Equalize batteries
I thought I did a lot of research before putting my solar setup together, but apparently my Renogy Tracer 40 AMP MPPT CC does not have an equalization mode. What battery chargers do you gusy use that...
Forum Discussion
From a few hundred equalization exercises I found that sticking to the old tried and true Battery Council International equalization formula to be the most time effective method of equalization.
CURRENT CAN BE REGULATED VIA USING IN SERIES 12-VOLT INCANDESCENT LIGHT BULBS
1. Fully charge batteries
2. Apply 5% of total battery ampere hour rating current
3. Until all cells equalize to OEM density or 16.0 volts
4. Whichever occurs first
5. Without exceeding 50c 122F
This is by far the best equalization protocol. East Penn would not argue the point. Nor would Trojan nor any other flooded OEM.
The deviation from BCI recommendation was done SOLELY because of lack of control of CONSTANT AMPERAGE REGULATION
By throttling with 12 volt light bulbs IN SERIES the regulation of amperes is assured. People who are serious about doing this correctly would not object to assembling a light bulb amperage throttling circuit.
This is particularly attractive when equalization total time is a factor. With a power pedestal the East Penn / BCI recommendations become a moot comparison.
CURRENT CAN BE REGULATED VIA USING IN SERIES 12-VOLT INCANDESCENT LIGHT BULBS
1. Fully charge batteries
2. Apply 5% of total battery ampere hour rating current
3. Until all cells equalize to OEM density or 16.0 volts
4. Whichever occurs first
5. Without exceeding 50c 122F
This is by far the best equalization protocol. East Penn would not argue the point. Nor would Trojan nor any other flooded OEM.
The deviation from BCI recommendation was done SOLELY because of lack of control of CONSTANT AMPERAGE REGULATION
By throttling with 12 volt light bulbs IN SERIES the regulation of amperes is assured. People who are serious about doing this correctly would not object to assembling a light bulb amperage throttling circuit.
This is particularly attractive when equalization total time is a factor. With a power pedestal the East Penn / BCI recommendations become a moot comparison.
