Page 24 www.enersys.com Publication No. US-RE-IOM-002 January 2012
8.0 INITIAL and/or FRESHENING CHARGE
Batteries lose some initial charge during shipment and storage. Depending on storage time, a
battery may require a freshening charge. See Section 4.0 for battery storage times.
Before switching on the charger or controller, ensure that shipping vent plugs are
removed and flame arrestors are installed.
Initial charge is extremely important as it will condition the battery service life. So the battery
must be fully recharged to ensure that it is in an optimum state of charge. Initial charge
conditions depend on the type of equipment available per below:
8.1 External constant voltage charger or MPPT (Maximum Power Point
Tracking) solar charge controller:
1. Charge at a constant voltage of 2.40 VPC at 77°F, corrected for temperature, for a minimum
of 48hrs. Current should be limited to 0.14C
20
.
2. End-of-charge is when all cell voltages and electrolyte specific gravities (corrected to 25°C)
cease to rise for three consecutive hourly readings. Continue charging until the specific
gravity of electrolyte for all cells rise to nominal specific gravity at maximum level.
3. Add demineralized water if cells to not reach maximum level. Allow an additional 6 hours of
charge for stirring of the electrolyte.
8.2 No external source or MPPT controller available for charging.
1. Connect the battery to the solar panel regulator and leave at rest for 1 to 2 weeks. For this
charge, set the regulator to the following values:
2. Add demineralized water if cells to not reach maximum level. Allow an additional 3 days of
charge for stirring of the electrolyte if water is added.
TABLE 8.1
Temp (°C) Voltage
Low charge-restart
voltage
0 to 20°C 2.30V
20 to 40°C 2.30V
High charge-disconnect
voltage
0 to 20°C 2.50V
20 to 40°C 2.45V
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