Schneider SW4048 equalize question

[hammick]

I sold my large 240v generator so for now I am limited to 13 charging amps from my SW4048 inverter using a small inverter generator. With everyday charging the amps from the generator charging obviously combine with amps from the MPPT charge controller. My CC is the Conext MPPT-60-150 and communicates with my inverter on the Xanbus network.

So I am hoping that if I run an equalization charge with the inverter using the generator that it will use any power coming from the MPPT charge controller to assist with the equalization charge, even though the CC is in float.

For example let's say the CC is in float but there is enough sun to produce 10 charging amps. Will I have 23 amps available for the equalization charge? (13a from generator through inverter plus 10a from CC).

EDIT: Thinking about this further the amps during equalization probably won't be more than 5a so I will need less than 400 watts of generator power (5a x 62v = 310 watts). Does this sound right?

Thanks.

[Sunking]

You have no control. Power always comes from the Stiffer Source. Think of it like a pack of lions or dogs. The alpha males get their fill first, the rest get what is left in pecking order. If you are the runt, you go last if their is anything left.

With that said your generator being small and limited will allow the solar to assist to the point the generator is maxed out and the solar will supplement, and if the battery is low enough and sun strong enough you may get full power from the panels. Keep in mind when you EQ it is assumed they have already been fully charged. So when you EQ there is only a small window when th echarge current will be high at the beginning, and then tapers off to low levels. It takes some considerable time to EQ at low power levels.

Only thing you might be able to do is set the voltage higher on the Solar Controller than the Inverter charger to try to make the Solar the Stiffer source. Bottom line is the source at a Higher State of Energy always rules. Something us humans have problem with accepting the natural order of things with not everyone or everything created equal.

[hammick]

Thanks Sunking. The Schneider equipment goes through a full charge cycle before EQ starts. Obviously if they are fully charged it only takes a couple minutes to start the EQ.

I guess what I am really asking is can I run a productive equalization on a 48v 325ah battery bank with a 1600 watt generator?

I called Schneider tech and they believe the inverter will tell the CC to stop charging during EQ and vice versa.

I guess I could disconnect the network cable from the CC and run EQ on both inverter and CC at the same time. Not sure that would be a good idea.

My plan is to never let my batteries get stratified. The Schneider stuff only allows for 1 hour EQ charges and then you have to start over.

[Sunking]

Thanks Sunking. The Schneider equipment goes through a full charge cycle before EQ starts. Obviously if they are fully charged it only takes a couple minutes to start the EQ.

I guess what I am really asking is can I run a productive equalization on a 48v 325ah battery bank with a 1600 watt generator?

Hell yes. EQ does not take a lot of power, it just takes a long time.

When you switch to EQ initially you will see the current jump, but then tapers to a few amps real quickly. Then it will just kep taking a few amps until you stop EQ charge. You stop when your Hydrometer says you can stop. Stop to soon, and you are not equalized. Let it go too long and you corrode the plates and they sink to the bottom of the battery jar. EQ is a controlled over charge only to be used as needed.

[hammick]

Thanks. Looks like I don't have to worry about combining power. My 1600w inverter generator is whisper quiet and I really don't want to buy a big loud 240v genny.

[Mike90250]

why not run the genset AND the solar in the EQ mode at the same time if you are worried ? Or use the genset to bulk the batteries at 5AM, and then use the sun for EQ from 10am - 2pm ? It may take a day of planning for a sunny day to finish it off.

[hammick]

why not run the genset AND the solar in the EQ mode at the same time if you are worried ? Or use the genset to bulk the batteries at 5AM, and then use the sun for EQ from 10am - 2pm ? It may take a day of planning for a sunny day to finish it off.

I will have to try that out but I suspect the CC will stop the inverter from charging when an EQ is initiated (unless I disconnect the Xanbus network cable to prevent them from communicating).

In reality I am hopeful that I can charge and EQ from solar alone during the summer in one day. Winter will be a different story. We have been at our place more this winter than I anticipated with the nice weather.

I may have to install three more panels before the tax credit expires on 12/31/16.

[Sunking]

In reality I am hopeful that I can charge and EQ from solar alone during the summer in one day..

Don't get your hopes up too much. EQ takes 6 to 24 hours. Mike had a good idea, start way early in morning on genny, let the sun do what it can to save fuel, and then finish with genny if needed.

Keep in mind you are the Controller during a EQ cycle. It is not a automated process. You have to be there taking hydrometer readings every 30 minutes. You stop EQ when the hydrometer says it is time to stop. Be prepared, it could be a very long day.