[RE-wrenches] Outback Charging Method

[Mark Frye]

I just got off the phone with Outback technical support in which my
understanding of how the charger works was challanged.

In my situation, the AGS Volt Start conditions start my generator and a
charge cycle is initiated.

I always though that during the bulk phase, the chargers try to operated at
a constant maximum current, limited by the charge ACC input limit in order
to raise the voltage to the absorb set point.  At that point the charger
changed to a constant voltage mode and tapered off the current.

The tech said that the charger will actually taper off the current before
then, as the actual battery voltage approaches the absorption set point
voltage, as part of a single current curve, based on voltage, running from
the start of the bulk cycle to the end of the absorption cycle.

So long as the charger rating is large compared to the battery size, I
expect to see the charge current a constant maximum all the way up to the
absorption set point. So if I don't see this, I am looking for a problem
somewhere. Not so according to technical support.

Any thoughts?
 
Mark Frye
Berkeley Solar Electric Systems
303 Redbud Way
Nevada City,  CA 95959
(530) 401-8024
www.berkeleysolar.com 

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