Charger for RXV - Float Charge

MiltonC

Does the stock charger for my 2009 RXV provide a float charge, or do I need to unplug it peridocially and re-plug to refresh the charging cycle?

I get a solid green light indicating the batteries are fully charged and I get a reading of 51.3 volts across the pack (48V) . I think that the charger has completely disengaged at this point?

I ask because I'm wondering about winter maintenance.

BGW

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JohnnieB

Sounds like you have a Powerwise QE charger, which does not have a float charge mode.

The nominal float charge voltage for a 48V pack is 52.8V, so 51.3V tells me that you've got relatively new batteries, or they haven't rested log enough to deplete the surface charge after the charger's green light came on.

You'll have to re-initiate a charge at least every month while in storage.

QE chargers are not repairable and aren't known for their longevity, so when it goes get a DPI charger or something that does have a float charge mode.

MiltonC

Thanks JohnnieB.

That is correct a Powerwise QE. Let it set overnight and measured this morning - 20 hrs after charge complete and it measured 51.1v.

The batteries are over 2 years old, but maybe they weren't abused and someone took good care of them.

I'll make sure I keep them charged this winter.

JohnnieB

You might be right about the previous owner taking good care of the batteries.
And it sounds like you are following in those footsteps.

kantuckian

someone tell what float charge means

JohnnieB

Float charging is when the battery's voltage is held above the at-rest voltage (2.12 Volts per Cell) and below the gassing voltage (2.37 Volts per Cell).

Typically, a voltage regulated current source is used to maintain about 2.2 Volts per Cell and the current flow is allowed to float (fluctuate) to maintain that voltage.

That would be around 39.4V for a 36V pack and around 52.8V for a 48V pack. (Trojan battery specs from User's Guide)

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On the other hand, trickle charging is limiting the current flow to about 1%, or so, of the battery's Amp-Hour rating and not regulating or limiting the voltage.

This might allow the voltage to climb into the heavy gassing area (2.37V Volts per Cell and above) and water usage would become an issue during storage.

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There is a big difference between Float and Trickle charging.

MiltonC

Looks like I was wrong about the battery age (in my favor) the post are stamped C2 which I believe means they were manufactured in March 2012?

So they are less than 1-year old and still carry the original 18 month warranty?

bigstik40

Some days you're the pigeon, some days you're the statue !! Today you are the pigeon !! Very good news for you, take care of those batteries. - RAY

lococummins

Does anyone know if Delta-Q chargers float charge? That is what I got with my RXV.

MiltonC

The RXV Electric Owners Manual State the following for the PowerWise QE charger: "Once a minimum battery voltage of 2 volts per cell (Vpc) is reached, the charger’s output current will change from a full current charge to the trickle rated charging current. The length of charge time will vary by how depleted the batteries are, the input AC voltage, and/or charger ambient temperatures. The charger’s LED will give a SHORT flash if the charge is less than 80% and a LONG flash if the charge is greater than 80%. If the
charger’s LED is a steady GREEN the batteries are fully charged and the charger may be unplugged, although not necessary. The charger may be left plugged in for long periods of time to maintain the batteries charge level".

Johnnie, Do you interpret this to mean that the Powerwise goes into trickle charge mode and it continues until unplugged?