Outback Power Systems 80 user manual Understanding the Various Operational Modes

22. Understanding the Various Operational Modes

The FLEXmax 80 modes of operation will change occasionally during the day based on the PV array output and the battery system state of charge. The FLEXmax 80 operating modes are displayed at the bottom right hand corner of the STATUS screen.

Absorbing The FLEXmax 80 is in the Absorb (constant voltage) charge stage, regulating the battery voltage at the Absorb voltage set point (modified by battery temperature compensation if installed). During this cycle, the ChgT counter in the Misc menu is counting up towards the user defined Absorb Time Limit. If the system cannot regulate the battery voltage at the Absorb voltage set point, then the FLEXmax 80 reverts back to the Bulk charge stage, display MPPT Bulk, and the ChgT counter may start counting down towards zero minutes or until the Absorb target is met. See page 48 for more information.

AutoStart (Auto Re-Start) Mode 1—Once every 1.5 hours in Bulk cycle and in Mode 2, once every

1.5hours in the Bulk, Absorb and Float recharging modes, the FLEXmax 80 will start over from sleeping and re-track (full track) and re-calibrate the current sensor. Mode 0 is disabled completely. (See Stats menu). Note: If enabled, AutoStart also occurs during the MPPT EQ cycle.

BatTmpErr The battery temperature sensor is shorted or damaged. The charging voltage will not be temperature compensated and the cooling fan will continuously operate.

BatTooHot The battery temperature sensor has detected a battery temperature of over 50°C. The FLEXmax 80 will stop charging the battery and wait for the battery to cool below 50°C.

Charged There is an external DC source other than solar keeping the battery above the Float voltage set point-- the FLEXmax 80 will stop charging. The display may also appear when the charge cycle is transitioning from Absorbing (upper target voltage) to Floating (lower target voltage).

EQ 0:00 This is the time elapsed in hours and minutes since the Equalization voltage set point was met. If the EQ voltage set point is not maintained, the controller will revert back – the EQ timer will pause until the batteries are regulated at the EQ voltage set point again. The paused time can be viewed in the Stats menu.

EQ Done Once the set EQ time (between 1 and 7 hours) has successfully completed, EQ Done will be displayed either until a button is pressed, or the next morning’s wakeup. The FLEXmax 80 will transition to Float cycle at the end of the completed EQ cycle.

EX-Absorb There is an external DC source other than solar keeping the battery above the Absorb voltage set point. The FLEXmax 80 will stop charging.

Floating The FLEXmax 80 is in the Float (constant voltage) charge stage and is regulating the battery at the Float voltage set point (modified by battery temperature compensation, if installed). If the system cannot maintain the Float voltage set point, (e.g. AC and/or DC loads are on), the FLEXmax 80 will employ the MPPT function, display MPPT Float, and try its best to regulate the batteries to the Float voltage set point.

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