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Configuring the Freedom SW using the SCP
Battery Charger Functions
When AC power is available, the Freedom SW can operate as a battery
charger. Different battery types and chemistries require different charging
voltage levels. Not charging batteries at the required levels can shorten
battery life or damage the batteries. The Freedom SW is configured at the
factory to work with the battery types recommended for inverter
applications. If the default settings do not work for your specific
installation, you can adjust the charge stage settings (as recommended by
the battery manufacturer) on the Custom (Battery) Settings menu (see
page 50).
Table 11
Charger Settings Menu Description
Item Description
Batt Type
Sets the system battery chemistry and type:
Flooded
,
AGM
,
Gel
, and
Custom
.
Selecting Custom displays the Custom Settings item, which allows you to
adjust the settings for each charging stage.
Custom
Settings
Displays the Custom Battery Settings menu, where you can adjust
settings specific to your battery type and installation. It is only displayed if
Custom is selected as the Batt Type.
Batt
Capacity
Selects the system battery capacity in amp hours. Setting the battery capacity to
0 resets the charging current to its default values. Zero Ah battery capacity
implies there is no absorption exit current criteria and absorption only exits
when the absorption timer (default 3hrs, range 1min-8hr) expires.
Max Chg
Rate
Sets the percentage of the maximum DC output current that is available to the
charger. The maximum DC output current for different models is:
• Freedom SW 2012 —100 ADC
• Freedom SW 3012 —150 ADC
• Freedom SW 2024 —50 ADC
• Freedom SW 3024 —75 ADC
If multiple Freedom SWs are charging the same battery bank, set each
inverter's Max Chg Rate to 1/n of the desired charge rate (where n is the
number of inverter/chargers).
Charge
Cycle
Sets the charging method: 3Stage (bulk, absorption, float) or 2StgNoFloat
(bulk, absorption, no float).
ReCharge
Volts
Sets the recharging volts to tell the charger to initiate charging when the battery
drains past the value setting.
Auto
ReCharge
Enables or disables automatic charging. When there are two or more power
sources for charging batteries, Auto ReCharge can be disabled to allow
manual charging of batteries.
Absorb
Time
Sets the maximum time spent in the absorption stage, before transitioning to float
or no float.
NOTE
: The Absorb Time setting resets to its default value of 180 minutes when the
Battery Type is changed except when changing to Custom Settings. In Custom
Settings, the Absorb Time setting will not reset to its default value.
Default
Batt Temp
Selects the battery temperature charging compensation if a battery temperature
sensor is not installed. In the absence of a battery temperature sensor, the
charger uses one of three settings:
Cold
(5 °C/41 °F),
Warm
(25 °C/77 °F), or
Hot
(40 °C/104 °F).
NOTE: This information is provided for guidance only. Variations in
battery chemistry and site-specific environmental considerations mean
that you should consult your system designer or battery manufacturer for
specific recommendations for appropriate battery voltage and current
settings.
Table 11
Charger Settings Menu Description
Item Description
Freedom SW 3K2K InvChg Owners Guide.book Page 49 Wednesday, October 9, 2013 1:34 PM
