Equalization Charge; Two-Stage Charging - Xantrex Truecharge TC20+ Owner's Manual

Battery Charging
Charging started
DC Voltage
DC Current
Time
Figure B-1 Three-stage charging profile

Equalization Charge

The equalization charge must be manually initiated because it is not
required each time the battery is recharged. Equalization is a deliberate
overcharge designed to return each cell to optimum condition by reducing
sulfation and stratification in the battery. The overcharge helps the battery
to reach and maintain peak capacity by equalizing the chemistry in the
individual battery cells.
An equalization charge should be performed only on vented, flooded
(non-sealed or "wet") batteries. It should be performed only if
recommended by the battery manufacturer and only as often as specified.

Two-Stage Charging

Difference from In a two-stage charge, the charger finishes the Absorption charge but does
three-stage not go to Float mode because some battery manufacturers advise against
floating their batteries. The Truecharge+ goes into a monitoring mode
instead where the charger monitors the batteries but does not charge or
float them.
A new charge cycle will be initiated under the same conditions as for
three-step charging.
B–4
Absorption stage
Bulk stage
Constant voltage
at Absorption
voltage setting
Constant current
at maximum
charge rate
Float stage
Constant voltage
at the Float
voltage setting
Load current on demand