Terminology
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Glossary
Absorption Charge The second stage of three-stage battery charging. Voltage remains
constant and current reduces as the battery becomes charged. This
ensures complete charging.
Alternating Current (AC) The type of electrical power supplied by the power utility or an
AC generator. The unique characteristic of this form of electricity
is that it reverses direction at regular intervals. For example, 120
VAC 60 Hz power reverses flow 60 times a second, hence the
rating 60 Hz (cycles per second).
Ambient Temperature Refers to the air temperature around the inverter, which will affect
its output power.
Ampere (Amp) A measurement of the flow of electrical current. One amp is equal
to the current that flows when one volt is acting across the
resistance of one ohm. (Ohm’s law: I = V/R where I=current,
V=volts, R=resistance)
Ampere Hour
(Amp Hour/Ah)
One amp of electrical current flowing for one hour. One way to
measure the capacity of batteries.
Bulk Charge The first stage of three-stage battery charging. Current is supplied
to the batteries at a constant rate while voltage gradually rises.
Charger, DC A device that is used to replenish the capacity of a battery (its
“charge”) by supplying DC current to the battery.
Current The rate of flow of electrical charge measured in amps.
Direct Current (DC) The type of electricity stored in batteries and generated by solar
electric devices. Current flows in a single direction without
alternating.
Disable When a function is disabled, it is not allowed to occur and if it is
occuring, it is terminated. Regardless of other conditions, the
function will not be activated. For example, even if AC power is
present, if the charger is disabled, the unit will not charge. The
charger must be enabled. See “Enable” in the glossary.
Discharge Stored energy being released from a battery
DC Loads These loads are those that run off a DC electrical system (battery).
A few examples of DC loads are pumps, lights, fans, power vents,
toilet, inverters, and some water heaters. DC loads rely on the
batteries for power.