Equalize Charging - Xantrex Freedom SW 230V 815-3524-02 Owner's Manual

Equalize Charging

Many battery manufacturers recommend periodic equalize charging
to counter cell charge imbalance and capacity-robbing electrolyte
stratification. Equalizing helps to improve battery performance and
lifespan by encouraging more of the battery material to become
active.
Battery equalization is a controlled overcharging method that mixes
up stratified electrolyte and reactivates unused areas of the plate
material. Periodic equalizing can help to regularly restore batteries to
a full and healthy state of charge.
Consult the battery manufacturer's recommendation for equalize
charging settings. Sealed batteries should never be equalized.
Consult the battery manufacturer for optimal charging procedures
when using sealed batteries.
When Equalize mode is enabled, the battery is charged from bulk
to absorption, and then to the equalize phase. The Freedom SW
230V will transition from the absorption phase to equalize if:
• the DC charge current is below 2% of the configured battery
capacity (for example, 8.8A for 440Ah).
• the absorption time is exceeded (for example, 180 min).
975-0696-01-01
After absorption, the maximum charge DC current is set to 10% of
battery capacity (for example, 44A for 440Ah). See Figure 37. This
constant current charge will continue until the voltage has increased
to the equalize voltage at which point the battery will be regulated at
the temperature-compensated equalize voltage.
If the battery capacity is set to zero (Ah=0 effectively disables the
exit current criteria for the absorption charge stage making the
absorption stage defined by time only), the equalize charge current
is fixed at maximum 100% of the charge rate.
Equalization duration is fixed at one hour.
Table 21 Preset Equalization Voltage Settings
Battery Type Preset Equalization Voltage
Flooded 32.0
Gel n/a
AGM n/a
Custom 32.0 (changeable)
Battery Charging Reference
69