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electrical:smart_charger [2016/11/20 12:48]
frater_secessus [smart chargers] types
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-====== smart chargers ====== 
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-Words of wisdom:  //"Three stage chargers are easier on your batteries, charge them faster, fuller and help you use less water"//((https://handybobsolar.wordpress.com/the-rv-battery-charging-puzzle-2/)) -- HandyBob 
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-Smart chargers, whether [[electrical:charge controller|solar charge controllers]], [[electrical:converter|converters]], or [[electrical:chargers|shore power chargers]], use **three stages** to charge lead-acid batteries.   
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-  - **bulk** - **maximum amps** are dumped into the battery until it reaches acceptance voltage (~14.2v)((http://www.cheaprvliving.com/forums/Thread-Charging-and-SOC?pid=234723#pid234723)) 
-  - **acceptance** (or absorption) - the **voltage is held steady** until amps drop below a defined rate at which time it is considered charged 
-  - **float** (or maintenance) - the charged battery is held at ~13.2v indefinitely 
-  - some may also include a fourth "stage", **equalization**, described below 
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-In some chargers these voltages and other setpoints can be configured by the user to better match battery maker recommendations, offset voltage loss in cables between charger and battery posts, etc. 
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-===== temperature and charging ===== 
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-Accurate charging requires the charger know the temperature of the batteries being charged.  In hot temps a full charge will require somewhat lower voltage.  In the cold the charging voltage can be very high((https://handybobsolar.wordpress.com/the-rv-battery-charging-puzzle-2/)), enough to trip overvoltage protection in some 12v gear. 
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-===== equalization ===== 
-Flooded lead-acid batteries can, over time and in certain conditions, end up with stratified electrolyte.  The way to remix the electrolyte is to charge at a rate high enough to intentionally cause off-gassing.  The bubbles will mix the electrolyte and afterward the water level can be replenished. 
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-Note that equalization is usually done with house circuits disconnected as the overvoltage might confuse or damage electronics. 
  
electrical/smart_charger.1479664097.txt.gz ยท Last modified: 2020/10/11 19:48 (external edit)