Reuben wrote: ↑Wed Oct 11, 2017 5:13 pm
From the manual of the eTracer solar controller as I understand it the controller will:
1) Charge in constant current mode until the battery voltage reaches Boost Charging Voltage (Bulk)
2) Charge at Boost Charging Voltage for the time specified by Boost Duration (referred to as constant charging, is this what people refer to as absorption?)
3) Float at Float charging voltage
I think that Equilibrium is the same as Equalisation, I think some of their software uses one term an another the other.
Correct, and very confusing: EPever/eTracer use the term "boost" to mean "absorption" charging. After the bulk charge (constant current with increasing voltage), Boost mode starts, where a constant voltage is applied until the current drops enough. AKA Absorption.
Normally, every few cycles the controller will do an "equalisation" cycle, which is just boost/absorption but at a higher voltage, intended to stir up the acid in a lead-acid battery. LiFePO4 doesn't need this cycle, so you want to set your Equalise Duration to 0 minutes, and for safety set your Equalise Voltage to the same as your Boost Voltage.
"Boost Reconnect" is indeed the voltage at which the controller starts the charge cycle all over again, but, again, it's misnamed: I think it should be called "bulk reconnect", because the charge cycle starts with the bulk phase.