Xantrex Technology RS2000 manual Charger Operation with Battery Temperature Sensor

Operation

Charger Operation with Battery Temperature Sensor

Since battery temperature is a key factor in correct charging, the charging formula must be adjusted (automatically and in real time) according to the actual battery temperature to ensure that batteries are fully charged, but not overcharged. For this reason, Xantrex has included a battery temperature sensor (see Figure 2-8)with your RS2000 Sine Wave Inverter/Charger and has temperature compensated the charge formula.

The battery temperature sensor continuously measures the temperature of the battery and adjusts charger output for a more accurate, temperature- compensated charge.

When batteries are cold, their chemical reaction is sluggish, meaning they don’t absorb charge as easily. Thus a charge level optimized for room temperature will not charge the batteries sufficiently if they are cold. The charger must compensate by increasing its voltage to achieve the compensated equivalent of a room temperature charge. If the batteries are hot, the chemical reaction is hyperactive and they absorb energy too easily; thus a standard room-temperature charge would tend to overcharge a hot battery. Therefore, the charger compensates by reducing its voltage.

The battery temperature sensor automatically, and in real time, makes adjustments to the charger’s voltage setpoints to properly charge your batteries. The actual charge compensation formula can be found on page A–3.

Important: It is normal to see a voltage that is different than the specified setpoint when charging if the battery case temperature is above or below 77 °F (25 °C)

If a battery temperature sensor is not present, the RS2000 uses the cold, warm, and hot settings. Charging may not be effective at extreme temperatures. See “Charger Specifications” on page A–3.

Figure 2-8Battery Temperature Sensor

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