question

solar-tech avatar image
solar-tech asked

Victron MPPT - Max Charge Voltage ?

Hi Everyone,

With MK Deka Gel batteries the manufacturer states a max charge voltage of 14.58V on a 12V block.
With a Victron MPPT, if we enable temp compensation - then the controller could exceed this in very cold conditions.
If we don't enable temp compensation then the batteries won't get as well charged in cold conditions.

I can't understand why there isn't a max charge voltage on the temp comp settings ?

Thanks,
Mark.

MPPT Controllers
2 |3000

Up to 8 attachments (including images) can be used with a maximum of 190.8 MiB each and 286.6 MiB total.

3 Answers
kevgermany avatar image
kevgermany answered ·

Because max charge voltage changes with temperature. Your maker is giving a max at standard temp. Set absorption voltage (max charge voltage) as per instructions and enable compensation.

1 comment
2 |3000

Up to 8 attachments (including images) can be used with a maximum of 190.8 MiB each and 286.6 MiB total.

solar-tech avatar image solar-tech commented ·

Hi, thanks for your reply. No, this is the absolute max voltage at 15 deg C... as per their tech note (and confirmed with their tech staff in the USA) :


mk-setpoints.png

0 Likes 0 ·
mk-setpoints.png (66.2 KiB)
klim8skeptic avatar image
klim8skeptic answered ·

@Solar Tech you have to use the temp compensation figures that Deka provides.

It looks like it is -18mv/C for a 12v battery @ 25c. Do check those figures.

deka-gel.png



deka-gel.png (123.5 KiB)
2 |3000

Up to 8 attachments (including images) can be used with a maximum of 190.8 MiB each and 286.6 MiB total.

solar-tech avatar image
solar-tech answered ·

Yes, I have.... those figures are for 15 Deg C with a co-efficient of 0.003 Mv / cell / deg C .... as per their document below (and confirmed with their tech staff in the USA), which equates to 14.58V (2.43 vpc).

I quote Deka : "Continuing to temp. comp below 15°C the change voltage will be above our max. charge voltage recommendation."

"and so a voltage limit should really be set ? Correct. Max. Charge voltage should be set to 14.58V (2.43 vpc)"

See highlighted text:
deka-solar-renewable-charging-setpoints.png


2 comments
2 |3000

Up to 8 attachments (including images) can be used with a maximum of 190.8 MiB each and 286.6 MiB total.

klim8skeptic avatar image klim8skeptic ♦ commented ·
@Solar Tech the next sentence specifically says that temp compensation is to be applied to battery temp under 25c, and batt temp over 25c.
0 Likes 0 ·
solar-tech avatar image solar-tech klim8skeptic ♦ commented ·

Yes... from 25 deg C down to 15 deg C. At that point it should stop.
And in a hot climate the minimum charge voltage is at 35 Deg C. (both highlighted).

0 Likes 0 ·