Tell me what is wrong with my poor mans equalization procedure.

softdown
softdown Solar Expert Posts: 3,812 ✭✭✭✭
The charge controller is a fairly simple Renogy MPPT 40 amp 24 volt unit. Claims to automatically "equalize for two hours" when battery voltage falls too low. I can't make it manually equalize the battery. Plus their chosen equalization voltage is, I think, only 29.4 volts. I'd prefer 30.5ish.

Just got the MT-5 remote, that unit has many additional read-outs. But no equalization capabilities are included.

What I did last time - figuring it was way, way overdue for equalizing: charged 11 cells at ~27.4 volts for an hour. Then used the "neglected cell" with the next charge of 11 cells at ~27.4 volts. This is certainly jerry rigged but I hope it is at least ~ 75%ish as effective.

I have an IOTA 25 amp charger. It can be set to equalize the battery after running for two consecutive weeks. Not likely to happen.

p.s. - it is totally ok if you say this may be the best you can do. That tall forklift batteries have an unusual need for periodic high voltage charges for equalization purposes.


First Bank:16 180 watt Grape Solar with  FM80 controller and 3648 Inverter....Fullriver 8D AGM solar batteries. Second Bank/MacGyver Special: 10 165(?) watt BP Solar with Renogy MPPT 40A controller/ and Xantrex C-35 PWM controller/ and Morningstar PWM controller...Cotek 24V PSW inverter....forklift and diesel locomotive batteries

Comments

  • mike95490
    mike95490 Solar Expert Posts: 9,583 ✭✭✭✭✭
    The tall batteries require a good vigorous charge to keep the electrolyte de-stratified. With a forklift, the driver accomplishes that with a couple starts, stops and turns
    Powerfab top of pole PV mount | Listeroid 6/1 w/st5 gen head | XW6048 inverter/chgr | Iota 48V/15A charger | Morningstar 60A MPPT | 48V, 800A NiFe Battery (in series)| 15, Evergreen 205w "12V" PV array on pole | Midnight ePanel | Grundfos 10 SO5-9 with 3 wire Franklin Electric motor (1/2hp 240V 1ph ) on a timer for 3 hr noontime run - Runs off PV ||
    || Midnight Classic 200 | 10, Evergreen 200w in a 160VOC array ||
    || VEC1093 12V Charger | Maha C401 aa/aaa Charger | SureSine | Sunsaver MPPT 15A

    solar: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Solar
    gen: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Lister ,

  • softdown
    softdown Solar Expert Posts: 3,812 ✭✭✭✭
    I came upon this battery by accident - it was advertised as a 48 volt battery. The charge controller only accommodates 1000 watts - currently using slightly less than 800. This battery has always been an active and noisy "boiler". Likely due to ~ 36" height I would guess.

    What I could easily do to increase the charge rate on occasion - supplement the panels with the Iota 25amp charger.

    Got another very small battery disaster going on today - time for another off topic thread.
    First Bank:16 180 watt Grape Solar with  FM80 controller and 3648 Inverter....Fullriver 8D AGM solar batteries. Second Bank/MacGyver Special: 10 165(?) watt BP Solar with Renogy MPPT 40A controller/ and Xantrex C-35 PWM controller/ and Morningstar PWM controller...Cotek 24V PSW inverter....forklift and diesel locomotive batteries