Replaced my old batteries and charge controller about six weeks ago.
The new batteries are 12V AGM 290 Ah, wired in two banks of four. Each bank is wired in series and connected to each other in parallel. Thus 580Ah in total. I know parallel connection is not recommended, but it was the only economical way to get a battery bank delivering over 500Ahrs
The Tracer controller is programmed to do an equalisation charge on the 28th of each month. I have learnt that generally it is not a good idea to do an equalisation charge on sealed batteries, but that parameter cannot be removed. The setting for the charge is at the default parameter of 58.4V, which is only .8V higher than the default boost charge rate. The time for the charge again is at default setting of 120 minutes. The seller of the controller (and batteries) suggested altering the voltage setting and the time setting for the equalising mode. Voltage has optional settings between 56.8 and 60.8, and time has the options of 0 to 180 minutes.
Question 1 - should I alter the settings as suggested? If so to what?
Question 2 - as programmed, the charge controller entered equalising mode on the 28th of June. Four days later it is still stuck in that mode. The guess is, as we have had clouds and heavy rain for most of that time we have not had 58.4V of charging for the required 120 minutes. Is that a fair assumption? Or is the controller faulty?
Thanks in advance for your help.
The new batteries are 12V AGM 290 Ah, wired in two banks of four. Each bank is wired in series and connected to each other in parallel. Thus 580Ah in total. I know parallel connection is not recommended, but it was the only economical way to get a battery bank delivering over 500Ahrs
The Tracer controller is programmed to do an equalisation charge on the 28th of each month. I have learnt that generally it is not a good idea to do an equalisation charge on sealed batteries, but that parameter cannot be removed. The setting for the charge is at the default parameter of 58.4V, which is only .8V higher than the default boost charge rate. The time for the charge again is at default setting of 120 minutes. The seller of the controller (and batteries) suggested altering the voltage setting and the time setting for the equalising mode. Voltage has optional settings between 56.8 and 60.8, and time has the options of 0 to 180 minutes.
Question 1 - should I alter the settings as suggested? If so to what?
Question 2 - as programmed, the charge controller entered equalising mode on the 28th of June. Four days later it is still stuck in that mode. The guess is, as we have had clouds and heavy rain for most of that time we have not had 58.4V of charging for the required 120 minutes. Is that a fair assumption? Or is the controller faulty?
Thanks in advance for your help.
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