USER MANUAL
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4- Battery Charging
4 .1 Battery Charging
Selecting the best method for charging your battery together with a good maintenance pro-
gram will ensure a healthy battery and long service life. Although the W4B-120C’s battery
charging is fully automatic, the following information is important to know for getting the
best performance from your W4B-120C wind charger and battery.
4 .1 .1 Four Stages of Charging
Figure 4.1.1 Charging Stages
1. Bulk Charging:
In this stage, the battery will accept all the current provided by the wind
system.
2. PWM Absorption:
When the battery reaches the regulation voltage, the PWM begins to
hold the voltage constant. This is to avoid over-heating and over-gassing the battery. The
current will taper down to safe levels as the battery becomes more fully charged.
3. Equalization:
Many batteries benefit from a periodic boost charge to stir the electrolyte,
level the cell voltages, and complete the chemical reactions.
4. Float:
When the battery is fully recharged, the charging voltage is reduced to prevent
further heating or gassing of the battery.
