Battery temperature plays a crucial role in safe, effective charging, especially in marine environments where physical conditions vary. Xantrex TRUEcharge3 battery charger provides two options for managing temperature: with a Battery Temperature Sensor (BTS) or through manual configuration. Here’s how each option works and why temperature sensing is a valuable tool for maintaining your battery’s health and longevity.
Why Temperature Management Matters for Batteries?
Batteries respond differently to temperature, and optimal charging conditions can vary widely. Colder batteries charge more slowly, while hotter ones can overcharge and overheat, leading to a shorter battery lifespan. Temperature-sensitive charging ensures that your charger can adapt to changing conditions, protecting against the risks of undercharging and overcharging.
Option 1: Using the Battery Temperature Sensor (BTS) for AGM, Gel, and Flooded Batteries
For those using AGM, Gel, or Flooded batteries, the optional BTS provides real-time temperature data to the charger, allowing for responsive voltage adjustments based on temperature. Here’s what makes the BTS a valuable addition for these battery types:
Automated Temperature Control: The BTS adjusts charging voltage automatically to match the battery’s temperature, ensuring your batteries receive the most suitable voltage based on real-time data.
Temperature-Based Protection: The BTS offers built-in over-temperature and under-temperature shutdowns. If the battery gets too hot (above 70°C) or too cold (below -25°C), the charger will stop charging to prevent damage.
Here is the connection diagram on how to connect BTS to the TRUEcharge3 Battery Charger.
Installation Tip: Attach the BTS to the negative terminal of your warmest battery. This will lower charging voltage when temperatures are high, preserving battery health across the entire bank.
Option 2: Manual Temperature Setting for AGM, Gel, and Flooded Batteries
If you don’t have a BTS, you can manually configure the temperature setting directly on the TRUEcharge3 display. Here’s how it works:
Choose the Appropriate Temperature Setting: By default, the Battery Temp. is set to Warm. Press and hold the Battery Temp. Select button for three seconds to advance to the next setting.
Select the appropriate battery temperature setting. The LEDs will indicate which of the three types is being selected: Warm, Hot, or Cold.
Cold: For temperatures below 5°C (41°F)
Hot: For environments above 30°C (86°F)
Warm: Ideal for moderate conditions between 5–30°C (41–86°F)
Manual Voltage Adjustment: The charger will alter voltage based on the temperature to compensate offset from 25°C to help protect against overcharging or undercharging:
Cold: Adds voltage for efficient charging (+0.675V).
Warm: Maintains the standard voltage.
Hot: Lowers voltage to reduce overheating risks (-0.27V).
Note: Ensure the setting accurately reflects the actual battery temperature. Selecting an incorrect setting could lead to undercharging or overcharging, which may impact battery health.
Important Note on Lithium Batteries
For Xantrex Lithium batteries, no BTS or manual setting is needed; the battery’s internal Battery Management System (BMS) automatically manages temperature. Similarly, if you’re using third-party lithium batteries with their own BMS, the BMS should be able take care of temperature management. The BTS is used specifically for non-lithium batteries (AGM, Gel, Flooded) that lack a BMS, where real-time or manual temperature adjustments are beneficial.
Remote Panel Control for Temperature Settings
If you’re using the TRUEcharge3 remote panel, configuring temperature settings becomes straightforward, especially when the charger is installed in a challenging or hard-to-reach spot. The remote panel allows you to control temperature settings from a convenient location onboard, making it easier to fine-tune your charging process based on battery temperature. Here’s how:
Enter Product Setup Mode: Press and hold the Status button until all lights on the panel illuminate. This indicates that you’ve entered product setup mode.
Cycle Through Temperature Options: Once in setup mode, press the Status button for 3 seconds. This will cycle through the temperature settings: Cold, Warm, and Hot. Select the temperature that best matches your current environment or battery conditions.
Confirm and Exit Setup Mode: Press and hold the Status button for more than 5 seconds to exit product setup mode. Your selected temperature setting is now configured.
Utilizing the remote panel for temperature adjustments ensures that you’re managing your charging system without the need to access the charger directly. It’s a user-friendly option for those who want quick, centralized control, perfect for fine-tuning onboard charging based on temperature needs.
For AGM, Gel, or Flooded batteries, the TRUEcharge3’s optional BTS or manual temperature setting feature offers the precision needed to charge safely in all weather. With lithium batteries, your battery’s internal BMS takes care of temperature regulation, leaving you free to focus on other aspects of your journey. By choosing the right temperature management approach, you can optimize battery performance, protect against environmental extremes, and extend battery life on every voyage.