Outback Power Systems FLEXmax Extreme Owners Manual - Manual (Page 28)

Operation
26 900-0150-01-00 Rev A
Absorb
The MATE3 displays this message for the Absorption stage of a three-stage cycle. In this stage, the FLEXmax
Extreme regulates the battery voltage at the Absorb Voltage set point. Absorption is a constant-voltage,
variable-current charging stage. It usually involves a tapering current flow. However, it may deliver no current
and still display Absorb if another source maintains the batteries above the Absorb Voltage set point.
While the batteries are held at this voltage, the internal timer counts up from zero toward the Absorb time
setting. (See pages 30, 36, and 71.) The charger will exit this stage and enter the Float stage if the timer reaches
the time limit, or if the Absorb End Amps setting is reached. (See page 36.)
The absorption timer is internal to the FLEXmax Extreme and is not displayed as a real-time reading. However,
the Absorb reading shown on page 30 will display the total time spent in Absorption that day.
Figure 22 LED Indicators (Absorb)
If the battery voltage drops below the Absorb Voltage set point (see page 36), the FLEXmax Extreme reverts
back to the Bulk charge stage. The MATE3 displays Bulk as shown on page 25.
The internal timer may not always begin at zero if the last charge was interrupted or ended early. If the batteries
drop below the voltages noted on Table 3, the timer will begin counting down toward zero. This adds to the
duration of the next Absorption stage. If the timer reaches zero, it will last for the full duration of the Absorb
time setting (see page 36).
Lower voltages will cause the timer to subtract minutes at a faster rate, as shown on Table 3. These voltages
indicate a significantly greater battery discharge, requiring a much longer charge cycle.
Table 3 Absorption Timer
Battery Voltage Timer Activity
 12.4 V, 24.8 V, 37.2 V, 49.6 V, or 62.0 V, and
less than the Absorbing voltage
No change.
<12.4 V, 24.8 V, 37.2 V, 49.6 V, or 62.0 V For every minute elapsed, 1 minute is subtracted
from the timer
<12.0 V, 24.0 V, 36.0 V, 48.0 V, or 60.0 V For every minute elapsed, 2 minutes is subtracted
from the timer
< 11.6 V, 23.2 V, 34.8 V, 46.6 V, or 58.0 V For every minute elapsed, 4 minutes is subtracted
from the timer.
Blue (flash on 2 seconds, off ½ second)
Amber (solid)
Both indicators will remain in these states as long as the
battery voltage remains above 1.91 volts per cell (Vpc),
even if no charging is occurring. This may occur if
charging is performed by another source.