Equalize Charging The Batteries - Xantrex XW4024-120 Operation Manual

Equalize Charging the Batteries

975-0240-01-01
Bulk Stage
Charging
Started
DC Voltage
Increased Voltage
Max Charge Rate
Constant Current
DC Current
Time
Figure 3-5 2-Stage Charging Cycle
Many battery manufacturers recommend periodic equalize charging to level out
the voltage between individual cells, improving battery performance and lifespan.
Over time, the battery's electrolyte can become "stratified," causing inactive areas
in the plate material. If this condition is allowed to continue for extended periods,
the battery plates can "sulfate" and become unusable. Equalizing the batteries is a
controlled overcharging method that mixes up the electrolyte and reactivates the
unused areas of the plate material, restoring batteries to a full state of charge.
Consult the battery manufacturer's recommendation for equalize charging
settings.
To start equalizing the batteries:
u On the XW Setup menu, highlight Equalize and select Enable.
Or
Press the equalize button on the Inverter Information Panel for five seconds.
WARNING: Explosion hazard
Only flooded or vented batteries should be equalize charged. Hydrogen and oxygen gases
are produced when batteries are equalize charged. Provide adequate ventilation and
remove all sources of ignition to prevent explosion.
Important:
In a system where more than one device is capable of equalizing batteries
(such as a system including multiple XW Inverter/Chargers and Solar Charge Controllers),
there is no system-wide equalization command for all devices. To equalize with multiple
devices, each would have to be enabled individually. Alternatively, equalization can be
performed using only one device. During the equalization process, one device applies the
equalization charge while the other devices continue to operate in synchronized charge
mode, typically in float (three-stage charging) or no-float (two-stage charging).
Absorption Stage
Bulk/Absorption
Volts Setting
Absorption Time
Constant Voltage
Setting
Reduced Current
Charger Settings Menu
NoFloat Stage
ReCharge Voltage
Exit Current Threshold
NoFloat Stage
3–13