Hi,
How long do the amps need to stay below EA setting to trigger end of Absorb?
I am watching amps ATM, and it dips below EA setting but it's not ending Absorb. Though it probably has by the time I finish writing this! Yes, it did. Went to Float.
What triggers Auto-EQ (settings currently are every 2 days & 1 retry)?
I checked the MNGP Auto_EQ "view" and that says 1 & 1.
I thought it may have started Auto-EQ straight after Absorb ended, but it didn't. I've started it manually.
Local App displays as "EQ MPPT" when it's at EQ volts & timer is counting down, MNGP displays as "Equalize".
Thanks,
dRdoS7
QuoteClassic 200V (rev 4)
Firmware:
- Classic Rev: 2096
- Network Rev: 2097
Hello dRdoS7,
Believe that the EA needs to be below the EA setting for about 30 seconds ... it is also possible that we cannot see on the MNGP, every sample of the battery (or CC output) current that the Classic is using to decide when to end Absorb, so it may seem a bit mysterious.
I do not use Auto EQ, but if the Auto EQ behaves as does the Skip Day function, the Auto EQ would be performed when the day number is 0, not 1.
Question: Why is it necessary to do an EQ every few days? Is it because of some special battery chemistry?
I believe that the Local App infers when the Classic is in EQ, based upon the battery voltage verses the EQ voltage setting, BUT, IIRC, the LA does not take into account any Temperature Compensation of the battery ... or something similar ... will need to look at some notes here, but have seen a situation where the Classic WAS in EQ, and the LA was not quite there -- displaying EQ MPPT, IIRC ... or similar. Are you in the Southern Hemisphere? Or perhaps somewhere else where it is now a warm/hot environment?
EDIT: Yes, the fourth paragraph in the first Post in the following Thread:
http://kb1uas.com/mnsforum/index.php?topic=3367.0
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FWIW, Vic
Hi,
So tomorrow my Auto-EQ should happen? Maybe not, now I did it manually?
At what stage is Auto-EQ performed? The manual has no info on this.
I have NiFe batteries (36*200Ah).
I Absorb @ 58.5v for 5 1/2 hrs, or EA @ 14A. Then EQ @ 61.1v for 2 hrs (done it manually in the past).
I should have set it 1 day. I think I tried it at that a while ago but never saw A-EQ.
I have found (much experimenting) the amps taper off OK @ 58.5v, but if I use 61.1v it just keeps pumping in at the max. rate, and boiling off the water.
The 58.5v setting is just below the point my inverter starts beeping due to high voltage. 61.1v is just below the inverter HVD point.
The ideal, for me, would be to use the WBJr to replace the Ah taken out (taking in to account % eff/loss) instead. So, for example: take out 100Ah, put in 150Ah. I'd still do an A-EQ, but probably only once a month/quarter. The ability to program the time (when most sun is likely to be available) for an A-EQ would be good too.
If I turn off Temp. Comp. then the battery temp is not displayed. I have it set @ -0.5 How did it get set up that way? I didn't realise this until I'd destroyed my BTS trying to find the fault with the reading.
Yes, warmish weather ATM.
Thanks,
dRdoS7
Hi dRdoS7,
There are probably several members here that use NiFe batteries, Mike, is one:
http://kb1uas.com/mnsforum/index.php?action=profile;u=15
Perhaps you could add NiFe to the very beginning of the Subject line - to help attract those familiar with these batteries -- I am not one of them.
You do not need to turn off the Temp Comp, if you can live with just watching the EQ Timer. IF it is counting down, then the Classic IS at the EQ voltage.
I do NOT know for certain that the EQ will start after Absorb is complete ... IIRC the Classic may well begin EQing when the delay days is 0, sorry, have never used Auto EQ, so always manually do an EQ after Absorb is finished, or very close to the end.
Why not ping Mike, as he has been running NiFe s for four or five years.
Have Fun, Vic
Quote from: Vic on January 18, 2017, 10:11:17 PM
Hi dRdoS7,
There are probably several members here that use NiFe batteries, Mike, is one:
http://kb1uas.com/mnsforum/index.php?action=profile;u=15
Perhaps you could add NiFe to the very beginning of the Subject line - to help attract those familiar with these batteries -- I am not one of them.
You do not need to turn off the Temp Comp, if you can live with just watching the EQ Timer. IF it is counting down, then the Classic IS at the EQ voltage.
I do NOT know for certain that the EQ will start after Absorb is complete ... IIRC the Classic may well begin EQing when the delay days is 0, sorry, have never used Auto EQ, so always manually do an EQ after Absorb is finished, or very close to the end.
Why not ping Mike, as he has been running NiFe s for four or five years.
Have Fun, Vic
Not a question specific to a particular battery type.
Maybe some who uses A-EQ can answer? Or, even some one from MN?
I've searched for posts on Auto EQ, but haven't found the answer.
Thanks,
dRdoS7
Hi dRdoS7,
I was not suggesting that you try to ping Mike for his advice on Auto EQ, but, rather, based on some years of dealing with NiFe s he might have some guidance on charge parameters, etc.
Seems to me, that NiFe batteries consume a lot of water, when correctly charged. So, trying to avoid too much water consumption might well lead to not charging the batteries to yield sufficient Capacity for you use.
Had felt that, even if the manufacturer of his batteries happen to be different that yours, still, he might have some useful information, based on having used them for years.
Most users here have various form of Lead Acid batteries, but there are still a number of ins, and outs of how one needs to keep them happy.
That is all. And, on the Auto EQ operation, probably, the next charge day will tell you something more about which day number Auto EQ will begin.
Also, there was a Firmware Bug in the Auto EQ logic, that was fixed, several FW revs ago, so, for Auto EQ to work at all, you might need to do a FW Update ...
What FW version is your Classic running.
Also, when you get a chance, please try to do a Signature, particularly given that you are using NiFe batteries, it could save you some time, etc.
That is all. Good Luck, Vic
Hi,
Using 2096, which is the last one I'd seen mentioned here, until a few days ago, that was only because the subject was about FW links gone missing and I read it out of interest. That went way off topic!
Not much mentioned in the FW thread.
I see it fixes a MNGP bug: #1 - Fixed an EQ bug where the MNGP would remember EQ started even though it was not in EQ and then any button pushes on the MNGP could start an EQ
Had that happen a few times! So I'll update in the early tomorrow morning when there's no solar activity.
I have table of recommended set points for various NiFe battery configs. Some are set lower to reduce water, which will be important for when we're away in our caravan. Power usage home will be minimal then, so can afford to do that, and I know it won't harm the batteries.
I topped mine up after 2 months and used 22 litres. I expect usage to drop a bit once they are "broken in", I have been overcharging them as instructed by the seller. I see a big improvement from when I first set them up.
dRdoS7
Hi dRd..,
Your present version of FW should do Auto EQ just fine ... I have never used it, so cannot add any more on it.
Good Luck, Vic
i've never done an EQ, since i gas off plenty of water with long absorbs.... And since you need to be fully charged before you start an EQ on lead acid Try just cranking up the absorb voltage and time
Hi,
Quote from: mike90045 on January 19, 2017, 03:49:14 AM
i've never done an EQ, since i gas off plenty of water with long absorbs.... And since you need to be fully charged before you start an EQ on lead acid Try just cranking up the absorb voltage and time
I could inc. Abs. volts. I've been doing lots of testing with different settings, and I have what currently (seem to) work for me. My time of 5 1/5 hrs corresponds to the available sun shine that will allow absorb, so no point increasing that. I may need to buy a few more panels, mounted differently, to get sun earlier & later in the day. The 58.5v setting is equal to 1.625v/cell, which is slightly higher than what I was told to use. It's also the point at which my inverter doesn't constantly beep to due to its approaching high cut-out (> 61.5v). Could use an inverter with wider "powerband" too. That way I can have all 40 cells, instead of 36 to suit the inverter. I've been thinking of wiring it so the Classic charges 40, but the inverter runs off 36, don't know how that will go. Some testing coming up!
Anyway, all that aside, I'm interested in Auto-EQ, and when it happens in the charge cycle with the Classic. I want to Absorb, then EQ for a short time.
dRdoS7
EDIT: Updated FW to 2126 this morning. First thing that happened once I set it up was that EQ started. Don't know if that means it will either Bulk/Absorb or EQ, depending on A-EQ day setting. Time will tell.
Hi,
Bit of detective work found this info about A-EQ on a Brat:
QuoteAuto EQ when enabled
After thirty days of operation The Brat will attempt an EQ cycle. The Auto EQ cycle starts after The Brat completes Absorb charging and is ready to go to Float.
If The Brat does not complete Absorb charging at this time it will wait until it does complete Absorb charging to start AUTO EQ. That may be later on the same day or in subsequent days.
If the full EQ cycle does not complete The Brat will try to complete the cycle the next day, but only the next day. If Auto EQ is not complete at this point the day counter will reset and try again in thirty days.
Possibly the Classic is the same (except for the days interval)?
Hopefully so, as that what I would want it to do.
dRdoS7