©2013 Magnum Energy, Inc.
11
3.0 Setup
3.2.5 Charge Rate Menu
• CHG
RATE
–
This selection is used to set the maximum charge rate
allowed to charge the batteries during Bulk, Absorption, Float, and
Equalize charging. The
CHG RATE = 10%
setting is available to help
minimize charging, while continuing to allow pass-through power.
Default setting:
CHG RATE = 100%
Range:
10%, 50%, 100%
The charge
rate
selections are provided as a percentage of the inverter/
charger’s maximum charging capability. Refer to the label on the side of
the inverter or to the inverter/charger owner’s manual to determine its
maximum charge rate. Once you
fi
nd this maximum charge rate, determine
the percentage needed to limit the charge rate to your battery bank.
Example:
If the maximum charge rate of your inverter/charger is 100
amps and you need to limit the charge rate to 50 amps, choose the
CHG
RATE = 50%
selection (50 amps = 50% of 100 amps).
Info:
The topology of the Magnum inverter when connected to an
AC source overrides the setting, and starts charging if the battery
voltage is <12 VDC (12-volt models), <24 VDC (24-volt models)
or <48 VDC (48-volt models).
Where to set:
The maximum charge rate is generally set to a C/5* rate (C =
the total amp-hour capacity of the battery bank—using the 20 hour AH rate).
The C/5 rate is usually used when the objective is to charge the batteries as
quickly as possible (i.e., 400 AH ÷ 5 = 80 amp maximum charge rate). A lower
rate such as C/20* is used when the batteries need to be charged as slow as
possible. The ME-MR provides three settings for charge rate adjustment—10,
50, and 100%. Multiply this percentage and the max charge rate of the
inverter to
fi
nd the closest setting to the desired charger output.
CAUTION:
The C/5 or C/20 charge rate settings are guidelines;
they are not requirements on how you should set your battery
charge rate. For speci
fi
c charge rate requirements, refer to your
battery manufacturer.
Info:
If multiple inverter/chargers are used on a single battery
bank, you must ensure that the total charge rate from all inverter/
chargers is limited to the max charge rate needed for your battery
bank. This setting only limits the charging on each inverter/charger
individually, not on all inverter/chargers.
* C/5 or C/20 rate – Charge rates are commonly expressed as a ratio of the total
amp-hour (AH) capacity of the battery bank. For example, with a 400 AH battery
bank (C = 400), the C/5 charge rate is 80 A (400/5 = 80 A).
Bottom line shows
current “saved” setting
If this setting is correct,
press
MENU
button to
access different menu items
If a different setting
is required:
press
press
press
To save the current
setting displayed:
ON/OFF
CHANGE
MENU
HOME
SAVE
HOLD
CHG RATE
100%
CHG RATE
10%
CHG RATE
100%
CHG RATE
50%
Figure 3-6, Charge Rate Selections
