Installation Guide

Renewable Energy Charging Systems
To maximize performance and life batteries should be recharged
fully after each discharge period. To verify full recharging,
regularly monitor individual battery voltage and specific gravity.
As a general rule, the total input amperes from your RE charging
source should be between 10% and 20% of the total ampere-
hours (20 Hour Rating) of the battery system capacity. Many RE
charge controllers have adjustable equalization settings that ensure
batteries are regularly restored to full capacity. Batteries used in RE
systems should be equalized every thirty days at a minimum – with
System Voltage
Voltage Setting 6 V 12 V 24 V 36 V 48 V
Daily Charge (Absorption) 7.3 14.5 29.0 43.6 58.1
Equalize 7.7 15.5 31.0 46.4 61.9
Float 6.8 13.5 27.0 40.5 54.0
Contact Crown Battery’s technical support department for additional charging
application information.
more frequent equalization occurring for battery systems routinely
discharged below 50% of their rated capacity. Please refer to the
following chart for additional charge control setting information:
Watering Service
Deep cycle batteries begin service consuming relatively low
amounts of water. In electric vehicle, motive power or RE service,
the real need to add water to batteries may vary from weekly service
to monthly service depending upon the operating environment and
other external factors. As batteries age they will use more water,
and in warmer climates batteries will require more frequent service.
Equipment owners and users must be vigilant in performing regular
watering service to ensure premium performance and life.
There are two conditions when watering can be
harmful to your batteries:
q Over-Watering q Under-Watering
Over-Watering dilutes the sulfuric acid levels inside the battery –
which results in poor battery performance. Under-Watering batteries
leads to a service-related overcharge condition, which
will shorten battery running times and life.
u Never charge
batteries if the
battery plates
are found to
be uncovered/
un-submerged
in electrolyte.
If this condition
is detected before
charging service, fill the
battery only until the top of the
battery plates are covered with liquid.
Many Crown deep cycle batteries feature the PROeye indicator that shows
users when watering service is required. When the color of the eye is:
q Green = No water service is required
q Clear or White = Watering service is required
The PROeye is an indicator only – and is designed to aid users with
determining when individual cell inspection and/or watering service
is required. Because watering service is most effective at the
completion of charging service – the PROeye should be inspected
at the completion of charge or before the start of duty cycle. Contact
Crown Battery’s technical department for more information regarding
this product feature.
You can prevent watering-service related problems by using the
illustration shown above as a reference point. Maintain battery liquid
levels above the top of the battery plates – but no higher than the
battery cover vent well. Never fill batteries to the brim of the cell or to
a point where they overflow.
Several other rules apply when watering:
u USE ONLY DISTILLED or DE-MINERALIZED WATER.
u Never add battery acid, commercial additives or other foreign
material to the batteries.
u Watering service should occur only after charging service
is completed. Watering before charging service will result in
overflow of the battery’s electrolyte – causing a dangerous
chemical spill condition and loss of battery capacity.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS:
1. CAUTION: All lead-acid batteries generate highly flammable hydrogen
gas. If ignited, the gas may explode violently. When working near
batteries, always wear safety glasses, do not smoke or use open flame
near the batteries, remove watches and jewelry, and avoid causing
sparks with tools.
2. Battery electrolyte is corrosive and can cause blindness or severe burns.
If exposed to battery electrolyte, immediately flush with water and seek
medical attention.
3. The batteries in your equipment are electrically live at all times. Keep the
top of the batteries clean and dry to prevent ground shorts and corrosion.
4. Do not tip a battery beyond a 45° angle in any direction. This would allow
battery electrolyte to push through the battery vent assembly.