13
8.0 BATTERY CHARGING INFORMATION
The ProStar is an advanced, fully automatic solar battery charger. No adjustments are required
except to select the battery type at installation (see section 8.2 below).
8.1 PROSTAR CHARGING METHOD
The ProStar uses 4 stages of charging for rapid, efficient and safe battery charging. These are
shown in the diagram below:
1. Recharging with 100% of available solar energy.
2. PWM constant-voltage regulation to prevent heating and excessive battery gassing.
Pulse charging to restore full battery capacity.
3. Float: After battery is fully recharged, ProStar reduces to a float or trickle charge. The
transition depends on battery history. A load that exceeds available solar output will
return ProStar to the PWM mode.
4. Equalize: A boost charge that depends on elapsed time and battery history. Flooded
cells receive a vigorous equalization, sealed batteries a smaller boost to bring
uneven cells into balance and extend the battery life. Gel cells are not equalized.
8.2 SELECT BATTERY TYPE
The Battery Type rotary switch allows selection of 1 of 3 charging algorithms. These are broadly
defined as the following battery types as noted on the lower label:
1.
Gel:
Some gel and other battery types recommend lower regulation voltages and
no equalization. This setting regulates to 14.0V (for a 12V battery).
2.
Sealed:
AGM, “maintenance free“ and some types of gel batteries. Regulates to
14.15V (12V battery) with 14.35V boost charging.
3.
Flooded:
Vented cells that require water to be added. Regulates to 14.4V with
14.9V and 15.1V equalizations (12V battery).
The above values are 2 times for 24V, and 4 times for 48V.
The battery type selection can be changed at any time.
8.3 PROSTAR CHARGING FEATURES
Other ProStar capabilities for best battery life follow:
•
Night Disconnect:
The solar array automatically disconnects at night to prevent
reverse current leakage from the battery.
VOL
TAGE
TIME
NIGHT
FULL
CHARGE
PWM
REGULATION
FLOAT
EQUALIZE
NIGHT
1
2
3
4
