Floating - Alpha Group OutBack Power FLEXmax Extreme Series Owner's Manual

Floating

The MATE3 displays this message for the Float stage of a three-stage charging cycle. In this stage, the FLEXmax
Extreme regulates the battery voltage at the Float Voltage set point. This stage is temperature-compensated.
(See page 72.) Float is a constant-voltage, variable-current charging stage. It usually involves a minimal
(maintenance) current flow. However, it may deliver no current and still display Float if another source
maintains the batteries above the Float Voltage.
If the battery voltage drops below the Float Voltage, the FLEXmax Extreme will employ the MPPT function to
draw more power from the PV array. (This may occur if the batteries are powering loads.) If this occurs, the
operation may change to constant-current, variable-voltage. The mode will still show Float.
EQ
The MATE3 displays this message if the charger is in a cycle of equalization. (See page 72 for an explanation of
equalization.)
Before equalizing, battery loads should be turned off and the battery should be charged so the charge controller
can quickly reach the Equalization Voltage set point. (See page 38.) Otherwise, the charge controller may have
difficulty reaching or maintaining the equalization process.
Equalization is not battery temperature compensated.
900-0150-01-00 Rev A
Blue (flash on ½ second, off 2 seconds)
Green (solid)
This indicator will remain green if the voltage rises
or drops, unless it decreases below 2.08 Vpc. This
will trigger a new charge cycle.
Figure 23 LED Indicators (Float)
Blue (solid)
Amber/green (alternating once per second)
This indicator will alternate amber and red if the batteries
are below 1.75 volts per cell (Vpc) while equalizing. This is
usually a temporary condition.
Figure 24 LED Indicators (Equalization)
Operation
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