TriStar Manual

38
Operation
Equalize Timeout
1:00 2:00 3:00 4:00 5:00 6:00
Absorp. V
Bulk
Float
Equalize
Equalize timeout
time (hrs)
Equalize V
Figure4-6.Equalizetimeoutchargingprole
Thechargingproleingure4-6showsanEqualize Timeout event. The timeout timer begins as
soonasbatteryvoltageexceedstheAbsorptionvoltagesetpoint.Ifthereisinsufcientcharging
current or system loads are too large, the battery voltage may not reach the Equalize setpoint.
Equalize Timeout is a safety feature that prevents high battery voltage for extended periods of
time which may damage the battery.
Temperature Compensation
All charging settings are based on 25°C (77°F). If the battery temperature varies by 5°C, the
charging setting will change by 0.15 Volts for a 12 Volt battery. This is a substantial change in
the charging of the battery, and the use of the Remote Temperature Sensor (RTS) is recom-
mended to adjust charging to the actual battery temperature.
The need for temperature compensation depends on the temperature variations, battery type,
how the system is used, and other factors. If the battery appears to be gassing too much or not
charging enough, the RTS can be added at any time after the system has been installed. See
Section 2.3 - Step 4 for installation instructions.
Battery Sense
Voltage drops are unavoidable in power cables that carry current, including the
TriStar MPPT 150V battery cables. If Battery Sense wires are not used, the controller must use
the voltage reading at the battery power terminals for regulation. Due to voltage drops in the
battery cables, the battery power connection voltage will be higher than the actual battery bank
voltage while charging the battery.
Two sense wires, sized from 1.0 to 0.25 mm
2
(16 to 24 AWG), can be used for battery voltage
sense. Because these wires carry no current, the voltage at the TriStar will be identical to the
battery voltage. A 2-position terminal is used for the battery sense connection.