Trojan T-145 Charge Voltages

[zboss]

Hi,

The Trojan T-145 battery instructions do not give a charging voltage for the bulk charging phase - what voltage is the best? This question may be my ignorance on how charging works, but my Mastervolt charger lets us set the voltages for each phase, and right now it is just set to the default (14.4) but it has a max of 15.5.

Second, the Trojan instructions give a range of voltages for the absorbtion phase: 2.35-2.45 per cell. This gives a range of 14.1 to 14.7 in a 12 volt configuration. What is the preferable voltage, the high end, mid, or low end?

Thanks,

z

[colemj]

Trojan Battery Company

Mark

[Maine Sail]

Bulk, by standard definitions, is not voltage limited it is the constant current stage of charging. Bulk ends when you hit absorption voltage. Still, this has not stopped the marketing guru's at companies like Balmar from confusing everyone and having "bulk voltage" settings on their regulators. The reality is that they have two absorption stages not a "bulk" voltage.

Bulk is not a voltage limited stage it is current limited... You only enter voltage limiting when you hit absorption.

Trojan batts do much better with higher acceptance voltages. 14.6V to 14.8V will yield faster charging and also help to minimize sulfation. You will use more water but in my experience the batts tend to be healthier for longer...

[zboss]

So in my situation, setting the bulk and absorption voltages to about 14.6 will help avoid sulfation but require a little more maintenance. I plan on buying the Trojan branded watering system to simplify the maintenance.