Outback MX problem [RE-wrenches]

[Matt Tritt]

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Hi Larry,

I have used 28.6 for absorb (bulk) and 30.0 for equalize for years (and 
years). Some non-adjustable CC's don't even allow for setting such a 
high bulk rate (even though I'm sure I'll have to dig through piles of 
data to find which ones), especially wind controllers. I try and steer 
clear of super high charging  voltages because of the tendency for 
batteries to gas excessively when so doing. That and the need for 
constant checking of cell levels.

Matt

Larry Crutcher, Starlight Solar wrote:

>
> Ron,
>
> If you are saying you measured the voltage at the MX terminals and had 
> a 4 volt difference between your meter and the MX display, I would 
> send the MX back for replacement.
>
> If you are saying the 4 volt drop was between the battery terminals 
> (your meter) and the MX display while charging, there might be a bad 
> connection somewhere from the MX to the battery. Is this a new 
> installation or just a new problem?
>
> A bad connection will cause the MX will reach the absorb set point 
> quickly due to resistance and then switch to float unless you set the 
> minimum absorb timer (advanced menu: Absorb Time Limits).
>
> Matt,  after sitting through a couple Surrette training sessions, I 
> was thinking he has the absorb voltage a little low. I'm a big fan of 
> aggressive, temperature compensated, charge voltage for daily deep 
> cycle applications. 2.47vpc is what I use for flooded cells. 29.4 is 
> spot on according to Rolls Bulletin 605. What do you use for absorb 
> voltage?
>
> Larry Crutcher
> Starlight Solar
> powered by STARLIGHT(tm)
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----- From: Matt Tritt
> To: RE-wrenches at topica.com
> Sent: Wednesday, May 28, 2008 12:42 PM
> Subject: Re: Outback MX problem [RE-wrenches]
>
> Ron,
>
> Since the MX thinks that the batteries are virtually full all the time,
> "force bulk" is simply overriding the controller programming to effect a
> charge, I would take OutBack up on the offer and call it good. I'm
> curious as to why you have the bulk point set so high?
>
> Matt T
>
> Ron Young wrote:
>
>>
>> I'm having a problem with an Outback MX going into sleep mode and  
>> showing incorrect voltage on the input. It's a single 3524 inverter  
>> with a 4KS25 Surrette battery charged by a Whisper 100 and a 680 
>> watt  array (Evergreen 170's) wired in two strings for 48v. The only 
>> time  the MX will charge is if a charge is initiated via FORCE BULK 
>> mode or  if the customer turns on her vacuum cleaner and it draws 
>> down the  batt. voltage then the MX kicks in. She says she sees the 
>> pv output  voltage drop from 70 (sunny day) to as low as 24 then 
>> start building  up again. If it stays around 60 then the MX keeps 
>> charging but once  it gets back up to 70 then MX cuts out. Bulk set 
>> point is at 29.4.
>>
>> Actual battery voltage measured at the terminals is 25.1 today but  
>> the MX says 29.1.
>>
>> Outback wants to replace the unit but I'm not convinced yet that it's 
>> defective, just wondering if maybe something else is going on that  
>> I've overlooked. The above behaviour is the same whether there is  
>> wind or no wind so I've ruled out a conflict with the Whisper  
>> controller.
>>
>> Ron Young
>>
>>
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>
>
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