User Manual

19
FREQUENCY
Most multi-phase charge controllers offer pre-programmed equalization
schedules known as preventative equalizations. These are typically set for a
shorter 1-2 hour period every 30, 60 or 90 days and are beneficial in balancing
and removing small amounts of accumulated sulfation on an ongoing basis.
It should be noted that running frequent equalizations on batteries which
do not require balancing or de-sulfation will burn and deteriorate the cells
prematurely, essentially shortening the life of the battery. For this reason,
we recommend monitoring specific gravity and voltage on a regular basis
to ensure scheduling equalization times are appropriately set. A corrective
equalization may need to be performed if symptoms arise such as a constantly
running generator (low capacity) or the battery bank will “not hold a charge”.
These symptoms are typical of heavy, accumulated sulfation. If a battery is not
being fully charged on a regular basis or limited equalization is performed using
a generator, sulfating will occur from “deficit” cycling‘. This undercharge will
lower capacity gradually, which may take months to reach a point where the
drop in capacity is noticeable.
NOTE: Properly charging a battery bank with sufficient voltage and current
on each cycle is essential to long cycle life. Periodic equalizations may be
required to balance and de-sulfate, but should not be relied on to compensate
for insufficient charging sources. Periodic equalizations may not recover a
loss of capacity from a build-up of sulfation over time. Repeated equalizations
may be required in situations where the battery bank has been consistently
undercharged. Recovered capacity, generally partial, may take 1-3 months
with battery banks low specific gravity measurements
EQUALIZATION-CORRECTIVE
Equalization time will vary depending on the degree of sulfation and
output of the available charging source.
1. Recombination caps (Hydrocaps) should be removed during the
equalization process to allow increased hydrogen gas to escape.
Flip-top caps (Rolls R-caps) may be left on and open.
2. Equalization voltage should be set to the recommended parameter based
on system voltage. See Table 2 (a) & 2 (b) Flooded Charging Parameters.
3. Charge at a low DC current (5-10% of C20 battery capacity). If grid power
is not available, use solar panels or a DC source with sufficient current
when possible. At high voltages, charging with a generator may be difficult
and hard on the inverter.
TABLE 4:
Specific Gravity
vs Freezing