Product Manual

Operation
34 900-0161-01-01 Rev B
Equalization
Equalization is a controlled overcharge that is part of regular battery maintenance. Equalization
brings the batteries to a much higher voltage than usual and maintains this high voltage for a
period of time. This has the result of removing inert lead sulfate compounds from the battery
plates. It also reduces stratification by circulating the electrolyte.
Equalization follows the same pattern as standard three-stage charging, as shown in the figures
on page 28. However, instead of the Absorption voltage and time set points, it is controlled by
the
Equalize Voltage
and
Equalize Time
settings in the system display.
The Radian inverter can perform
Offset
when equalizing. (See page 36.)
Equalize Voltage
is
also the reference voltage for
Offset
during equalization.
This process must be started manually using the system display. The inverter cannot be
programmed for automatic battery equalization. This is a safety measure.

Equalization is normally performed only on flooded lead-acid batteries. The schedule for equalization
varies with battery use and type, but it is usually performed every few months. If performed correctly,
this process can extend battery life by a considerable amount.

Equalization is not normally performed on nickel-technology batteries. It is not normally performed on
any sort of sealed battery.
CAUTION: Battery Damage
 Do not equalize any sealed battery types (VRLA, AGM, Gel, or other) unless approved
by the manufacturer. Some batteries may suffer severe damage from equalization.
 Contact the battery manufacturer for recommendations on equalization voltage,
duration, schedule, and/or advisability. Other battery manufacturers may use a different
definition of equalization than that shown above. Always follow manufacturer
recommendations for equalization
Battery Temperature Compensation
Battery performance will change when the temperature varies above or below room temperature
(77°F or 25°C). Temperature compensation is a process that adjusts battery charging to correct
for these changes.
The Radian inverter, when equipped with the Remote Temperature Sensor (RTS), will
compensate for changes in temperature. To achieve a representative temperature, the RTS is
attached to a single battery near the center of the bank. The Radian inverter has a designated
port for RTS installation.
If temperature compensation is not used:
When a battery is cooler than room temperature, its internal resistance goes up and the voltage
changes more quickly. This makes it easier for the charger to reach its voltage set points.
However, while accomplishing this process, it will not deliver all the current that the battery
requires. As a result, the battery will tend to be undercharged.
Conversely, when a battery is warmer than room temperature, its internal resistance goes down
and the voltage changes more slowly. This makes it harder for the charger to reach its voltage
set points. It will continue to deliver energy as time passes until the charging set points are
reached. However, this tends to be far more than the battery requires. The battery will be
overcharged and is likely to have a shorter life.