Outback Power Systems VFX Series International Programming Manual - Manual (Page 49)

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Battery Charging Sequence
1. BULK
• FX uses as much AC current as possible to raise the battery voltage to ABSORB (time period
for BULK charging varies) voltage level.
2. ABSORB
• FX uses as much AC as necessary to maintain the ABSORB voltage for the ABSORB TIME
(default is one hour), decreasing the AC current as the ABSORB charge continues.
3. SILENT
• The fi rst SILENT mode follows ABSORB. During this time, the FX charging operation stops,
but continues monitoring the battery voltage.
NOTE: If a generator has automatically started during a low-voltage condition using AGS
(please see the MATE manual), the FX will shut it off after the ABSORB TIME period.
4. REFLOAT
• If a generator has been manually started or a utility grid is connected, the FX allows the-
battery voltage to drop to the REFLOAT voltage and then begins a FLOAT charge.
5. FLOAT
• During the FLOAT stage, the battery voltage rises to the FLOAT SET POINT for the
FLOAT TIME LIMIT. The FLOAT stage is intended to maintain batteries with connected DC
loads. If there are no DC loads, the battery voltage will usually remain above the REFLOAT
voltage set point.
6. SILENT
• After the FLOAT TIME LIMIT (default is one hour), the FX returns to SILENT mode until the
battery voltage drops to its REFLOAT voltage again. The FX then repeats the FLOAT charge
for the FLOAT TIME period. The FX will continue this SILENT, REFLOAT, and FLOAT cycle until
the AC source is disconnected.
Charging Constraints
• Rated Continuous AC Generator Current: Using the MATE, a user can set the AC/2 GEN LIMIT, which is
the maximum continuous AC generator current (at 230VAC). When the combined AC current used by
the FX’s charger and the loads connected to the FX’s AC output exceed the AC/2 GEN LIMIT, the FX
will reduce the AC current used by the charger to ensure the generator does not overload.
• Low AC Input Voltage: The FX has minimum and maximum voltage settings for the AC input source to
ensure downstream loads are not damaged by high or low voltage. If the FX is charging and passing
AC through, the voltage can be dragged down to the FX’s LOW VOLTAGE LIMIT. If this occurs, the FX
reduces the charger to sustain an acceptable charge. If the FX goes below the LOW VOLTAGE LIMIT, it
will disconnect the AC input source and cease charging.
NOTE: Some generators can be adjusted to raise their low voltage settings.