (2) seconds
during Float charging.
Once in Float stage, loads can continue to draw power
from the battery. In the event that the system load(s)
exceed the solar charge current, the controller will
no longer be able to maintain the battery at the Float
set-point. Should the battery voltage remain below
the Float set-point for a cumulative 60 minute period,
the controller will exit Float stage and return to Bulk
charging.
The Float set-point is temperature compensated
through either the on-board local temperature sensor,
or an optional Remote Temperature Sensor (RTS).
Equalization Stage
WARNING: Risk of Explosion
Equalizing vented batteries produces
explosive gases. The battery bank must be
properly ventilated.
CAUTION: Equipment Damage
Equalization increases the battery voltage
to levels that may damage sensitive DC
loads. Verify all system loads are rated for
the temperature compensated Equalize
voltage before beginning an Equalization
charge.