Windy Nation Xantrex C Series Multifunction DC Controller - Manual (Page 96)

Batteries
76 975-0004-01-02 Rev D
NiCad and NiFe Batteries
The Xantrex C-Series is compatible with NiCad
(nickel-cadmium) NiFe (nickel-iron) and alkaline-type
batteries, which must be charged to a higher voltage level to
achieve a full charge.
To use the C-Series with NiCad batteries, clip the wire on the
resistor labeled “R46” in the middle of the C-Series circuit
board by cutting it. See
“Setting Voltage Parameters for
Alkaline Batteries” on page 26 for instructions on how to clip
this wire.
Avoid damage to neighboring components.
Battery Sizing
Batteries are the fuel tank of the system. The larger the
batteries, the longer the system can operate before recharging
is necessary. An undersized battery bank results in short
battery life and disappointing system performance.
To determine the proper battery bank size, compute the
number of amp-hours that will be used between charging
cycles. Once the required amp hours are known, size the
batteries at approximately twice this amount. Doubling the
expected amp-hour usage ensures that the batteries will not
be overly discharged and will extend battery life.
Important: In all applications the BULK voltage setting
should be adjusted to a level below the maximum operating
voltage of the DC loads. This may be as low as 15 volts for some
types of electronic loads. Undercharging may occur in this
instance, but DC equipment will be protected. Check with the
manufacturers of the DC equipment being powered for its
maximum DC input voltage tolerance. If equalization is expected
to occur, then the DC equipment being used must tolerate the
voltages which will occur during the equalization process.