Xantrex Technology Freedom 458 Battery Charger User Manual


 
16
BATTERY CHARGING
NOTE: Freedom battery chargers are ON
whenever AC power is connected to the
charger input. The charger can be turned OFF
using the CHARGE switch on the front of the
unit. This sequence will occur each time
external AC power is available. The charger
can be turned ON/OFF using the Remote
Control Panel or Link Instrumentation.
Each time the battery charger is engaged,
the three-stage charger proceeds automati-
cally, resulting in an efficient complete charge
and safe battery maintenance. Use of the
Remote Control Panel or Link Instrument
provides the ability to periodically apply an
equalizing charge.
Refer to the Remote Control Panel or the
Link Instrument Owner’s Manual for more
information.
The battery charger stages are:
Stage 1 - Bulk Charge During the bulk
charge stage most of the energy that has
been consumed during discharge is returned
to the battery bank. This phase is engaged as
soon as the battery charger is activated. Full
rated charger current is delivered to the
battery bank until the acceptance charge
voltage limit is reached. This results in a relatively
rapid recharge.
Generally, a wet cell battery bank should
not be charged at a rate that exceeds 25% of
its capacity.