P.O.Box 291
Purchase, NY 10577
U.S.A.
732-763-2814
help@usrenewableconsultant.com
Most larger inverters can operate as battery chargers as well. This is easily and economically accomplished because of the design of most inverters. Inverters step up low voltage DC power and change it to 120VAC power. Battery chargers do the reverse of this.
Transfer switches are also incorporated into these Inverter / Chargers so that the AC loads can be powered directly from the generator when the battery charger is operating.
From a reliability, performance, and economical standpoint, built-in battery chargers are the way to go.
Multi-Stage Battery Charging
A typical 12-volt lead-acid battery must be taken to approximately 14.2-14.6 VDC before it is fully charged. (For 24 volt systems double these figures for 48 volt, multiply by four.) If taken to a lesser voltage level, some of the sulfate deposits that form during discharge will remain on the battery's lead plates. Over time, these deposits will cause a 200 amp-hour battery to act more like a 100 amp-hour battery, and battery life will be shortened considerably. Once fully charged, batteries should be held at a lower float voltage to maintain their charge - typically 13.2 to 13.4 volts. Higher voltage levels will "gas" the battery and boil off electrolyte, requiring more frequent maintenance.
Most automotive battery charger designs cannot deal with the conflicting voltage requirements of the initial "bulk charge" and subsequent "float" or maintenance stage. These designs can accommodate only one charge voltage, and therefore must use a compromise setting - typically 13.8 volts. The result is a slow incomplete charge, sulfate deposit build-up, excessive gassing and reduced battery life.
The charger available in our inverters automatically cycles batteries through a proper three stage sequence (bulk, absorption and float) to assure a rapid and complete charge without excessive gassing.
Factory battery charger settings on most inverter-charger combination's are optimal for a lead acid (liquid electrolyte) battery bank of 250-300 amp hours in a 70°F environment. If your installation varies from these conditions, you will obtain better performance from your batteries if you adjust the control settings.
Let us provide you with an assessment of your need.
We offer assessments ready to be taken to the bank for your Renewable Power Generation Home Improvement Loan. Contact us at: