12
4.3.2. Procedure for choosing a preset charge algorithm
a. Press SETUP during 3 seconds: the “Menu” icon will light up.
b. Press the "-" or "+" button several times until the screen
shows “
”.
c. Press SELECT: the algorithm number will now blink (a
number with superscript “type”).
d. Use the "-" or "+" button to choose the desired
algorithm.
e. Press SELECT to confirm the change, the value will stop blinking, and the change is
made final.
f.
To return to normal mode, press SETUP during 3 seconds.
4.3.3. User adjustable charge algorithm
a. Proceed as described in the previous section, and
select algorithm number 8 (user defined)
b. Press the "-" or "+" button to select the parameter that
must be changed
(“
”,“
” or
“
”).
c. Press SELECT: the voltage will now blink.
d. Use the "-" or "+" button to chose the desired voltage.
e. Press SELECT to confirm the change, the value will stop blinking, and the change is
made final. With the "-" or "+" button it is now possible to scroll to another parameter
that needs change.
f.
To return to normal mode, press SETUP during 3 seconds.
4.3.4. Other charge algorithm related settings
Absorption time:
default 6 hours
Temperature compensation:
default -2,7 mV/°C per cell
(-65 mV/°C for a 48V lead-acid battery)
Equalisation:
Some manufacturers of VRLA (Valve Regulated Lead-Acid: i.e. Gel or AGM) batteries
recommend a short equalization period, most do not. Most manufacturers of flooded
batteries recommend periodic equalization.
Please see table 5 for more adjustable parameters.
Note about service life of lead-acid batteries
Flat plate VRLA batteries (i. e. all 6V and 12V VRLA batteries) as well as flat plate flooded
batteries for automotive application deteriorate quickly when discharged by more than 50%,
especially
when left in discharged state for hours or days. We therefore recommend not to
discharge by more than 50% and recharge immediately after a deep discharge.
All lead acid batteries will deteriorate if not fully charged from time to time.
4.3.5. Battery charging information
The charge controller starts a new charge cycle every morning, when the sun starts shining.
The maximum duration of the absorption period is determined by the battery voltage
measured just before the solar charger starts up in the morning:
Battery voltage Vb (@start-up)
Absorption time multiplier
Maximum absorption times (default = 6h)
Vb < 47.6V
x 1
6h
47.6V < Vb < 48.8V
x 2/3
4h
48.8V < Vb < 50.4V
x 1/3
2h
Vb > 50.4V
x 1/6
1h
