Equalize charge off-grid

stmoloud
stmoloud Registered Users Posts: 111 ✭✭
edited November 2018 in Solar Beginners Corner #1
I know the more expensive MPPT controllers do have a manual function for an equalization charge . But I don't want to buy one just to get access to the feature.
My PWM is humming along very nicely.
Surely it must be possible to equalize charge batteries using some stand-alone device outside of a MPPT controller?  And off-grid.
Maybe using a fully charged backup battery and a DC-DC converter or an AC switch mode power supply through an inverter?

I don't have a generator so that option is out.


Thanks

760W panel array, 4 x 6v 220 ah Crown batteries, Tristar TS-45 PWM controller,  no name 600 PSW inverter. 
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  • mcgivor
    mcgivor Solar Expert Posts: 3,854 ✭✭✭✭✭✭
    #2
    There are PWM controllers which have equalization Morningstar for example, would be way simpler to switch to the right equipment than to jury rig something https://www.solar-electric.com/trts12vochco.html 
    1500W, 6× Schutten 250W Poly panels , Schneider MPPT 60 150 CC, Schneider SW 2524 inverter, 400Ah LFP 24V nominal battery with Battery Bodyguard BMS 
    Second system 1890W  3 × 300W No name brand poly, 3×330 Sunsolar Poly panels, Morningstar TS 60 PWM controller, no name 2000W inverter 400Ah LFP 24V nominal battery with Daly BMS, used for water pumping and day time air conditioning.  
    5Kw Yanmar clone single cylinder air cooled diesel generator for rare emergency charging and welding.
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  • westbranch
    westbranch Solar Expert Posts: 5,183 ✭✭✭✭
    #3
    and purchase a suitable generator if you are short on sunshine that can go the distance (TIME) needed to bring the bank to a full charge AND THEN continue on for another 4 hours or more!
    Having a gen will allow you to start the EQ process before daylight powers up the panels and then the long low amperage time needed for an EQ can be done by the PWM or MPPT charge controller powered by the sun...

     
    KID #51B  4s 140W to 24V 900Ah C&D AGM
    CL#29032 FW 2126/ 2073/ 2133 175A E-Panel WBjr, 3 x 4s 140W to 24V 900Ah C&D AGM 
    Cotek ST1500W 24V Inverter,OmniCharge 3024,
    2 x Cisco WRT54GL i/c DD-WRT Rtr & Bridge,
    Eu3/2/1000i Gens, 1680W & E-Panel/WBjr to come, CL #647 asleep
    West Chilcotin, BC, Canada
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  • stmoloud
    stmoloud Registered Users Posts: 111 ✭✭
    #4
    Yes, thanks I've seen that .. a very competitive price.  I do agree with the simplicity argument. 
    760W panel array, 4 x 6v 220 ah Crown batteries, Tristar TS-45 PWM controller,  no name 600 PSW inverter. 
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  • stmoloud
    stmoloud Registered Users Posts: 111 ✭✭
    #5
    @mcgivor If I bought the Morningstar TS 40 PWM  would it do for 1kW  PV's wired in parallel?  I suspect that will be my minimum intermediate (1 - 5 year) requirement. But I will need that manual equalization charge facility.



    760W panel array, 4 x 6v 220 ah Crown batteries, Tristar TS-45 PWM controller,  no name 600 PSW inverter. 
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  • mcgivor
    mcgivor Solar Expert Posts: 3,854 ✭✭✭✭✭✭
    #6
    What nominal voltage? 
    1500W, 6× Schutten 250W Poly panels , Schneider MPPT 60 150 CC, Schneider SW 2524 inverter, 400Ah LFP 24V nominal battery with Battery Bodyguard BMS 
    Second system 1890W  3 × 300W No name brand poly, 3×330 Sunsolar Poly panels, Morningstar TS 60 PWM controller, no name 2000W inverter 400Ah LFP 24V nominal battery with Daly BMS, used for water pumping and day time air conditioning.  
    5Kw Yanmar clone single cylinder air cooled diesel generator for rare emergency charging and welding.
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  • stmoloud
    stmoloud Registered Users Posts: 111 ✭✭
    edited November 2018 #7
    12 volts. I would also be looking at 4 *  6v 225 Ah batteries
    760W panel array, 4 x 6v 220 ah Crown batteries, Tristar TS-45 PWM controller,  no name 600 PSW inverter. 
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  • mcgivor
    mcgivor Solar Expert Posts: 3,854 ✭✭✭✭✭✭
    #8
    Won't work with 12V, 24V is ok, using 12v is always a hassle due to higher current, you can use this calculator to enter relevant information and it will let you know if it will be compatible. http://string-calculator.morningstarcorp.com
    1500W, 6× Schutten 250W Poly panels , Schneider MPPT 60 150 CC, Schneider SW 2524 inverter, 400Ah LFP 24V nominal battery with Battery Bodyguard BMS 
    Second system 1890W  3 × 300W No name brand poly, 3×330 Sunsolar Poly panels, Morningstar TS 60 PWM controller, no name 2000W inverter 400Ah LFP 24V nominal battery with Daly BMS, used for water pumping and day time air conditioning.  
    5Kw Yanmar clone single cylinder air cooled diesel generator for rare emergency charging and welding.
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  • stmoloud
    stmoloud Registered Users Posts: 111 ✭✭
    #9
    OK thanks will look into it.
    760W panel array, 4 x 6v 220 ah Crown batteries, Tristar TS-45 PWM controller,  no name 600 PSW inverter. 
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  • littleharbor2
    littleharbor2 Solar Expert Posts: 2,101 ✭✭✭✭✭
    #10
    The Schnider/Xantrex C series PWM controllers will do 12, 24 and (the C-40) 48 volt system  manual or automatic equalization.

    2.1 Kw Suntech 175 mono, Classic 200, Trace SW 4024 ( 15 years old  but brand new out of sealed factory box Jan. 2015), Bogart Tri-metric,  460 Ah. 24 volt LiFePo4 battery bank. Plenty of Baja Sea of Cortez sunshine.

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  • stmoloud
    stmoloud Registered Users Posts: 111 ✭✭
    #11
    I have the Morningstar TS 45 PWM controller on order. It was time to get a quality US controller, yes could have made do with 2 x cheap(ish) Chinese 20 amp PWM's with automatic equalization but at one hour per month I don't believe that it would have been enough. 
    @westbranch I know what you are suggesting but I have set myself the challenge of no generator backup. So the day before equalization I will a) check the weather forecast b) make sure the batteries are fully charged c) get an early night sleep d) wake up at dawn and press the magic equalization button.
    760W panel array, 4 x 6v 220 ah Crown batteries, Tristar TS-45 PWM controller,  no name 600 PSW inverter. 
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