The FLEXmax 80, also known as the FM80, is the latest innovation in Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) charge controllers from OutBack Power Systems. The FLEXmax 80's innovative MPPT algorithm is both continuous and active, increasing your renewable energy yield up to 30%. Thanks to enhanced cooling, the FLEXmax 80 can operate at its full 80 amp maximum current rating in ambient temperatures as high as 104F (40C).
Included in the FLEXmax 80 are all of the features first developed by OutBack Power in the revolutionary MX60, such as support for a wide range of nominal battery voltages and the ability to step-down a high voltage solar array to recharge a low voltage battery. A built-in backlit display shows status information at the touch of a button. Enhanced network communications allow the FLEXmax 80 to be remotely programmed via the optional MATE system display and controller.
5 year warrantee standard. 145V max array Voc.
- 80Amp DC Maximum Output
- 12, 24, 36, 48, or 60VDC Battery voltage
- 145VDC Maximum Array Voltage
- Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT)
- 97.5% Efficiency typical
- Programmable, Automatic Equalization
- Programmable, 12V Auxilliary Output
- 128 days of data logging
- 5 Year Warranty
Battery Charging Batteries are a key component in backup and off-grid systems, often serving as the only energy storage device. To guarantee that they function properly it is important that your batteries are maintained. A chief part of this maintenance is proper charging. Your batteries should always be maintained above a 50% level of charge and receive a complete recharge once a month to ensure operation at peak performance. Prolonged use of the battery below a 50% state of charge will adversely affect the long-term health of the battery and can result in premature failure.
The multistage charging process uses several regulation stages to allow fast recharging of the battery energy storage system while ensuring a long battery life, high performance and efficient operation of the overall system. The charging process begins with the BULK stage, where maximum current is sent to the batteries until the target äóìabsorbäó� voltage is reached and the absorb stage of the charge begins. During ABSORB, the charger provides the batteries with the just enough current to hold at the set voltage for a preset amount of time. Following this cycle, the charging system changes between available OutBack charging products. Using the MX-60, the batteries enter the FLOAT stage where they are given a maintenance charge until there is no excess renewable energy. The FX or VFX inverter/charger will go into SILENT mode where the charger turns off until the battery voltage drops to the äóìre-floatäó� setting. At this point the inverter/charger initiates the maintenance FLOAT charge. This method reduces fuel and utility consumption.
It should be noted that the temperature of your batteries has an impact on the charging process. The OutBack RTS should be used to monitor this. In higher ambient temperatures, the battery charging regulation settings will be reduced to prevent overcharging of the batteries. Conversely, in lower ambient temperature conditions, the regulation settings will be increased to ensure complete recharging of the batteries.
Batteries are composed of a group of individual cells. Through normal use, the charge of each individual cell will not be equal to the other cells. To address this, your batteries should be EQUALIZED either once each month or once every few months depending on usage. During the equalization charge the electrolyte in the battery is stirred up by gas bubbles, which help to create an equal mixture of water and acid. Simultaneously the full cells are overcharged which allows the low cells to äóìcatch upäó� and all of the active material in the battery to be reconverted to its charged state. Depending on usage, the hardened battery plate material that is no longer active in the battery- sulfation can also be reduced by an equalization charge.
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