Operation
ProStar Operator’s Manual
43
42
4.0
Absorption Stage
When the battery has recharged to the Absorption
voltage set-point, constant voltage regulation is
used to maintain battery voltage at the Absorption
set-point. This prevents heating and excessive battery
gasing. The battery is allowed to come to full state
of charge at the Absorption voltage set-point. The
green SOC LED will blink once per second during
Absorption charging. The battery must remain in the
Absorption charging stage for a cumulative 150 - 180
minutes, depending on battery type, before transition
to the Float stage will occur. However, Absorption
time will be extended by thirty minutes if the
battery discharges below 12.50 Volts (12V system) the
previous night.
The Absorption set-point is temperature compensated
through either the on-board local temperature sensor,
or an optional Remote Temperature Sensor (RTS).
Float Stage
After the battery is fully charged in the Absorption
stage, the ProStar reduces the battery voltage to
the Float voltage set-point. When the battery is fully
recharged, there can be no more chemical reactions
and all the charging current is turned into heat and
gasing. The float stage provides a very low rate of
maintenance charging while reducing the heating and
gasing of a fully charged battery. The purpose of float
is to protect the battery from long-term overcharge.
The green SOC LED will blink once every two (2)
seconds during Float charging.
Once in Float stage, loads can continue to draw
power from the battery. In the event that the system
load(s) exceed the solar charge current, the controller
will no longer be able to maintain the battery at the
Float set-point. Should the battery voltage remain
below the Float set-point for a cumulative sixty minute
period, the controller will exit Float stage and return to
Bulk charging.
The Float set-point is temperature compensated
through either the on-board local temperature sensor,
or an optional Remote Temperature Sensor (RTS).
Equalization Stage
WARNING:
Risk of Explosion
Equalizing vented batteries produces
explosive gases. The battery bank must be properly
ventilated.
