A Forum run by Enthusiasts of MidNite Solar

Charge Controllers and Clippers => The "Classic" charge controller => Topic started by: Vic on January 01, 2015, 06:12:32 PM

Title: Classic Transition to Float
Post by: Vic on January 01, 2015, 06:12:32 PM
Have watched the Classic 150s here transition from Absorb to Float a number of times (with the latest Production FW).

Have never heard the Input Relay click -- (open),  and assume that until the Vbat descends to the compensated Float voltage setting in the Classic,  that the Converter is still running,  essentially unloaded (?).

In situations where there is an additional charge source that will hold Vbat above the Vfloat setting in the/a Classic,  that this could cause users to feel that the Classic is 'wasting' power,  as it may be warm to the touch,  even after dark - when a genset,  Wind,  Hydro,  etc is still charging the battery.

Would it be better for the Classic to open the input relay,  and Rest with the Converter off,  until Vbat descends to the point where the Classic can contribute to maintaining Vflt?

There are probably good reasons that this is not now being done,  perhaps possibly saving mechanical cycles on the relay.

Just curious.  All the Best for the New Year,    Vic
Title: Re: Classic Transition to Float
Post by: boB on January 02, 2015, 03:32:07 AM
Hello Vic and happy new years day !

Well, keeping the relay on depends on how long it takes for the voltage to drop from Absorb to Float.

Ryan and I were just talking about this subject... Not exactly this, but extremely close and related to this...

One thing that might be tossed around is a Re-Float voltage.  When going to Absorb, turn the Classic's relay
off if the current draw is real low, as it probably was in your example here, until the battery voltage drops
below the re-float voltage for a minutes or two.

boB
Title: Re: Classic Transition to Float
Post by: Vic on January 02, 2015, 05:22:20 PM
OK,  boB,  Thanks.   Have wondered about this for some time,  and thought it might be worth a mention.

Thanks,  HNY,  Vic
Title: Re: Classic Transition to Float
Post by: boB on January 03, 2015, 01:58:40 PM
OK Vic...  Working on "silent" mode which is what you are asking for.

Unless the "INSOMNIA" tweak is set, that is.

boB