I've been pretty happy with Outback's default settings. We use B&B
sealed batteries and HUPs, and found that the same settings work for
both. I haven't tried other sealed batteries which might need
different settings. Rolls seemed to really need more absorption time,
and higher voltage, and this is one reason we quit selling them.
R. Walters
[email protected]
Solar Engineer
On Nov 7, 2009, at 1:49 PM, jay peltz wrote:
HI Ray,
What charge parameters are you using if you are not doing an EQ.
volts absorb and volts float and absorb time?
thanks,
jay
peltz power
On Nov 7, 2009, at 12:45 PM, R Ray Walters wrote:
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
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