OmniViz Epever charging stages explained: BOOST, FLOAT, EQUALIZE and STANDBY
Your Epever controller shows a charging stage. Here is what each one means, which settings drive it, and what to change for a lithium battery.
The four stages
- BOOST: the main charge. The controller pushes as much solar current as it can, then holds the boost voltage for the boost duration, so the battery fills completely.
- FLOAT: the battery is full. The controller holds a lower float voltage and only gives what your loads use. Solar power then looks low: that is normal, the controller is limiting it.
- EQUALIZE: a deliberate overcharge for flooded lead-acid batteries, to mix the electrolyte and balance the cells. Never for lithium.
- STANDBY: no charging, typically at night or when there is not enough sun.
When does a new BOOST start?
When the battery voltage falls below the boost reconnect setting, the controller starts a new boost cycle. Set it too high and the battery is boosted again and again; too low and it waits too long.
LiFePO4 batteries
- Use the "User" battery type and set the voltages yourself.
- Set the equalize voltage equal to the boost voltage and the equalize duration to 0: lithium is never equalized.
- A boost duration long enough for the cells to balance (we use 120 minutes) and a float a little higher than Epever's built-in lithium profile.
All the values are in our LiFePO4 settings guide.
Watching the stages
OmniViz Solar shows the current stage on the battery gauge, with how long it has been in BOOST or FLOAT, and records every change of stage in the day's events. See the battery gauge
Frequently asked questions
Why does my Epever controller show little solar power in FLOAT?
In FLOAT the battery is full, so the controller only gives what the loads use and limits the panels. It is normal.
Should I use EQUALIZE with a lithium battery?
No. Set equalize to the boost voltage and its duration to 0 for LiFePO4 and other lithium batteries.
What triggers a new BOOST cycle?
The battery voltage falling below the boost reconnect setting.