6.3 3-step+ charge process
Battery charging is accomplished in three automatic stages: BULK, ABSORPTION and FLOAT. The first
step is the BULK phase, in which the output current of the charger is 100%, and the greater part of the
capacity of the battery is rapidly charged. The current charges the batteries and gradually the voltage
rises to the BULK voltage. The duration of this phase depends on the ratio of battery to charger capacity,
and the battery state of charge.
Figure 6: 3-step charge algorithm. See section 8.2 for detailed information.
The BULK phase is followed by the ABSORPTION phase. Absorption charging starts when the voltage on
the batteries has reached the BULK voltage and ends when the battery is completely full. Battery voltage
remains constant throughout this stage, and the charge current depends on the degree to which the
battery was initially discharged, the battery type, the ambient temperature, etc. This stage lasts for 4
hours maximum. Once the battery is 100% full, the CombiMaster Inverter/Charger automatically
switches over to the FLOAT phase.
Connected DC loads are powered directly by the charger. If the load exceeds the charger capacity, the
required additional power comes from the battery, which will be progressively discharged until the
charger automatically switches back to the bulk phase. Once consumption decreases, the charger goes
back to normal operation of the 3-step+ charge system.
Connected to the CombiMaster Inverter/Charger, the batteries can be left unattended for weeks or
months. One hour every 14 days the charger automatically switches to ABSORPTION to keep the battery
running properly and prolong its life span. The 3-step+ charge system is also safe for all the connected
equipment.
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