Exide Technologies GB4127 - Manual (Page 21)

2.2.6 OPERA TION
If alert messages are turned on, periodically a message shows for about 2 seconds in the display. With no battery
connected, the control displays ‘0A 0.00VC’, and a ‘FERRO MAGNETICS’ alert is shown. When a battery is
connected, a lamp test is performed. The charge begins, the yellow CHARGING indicator lights and the display shows
‘CHARGE PHASE 1’ periodically along with the charging amps and battery v/c. If equalize is active, an ‘=’ appears on
the left side of the display to indicate an equalizing charge.
When phase 1 is completed, the charger starts phase 2 of the charge cycle. The display shows ‘CHARGE PHASE 2’ along
with the charging amps and battery v/c. Depending on the charger and battery type, the charger may utilize up to 4 phases
to complete a charge.
During the equalize portion of the charge cycle the display shows ‘EQUALIZING’ periodically along with the charging
amps and battery v/c.
When a charge is finished, the charger automatically turns off. The display shows ‘BATTERY READY’ and the green
COMPLETE indicator lights. The battery may then be disconnected at any time.
2.2.7.1 EQUALIZE CHARGE
Over time batteries can develop inequalities in cell charge. This can lower the effective capacity of the battery and shorten
life. An equalizing charge re-balances the charge in the battery cells. Perform an equalize charge if any of the following
conditions exist:
1. On flooded batteries the specific gravity of any cell at the end of charge is 20 points less than the average of all
the cells.
2. The on-charge voltage of any cell at the end of charge is 20 millivolts less than the average of all the cells.
3. The battery has been stored for 30 days.
The control can perform an equalize automatically based on the number of charge cycles or on a specific day of the week.
Normal equalize consists of an additional 3 hour charge time at the end of a normal charge cycle.
The control is set at the factory to perform a normal equalize every 7 charging cycles for flooded lead-acid batteries.
The control can also perform an equalize charge when requested manually. Press the = key. An ‘=’ appears on the left side
of the display indicating an equalize charge for the current charge. If no battery is connected, the equalize occurs on the
next charge cycle to allow the cells to equalize their charge.
The auto-equalize or manual equalize charge can be cleared by pressing the = key again. The next auto equalize charge
occurs after the programmed number of charge cycles.
2.2.7.2 THERMAL SENSOR OPERATION
The control has the ability to read the battery temperature with an optional thermal sensor. In order for the sensor to
function properly, it must be enabled in the control. This is accomplished by setting the ‘OK to charge temp’ (OT)
parameter to a non-zero value (see table 1). This value indicates the maximum temperature that allows the charge to start.
If the battery is above this temperature when it is connected, the control displays the temperature and waits for the battery
to cool down before starting the charge.
If the thermal sensor is enabled and is missing or damaged, the control displays an F11 indication when the battery is
connected.
The ‘Low charge temp’ (LT) parameter indicates the temperature at which the charge current is reduced to limit the
temperature rise of the battery. The current is reduced proportional to the amount the battery temperature exceeds the limit.
The ‘No charge temp’ (NT) parameter indicates the temperature at which the charge is terminated. If this temperature is
reached during charge, the charger shuts down and displays an F2 indication.
Refer to the battery manufacturers recommendations before setting these parameters.
If the thermal sensor is enabled, the battery voltage milestones on charge (trip point, cutoff, etc.) are compensated by
2.5mV/C per degree F (1.5mV/C per degree F for NiCad) above or below 77 degrees F. If the temperature is below 77
degrees, the voltage is adjusted up and if the temperature is above 77 degrees, the voltage is adjusted down.