SMA S Technical Description page 173

SMA Solar Technology AG Glossary
Equalize Charge
Equalization charge: Allows multiple series-connected battery cells to be charged to a unified charge
level of 95 – 100 %. Without regular equalization charging, the charge states of the individual cells
slowly drift apart, which can lead to premature battery bank failure.
Firmware
Firmware is software which is embedded in a chip in various electronic devices, such as hard disk
recorders, DVD burners and players, newer television sets, household appliances and computers - in
contrast to software, which is stored on hard drives, CD-ROMs or other media. These days, firmware
is usually stored in a flash memory or an EEPROM.
FLA
Flooded lead acid battery: A lead acid battery with liquid electrolyte, also often described as a closed
lead acid battery.
Flash EEPROM
The abbreviation EEPROM stands for Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory. Flash
memories are digital storage devices (chips). The exact designation is "flash EEPROM". In contrast to
"normal" EEPROM memories, in flash EEPROM it is not possible to delete individual bytes (the smallest
addressable memory units).
EEPROM is a non-volatile, electronic memory component used (for example) in computer technology,
and mainly in embedded systems.
Flash EEPROMs are used where information must be permanently stored in the smallest amount of
space, e.g. for storing the firmware.
Float Charge
Maintenance charge: Allows the batteries to be slowly charged to a charge level of 100 % without
the negative effects of overcharging. Complete charging to 100 % using float charge takes several
days. For this reason, float charging is more important for grid backup systems and less important for
stand-alone grids.
Full Charge
Full charge: Recharging of the batteries to a level of approx. 95 % on a regular basis (at least once
a month). This efficiently avoids premature battery aging caused by inadequate charging.
Gel Battery
A type of battery in which the electrolyte (a mixture of water and sulfuric acid) is bound into a gel. A
type of closed lead acid battery. A gas mixture (hydrogen and oxygen) is always generated when
lead acid batteries are charged, and in normal operation this is internally recombined to form water.
This removes the need for regularly refilling the battery cells with water, which is why these batteries
are often described as "low maintenance" or even "maintenance free" (see also AGM battery). Gel
batteries are available from many different manufacturers for a wide range of applications. There are
gel batteries for high-current applications but also for cycle operation with very high cycle resistance.
Technical Description SBU2200-TEN083320 173