User manual

8.5.3 Battery capacity test (MPPT 6000-M only)
NOTICE!
– The capacity test function is only available for lead-acid and lead-gel/AGM battery types.
–
The capacity test allows the controller to measure the usable capacity of the battery while
it is being discharged by the connected loads.
– The measured value is displayed as the Result of capacity test measurement in the
status window, see
Ä Chapter 7.3 ‘Status display’ on page 53.
– During the capacity test, the battery is not charged by the MPPT 6000-M or any other
MPPT 6000-S devices controlled via the StecaLink bus. The device enters the OFF state.
– After completion of the capacity test, charging must be manually started via the MPPT
6000-M. ‘Main menu è Device On/Off è On’.
– The following conditions must be satisfied in order to execute the capacity test:
– The nominal capacity of the battery must be set. The nominal capacity is usually
specified on the battery type plate.
– A PA HS400 external current sensor must be installed and registered at the MPPT
6000-M in order to measure the charge currents. The external current sensor must be
selected via ‘Main menu è Battery settings è Battery control mode
è Sensor member list’.
– The external battery temperature sensor must be installed and activated, see
Ä Chapter 6.4 ‘PA TS-S external temperature sensor connection’ on page 43.
– The generator control function must be manually disabled. Charging from external
sources must be ruled out during execution of the capacity test.
– The external control function via the AUX IO connection must be disabled in order to
use the capacity test.
– The battery must be discharged by the "loads" connected to the system. The controller
deep discharge protection via the AUX 1/2/3 outputs is active during the test.
– The necessary conditions must be established before starting the capacity test. Changes
made after starting the test will cancel the test. The test must then be started anew.
– The capacity test almost completely discharges the battery. This can result in the battery
being discharged below the configured deep discharge protection threshold. Only the
consumers controlled via the AUX 1/2/3 outputs can be automatically switched off to
prevent deep discharging of the battery. The capacity test is cancelled without a result if
the deep discharge protection function of the MPPT 6000-M prevents the discharging
required for completing the capacity test.
– Switching the device on/off cancels the capacity test.
– Execution of the capacity test can take several hours or even days, depending on the
battery size and condition and the discharge current of the available loads. For a sensible
execution, the average discharge current of the loads should approximately correspond to
the 10-hour discharge current. A changing load profile is beneficial for the capacity test.
– Execute the capacity test only if the system must not continuously supply energy. It might
not be possible to supply the loads with energy during the necessary subsequent battery
recharging period.
– Ensure a prompt and full recharging of the battery after finishing a capacity test. Be aware
of the the fact that poor weather conditions can restrict the performance of the PV system.
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