Load when Equalizing/Conditioning AGMs

stmar
stmar Solar Expert Posts: 370 ✭✭✭
Before full winter I would like to equalize/condition my Lifeline AGMs per their manual. I have a transfer switch to put the loads on the grid. The only load I would have on the batteries is the Sunfrost RF16 frig/freezer, I have that on a separate breaker so can easily disconnect it if need be. My question is do I need to have no loads at all during the 8 hours of equalization or can I have the RF16 load at the same time or even intermittently? I could turn it off and on manually if intermittent use was permissible.

Comments

  • BB.
    BB. Super Moderators, Administrators Posts: 33,431 admin
    Check the manual for the AGMs... If your charge controller can hold the recommended voltage and/or current while the other loads are running, then it is fine.

    One thing to watch out for... There are (something) like two different EQ/Recovery methods for Concorde AGMs. One of them (as I recall) was quite a high battery vus voltage and may shutdown your AC inverter and could damage other DC loads.

    -Bill

    Near San Francisco California: 3.5kWatt Grid Tied Solar power system+small backup genset
  • stmar
    stmar Solar Expert Posts: 370 ✭✭✭
    My inverter is a Schneider Conext SW4024. It should be capable of maintaining the 31 volts needed for equalizing. I will have to check what voltage the RF16 can handle, I think max is 32 volts. May be a good time to defrost it instead of taking a chance.
  • BB.
    BB. Super Moderators, Administrators Posts: 33,431 admin
    Here is a long thread about Concorde "recovery" (~15.58 volts for 8 hours @ 70F?):

    https://forum.solar-electric.com/discussion/8457/sulfated-lifeline-concorde-agm-batteries/p1

    Here is the manual for the LIfeline Batteries (section 5.5 for conditioning):

    http://2cw8eb1vmmgg3g5i7jzt6upo.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/6-0101-Rev-E-Lifeline-Technical-Manual.pdf

    If the above link does not work, here is the website for documentation:

    http://lifelinebatteries.com/knowledge-center/ [click through Technical Manuals: Lifeline Technical Manual PDF]

    As always, start with the Mfg. Instructions/Manuals...

    -Bill
    Near San Francisco California: 3.5kWatt Grid Tied Solar power system+small backup genset
  • stmar
    stmar Solar Expert Posts: 370 ✭✭✭
    I have the manual, that is where I got the 31 volt for 8 hours eq procedure. Thanks for the other threads, I will read through them. I have the battery temp monitor that displays on my SCP. During the equalizing what temperature should be normal, it usually runs in the low 70's.