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4.1 Charging
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CAUTION!
Always make sure the charger is in the correct setting and
compatible with the battery’s charging requirements; never
charge a visibly damaged battery; never charge a frozen battery.
4.1.1 Charge Curve
A battery charge profile (also known as an algorithm) contains all of the logic used to execute a multi-stage charging
process, including the bulk, absorption and float phases. Charge profiles differ depending on the battery type, capacity,
battery manufacturer, and even the application. It is extremely vital that a battery is charged with an appropriate charge
profile. Not doing so, may cause the battery pack to be chronically under- or over- charged, resulting irreversible damage
and premature end-of-life.
The Bulk charge accounts for charging the battery from anywhere between 0% up to 80% state of charge. The absorption phase
charges the battery from 80% to nearly 100% state of charge. Lastly, a float charge supplies a controlled voltage and amperage
to bring the battery to a complete full charge. Without a float charge, recharge can be terminated based on time (this will need to
be determined as it will vary with depth of discharge and charge current) or percentage recharge (105%-108%).
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NOTE!
Acceptable charging AC ripple voltages shall be less than 4%
peak to peak ripple voltage (less than 1.5% rms voltage) of the
DC System voltage with duration of less than 6 milliseconds.
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WARNING!
Do not equalize charge DRY CELL Solar batteries! Equalizing is
an “over voltage-over charge” performed on flooded leadacid
batteries after they have been fully charged.
To maximize battery life, a voltage regulated charger with temperature compensation is strongly recommended. The
voltage settings displayed in charge algorithm graph and charge setting tables, corresponds to the set points at 25°C
(77°F). For temperatures below 25°C, 0.005VPC/°C (or 0.003VPC per °F). For temperatures above 25°C, adjust
-0.005VPC/°C (or 0.003VPC per °F). As the temperature decreases, the voltage should increase and vice versa.
∆V=(T-25°C) x ( )
-0.005VPC
°C
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NOTE!
If a temperature sensor is not used, you must manually
adjust charging voltages based on the battery temperature
when in use.
If the charger has a preset charge profile for AGM type batteries, verify that these settings follow recommended charge
settings.
