Equalization

dhill

Hi All,
It's been awhile since I've visited the forums. I've been off grid for 7 years, and I currently have a question I don't feel competent enough to answer on my own.

After the last 2 summers of record setting heat in Texas, this winter I've noticed my batteries aren't holding charges as they should. I have 8 Trojan L16's, outback controller, inverter, and mate, and I'm certain my solar array and backup generator are providing plenty of power for charging the batteries. I have a 24 volt system.

I'm guessing that I probably need to equalize the batteries. They are 2 years old, and I've never equalized them. My mate can run the equalization, but I'm not sure if there's any trick to initiating, running, or monitoring the process. Can someone please walk me through this? Thanks for the help.

Cariboocoot

Re: Equalization

First, don't guess; get out the hydrometer and check the SG levels on each cell.

Second, the EQ process is fairly simple. It involves running a full charge cycle first. Then you just make sure the EQ Voltage is set right (32 Volts) and the time is set right (I prefer one hour at a time) and then turn it on. Check when done and see if there's any improvement. If there is but it's not all equal, do it again. Stop when it doesn't improve any more.

Automatic EQ is another issue, but wouldn't apply at this point.

If you don't have the programming manual for the MATE (or MX/FM - the charge controllers can do it) you can get it on-line from Outback easily enough.

So let's see what those SG readings are first.

dhill

Re: Equalization

Thanks. I wasn't sure about the time. I'll check the cells and do the process as needed, one hour at a time. Thank you again for the response.