Outback Power Systems GS4048A Operators Manual - Manual (Page 35)

Operation
900-0161-01-00 Rev A 33
 When Cycle 4 begins, the charger proceeds through the Bulk stage and then the Absorption stage. (The
space between the first and second set of barred arrows is the same.) The duration of Absorption is equal
to
Absorb Time, which is the maximum time allowed. At the end of Cycle 4, the Float Time has expired, so
the charger goes Silent.
Equalization
Equalization is a controlled overcharge that is part of regular battery maintenance. Equalization
brings the batteries to a much higher voltage than usual and maintains this high voltage for a period
of time. This has the result of removing inert compounds from the battery plates, and reducing
stratification in the electrolyte.
Equalization follows the same pattern as standard three-stage charging, as shown in the figures on
page 28. However, instead of the Absorption voltage and time set points, it is controlled by the
Equalize Voltage and Equalize Time settings in the MATE3.
The Radian inverter can perform Offset when equalizing. (See page 35.)
Equalize Voltage is also the
reference voltage for Offset during equalization.
This process must be started manually using the system display. The inverter cannot be programmed
for automatic battery equalization. This is a safety measure.
Equalization is normally performed only on flooded lead-acid batteries. The schedule for equalization
varies with battery use and type, but it is usually performed every few months. If performed correctly,
this process can extend battery life by a considerable amount.
Equalization is not normally performed on nickel-technology batteries or any sort of sealed battery.
CAUTION: Battery Damage
 Do not equalize OutBack EnergyCell batteries of any model.
 Do not equalize any sealed battery types (VRLA, AGM, Gel, or other) unless
approved by the manufacturer. Some batteries may suffer severe damage
from equalization.
 Contact the battery manufacturer for recommendations on equalization
voltage, duration, schedule, and/or advisability. Always follow
manufacturer recommendations for equalization.
Battery Temperature Compensation
Battery performance will change when the temperature varies above or below room temperature
(77°F or 25°C). Temperature compensation is a process that adjusts battery charging to correct for
these changes.
When a battery is cooler than room temperature, its internal resistance goes up and the voltage
changes more quickly. This makes it easier for the charger to reach its voltage set points. However,
while accomplishing this process, it will not deliver all the current that the battery requires. As a result,
the battery will tend to be undercharged.
Conversely, when a battery is warmer than room temperature, its internal resistance goes down and
the voltage changes more slowly. This makes it harder for the charger to reach its voltage set points.
It will continue to deliver energy as time passes until the charging set points are reached. However,
this tends to be far more than the battery requires, meaning it will tend to be overcharged.