Conext XW+ 6848 NA Owner's Manual page 63

Boost Charging
975-0240-01-01
Note: If there are DC loads on the batteries, the charger's current may not
decrease to a level to transition to the next stage of charging. In this case, the
charger stays in absorption until the Absorb Time setting is reached.
To avoid having the charger remain in absorption for too long, adjust Absorb
Time on the Charger Settings menu. The timer begins at the start of the
absorption stage and terminates absorption charging if the charge current does
not decrease to below 2 per cent of the battery capacity before the Absorb
Time setting expires. The Absorb Time setting may be increased if the charge
cycle continually runs the complete Absorb Time in the absence of DC loads.
This is an indication of too large a battery bank for the selected Absorb Time
setting.
Boost charging allows for better utilization of flooded lead acid batteries under
moderate cycling in off-grid or grid support applications. Boost charging
encourages a short duration charging voltage—above the gassing voltage—at
the beginning of the absorption charge state. Testing has shown that boost
charging improves battery performance by providing a regular mixing of the
liquid electrolyte. Boost charging specifically discourages capacity robbing acid
stratification and plate sulfation.
Boost mode charging can be enabled by selecting the Custom battery type and
by setting the bulk voltage higher than the absorption voltage. The multi-stage
charge algorithm then attempts to use the higher for the first hour of the
absorption stage, unless it is interrupted by the max absorption timer or exit
current threshold.
• Boost charging encourages gassing of flooded lead acid batteries.
• Boost charging is NOT recommended for AGM, GEL or any other
electrolyte-limited and/or valve-regulated sealed battery application.
• Boost charging may result in higher than normal water consumption.
However, the benefits of boost charging are likely to be greater than the extra
watering effort. Check battery water levels at least once per month.
Boost charging has maximum benefit when used on batteries that experience
moderate cycling. An unoccupied cottage, for example, where batteries are full
the majority of the time may not benefit from boost charging, especially if battery
watering is difficult.
For equalize charging, a custom Boost charge profile can be configured if the
equalize method is not periodically used. Boost charging occurs in the first hour
of the absorption stage. It allows for a higher constant voltage than absorption
voltage to encourage a "mini equalize" each time the battery is charged.
The boost voltage is defined by the Bulk Voltage setting. The Conext system
will still allow manual equalize charging when the boost absorption voltage is
implemented. This is for advanced users only who pay strict attention to battery
maintenance and have an appropriately vented and protected battery
installation. Consult your battery manufacturer for appropriate voltages.
Charger Settings Menu
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