Outback Power Systems GFX International Series Operators Manual - Manual (Page 24)

Operation
22 900-0112-01-00 Rev B
will always run for the full Absorption period if the batteries dropped below the appropriate voltage
for that amount of time. If significant battery drain caused them to drop below the set points for
doubling or quadrupling the rate, it may run for the full Absorption period even after a lesser amount
of time.
The rest of the charging stages will proceed as described on the previous few pages.
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.
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 follows the same pattern as standard three-stage charging, as shown in Figure 5.
However, instead of the Absorption voltage set points, it is controlled by the equalize set point or
Equalize Voltage settings in the system display. The time is controlled by the equalize time period or
Equalize Time setting.
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
¾ 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.
¾ 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.