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Battery Maintenance
975-0012-01-02 Rev A B–13
Battery Maintenance
Maintenance
strategy
To get the best performance from an inverter system, the batteries must be
properly setup and maintained. This includes setting the proper voltages for Bulk
and Float charging. See the “CAUTIONS” in the section on Equalization
Charging that follows. In addition, the battery terminals should be inspected,
cleaned, and re-torqued if necessary.
Neglecting any of these items may result in poor inverter performance and greatly
reduce battery life.
Battery Charging
Charge Rate The maximum safe charge rate is related to the size and type of the batteries.
Flooded lead acid batteries (with removable caps) can be charged at a high rate.
Small batteries may require a lower charge rate. Check with your battery vendor
for the proper battery charging rate for the batteries used in the system.
Bulk Voltage This is the maximum voltage the batteries will be charged to during a normal
charge cycle. Gel cell batteries are set to a lower value and non-sealed batteries
are set to a higher voltage setting.
Float Voltage The Float voltage is set lower than the Bulk voltage and provides a maintenance
charge on the batteries to keep them in a ready state.
Temperature
Compensation
For optimal battery charging, the Bulk and Float charge rates should be adjusted
according to the temperature of the battery. This can be accomplished
automatically by using a BTS. The sensor attaches directly to the side of one of
the batteries in the bank and provides precise battery temperature information.
When battery charging voltages are compensated based on temperature, the
charge voltage will vary depending on the temperature around the batteries. The
following table describes approximately how much the voltage may vary
depending on the temperature of the batteries.
If you have liquid lead acid batteries (non-sealed), you may need to periodically
equalize your batteries. Check the water level monthly to maintain it at the
appropriate level.