the two battery manufacturers say that cycling of floated batteries is 100% unnecessary. equalizing is still important to prevent stratification of the electrolyte... but equalizing and cycling are different things. todd On Tuesday, February 21, 2012 6:33am, "Drake" <drake.chamber...@redwoodalliance.org> said:
In my experience, at least my batteries need to be cycled. Here is the data. AC coupled backup system. The batteries are usually only supplying the inverter controls, with the pair of Outback 3524 inverters connected but turned off at the Mate. 80 watts of pv is used for a battery maintainer. The 2160 W of PV usually goes straight to the grid, and is switched over when needed. The batteries will remain essentially dormant with self discharge and control power somewhat balanced by a trickle charge coming from the small sub array. The batteries hold around 25.2 volts over night. When they drop to 25 or 24.8, I charge and often equalize them. Just equalizing will not make them hold at 25.2 V again. Even back to back equalization will not keep the battery V from dropping to 25 almost immediately. If I switch to off grid mode for a night to cycle the batteries and then bulk charge them, they will hold the 25.2 V again. I think cycling really is needed to mix up the acid. Drake Sent from Finest Planet WebMail.
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