Operation
ProStar MPPT Operator’s Manual
39
38
4.0
The battery must remain in the Absorption charging
stage for a cumulative 120 - 150 minutes, depending on
battery type, before transition to the Float stage will occur.
However, Absorption time will be extended by 30 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), if connected.
Float Stage
After the battery is fully charged in the Absorption stage,
the ProStar MPPT 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 charg-
ing current is turned into heat and gassing. The float stage
provides a very low rate of maintenance charging while
reducing the heating and gassing 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 60 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), if connected.
Equalization Stage
WARNING:
Risk of Explosion
Equalizing vented batteries produces explosive gases.
The battery bank must be properly ventilated.
CAUTION:
Equipment Damage
Equalization increases the battery voltage to levels that
may damage sensitive DC loads. Verify all system loads
are rated for the temperature compensated Equalize
voltage before beginning an Equalization charge.
CAUTION:
Equipment Damage
Excessive overcharging and gassing too vigorously can
damage the battery plates and cause shedding of active
material from the plates. An equalization that is too high
or for too long can be damaging. Review the require-
ments for the particular battery being used in your system.
AVERTISSEMENT:
Risque d’explosion
Les batteries à évent et compensation produisent des gaz
explosifs. Le groupe de batteries doit être correctement
ventilé.
PRUDENCE:
Endommagement de l’équipement
La compensation augmente la tension des batteries à des
niveaux pouvant endommager les charges sensibles en
CC. Vérifiez que toutes les charges du système sont
conçues pour la tension de compensation par température
avant de commencer une charge de compensation.
PRUDENCE:
Endommagement de l’équipement
Une surcharge excessive et un dégagement gazeux trop
vigoureux peuvent endommager les plaques de batteries
et provoquer l’élimination du matériau actif des plaques.
Une compensation trop élevée ou trop longue peut
provoquer des dégâts. Examinez les exigences pour la
batterie particulière utilisée dans votre système.
Certain battery types benefit from a periodic boost charge
to stir the electrolyte, level the cell voltages, and complete
the chemical reactions. Equalization (EQ) charging raises
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