©2000 Xantrex Technology Inc.
Equalization (Non-Sealed Batteries Only)
Approximately every month, some batteries may need to be equalized.
Since the individual cells of the battery are not identical, some cells may not be
fully charged when the charging process is completed. If the batteries have
been left in a discharged condition for long periods of time, the plates will have
sulfates on them from the electrolyte. If the sulfate remains on the plates for an
extended period of time, it will harden and seal off a percentage of the plate
area, reducing the capacity of the battery. By equalizing the batteries before
the sulfate hardens, the sulfate is removed from the plates.
Batteries with liquid electrolyte may become stratified. Stratification
concentrates the sulfuric acid into the bottom of the cell while the top becomes
diluted. This corrodes the lower portion of the plates, reducing battery life.
Mixing of the electrolyte by the formation of gas bubbles during the equalization
process reduces stratification.
Two methods can be used to determine if a battery needs to be equalized.
If possible, measure the voltage of each individual cell while the battery is at rest
(not being charged or discharged), a variation of 0.05 volts between cells
indicates an imbalance exists. If the battery construction prevents measurement
of the individual cell voltages, use a hydrometer. A variation of 0.020 in the
specific gravity between cells is considered significant. Both conditions can be
corrected by an equalization charge.
A proper equalization charge will not damage a vented, liquid electrolyte
type battery. It may, however, cause significant electrolyte usage and require
that the battery be refilled with distilled water to the correct level. This may be
a problem with unattended systems in remote areas which do not receive
regular maintenance. Consult the battery manufacturer for their
recommendations.
CAUTION: EQUALIZATION SHOULD BE DONE ONLY ON VENTED (NOT
SEALED OR MAINTENANCE FREE) LEAD-ACID, LIQUID-ELECTROLYTE
BATTERIES. THE BATTERY MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE CONSULTED
BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO EQUALIZE ANY OTHER BATTERY TYPE. ADD
CLEAN, DISTILLED WATER TO THE BATTERY FOLLOWING THE
EQUALIZATION PROCESS.
DC loads may need to be disconnected by turning off circuit breakers or
removing fuses before equalization to prevent damage by the required higher
voltages used in the equalization process.
CAUTION: IF THE BATTERIES ARE EQUIPPED WITH HYDROCAPS
(CATALYTIC GAS RECOMBINER CAPS), THEY SHOULD BE REMOVED
DURING THE EQUALIZATION PROCESS. IF HYDROCAPS ARE USED, YOU
SHOULD DISABLE AUTOMATIC EQUALIZATION TO PREVENT POSSIBLE
DAMAGE.
5.0 OPERATION
40
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