Allan:
We recently experienced some problems charging a new set of IBE batteries
with XW equipment. The apparent solution was reached just before I left
for a back packing trip so I did not have time to post the
results. Apparently, the flags on the IBE batteries developed a talcum
powder like deposit between the flags and the cables, in spite of being
cleaned and sealed recently. Re-cleaning them improved charging and
discharging. We may have a defective terminal sealant product. We
reapplied the same product because that is what we had on a Saturday and we
want to know if we need to discontinue use of it. I will post further results.
In the meantime, we are learning that higher equalize voltages on VLA
batteries is better. We theorize that industrial chargers of the type that
are not micro-processor controlled allow higher voltages to occur during
charging. Battery industry techs are familiar with these devices but may
not realize that they are not as precise at voltage regulation as a modern
inverter/charger. The batteries like these higher voltages and don't get
them with your XW or VFX inverter. This is just a theory and we are
working to verify it.
William Miller
At 10:53 AM 8/3/2008, you wrote:
Wrenches,
Thank you for the whole set of responses.
I haven't been to the site yet, but plan to stop there this week. As the
symptoms are not easily explained, I wanted to put the problem out for ideas
here first, to reduce the chance of missing something. I will report back
with what I learn.
I will first check whether the 0.4 V discrepancy is related to battery
temperature. It seems to me that the simplest way to do this is to check the
MX60 settings during equalization. If the measured voltage is at the MX60's
temperature-compensated EQ voltage, then a warm environment is the apparent
cause of the reduced voltage.
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