I think that periodic Equalization is "old school", a concept left
over from the days of C30 controllers that didn't fully charge the
batteries on a regular basis.
I now only recommend Eq charging if:
a) the batteries have sat for over a month in a deeply discharged
state, or
b) checking individual cell voltages indicates more than a 2%
difference between batteries. (over a tenth on a 6 v battery)
Eqing every 30 days just isn't necessary with today's PWM temp
compensated controllers IMHO.
Equalization charging can overheat batteries, which according to my
research is the number one factor in reduced life.
Also, even when Eqing, I recommend the generator only be used to bring
the batteries up to close to full charge, and then let the PV array
perform the Equalization, thus the MATE isn't necessary.
I still do install MATEs on projects with owners that know what
they're doing, and know when to equalize, etc.
Finally, its very inefficient to use a generator for the hours
necessary for Equalization while running at fairly low power.
Hit the genie early in the morning, shut down most loads, and Eq with
the array from 11:00am through the afternoon. If the array can't do
this, then its undersized, or you have designed a highbred system that
does require a MATE. (and an owner that understands what he's doing)
R. Walters
[email protected]
Solar Engineer
On Nov 7, 2009, at 1:10 PM, Allan Sindelar wrote:
Ray,
We usually include the Mate if we expect a backup generator to be
the periodic source of a higher C/rate than the PV array for
equalizing batteries. The Mate is necessary to initiate an EQ charge
algorithm. How do you accomplish periodic EQ with an Outback
inverter and no Mate?
Thanks,
Allan Sindelar
[email protected]
NABCEP Certified Photovoltaic Installer
EE98J Journeyman Electrician
Positive Energy, Inc.
3201 Calle Marie
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87507
505 424-1112
www.PositiveEnergySolar.com
From: [email protected] [mailto:re-wrenches-
[email protected]] On Behalf Of R Ray Walters
As far as customer interaction with the MATE, we generally don't
provide one. They're way too expensive and hard to understand, and
the chances of them screwing up the programming are too great.
We install just the cable, and coil it up so that when we come out,
we can access the programming without having to remove all the cover
plates.
Only customers that are comfortable with changing settings, etc.
actually get a MATE. (1 out of 10)
R. Walters
[email protected]
Solar Engineer
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