DC supplied 3 Stage charger,
Submitted: Sunday, Jan 29, 2006 at 21:33
ThreadID:
30223
Views:
2765
Replies:
8
FollowUps:
3
This Thread has been Archived
Member - Geoff M (Newcastle)
Hello All,
I'm after a 3 Stage Battery Charger with a say 12 to 24 volt DC input and a 12 volt DC output.
Where would I find such a beast without dismantling a 240V AC version?
Thanks,
Geoff
| Geoff,
Landcruiser HDJ78,
Grey hair is hereditary, you get it from children. Baldness is caused by watching the Wallabies.
Lifetime Member
My Profile My Blog Send Message |
Reply By: Member - Collyn R (WA) - Monday, Jan 30, 2006 at 11:12
Monday, Jan 30, 2006 at 11:12
A unit that does just this - 12 volt dc to 12-volt three-stage charger is made by a small company called West in New Zealand. Also availalbe as 24-12 - and also 24-24.
It is a stunning unit - I have had one on trial for the past few months. Has the probably unique ability to charge fully virtually without gassing (truly!) - and can safely charge to plus 100% of the battery capacity.
It uses a different charging principle to other chargers. Final stage is pulse width modulated.
If interested drop me an email and I will put you in direct touch with the maker.
This is one of the most interesting developments I've seen for a long time.
Collyn Rivers
AnswerID:
151737
Follow Up By: anoldbuddy - Tuesday, Jan 31, 2006 at 05:13
Tuesday, Jan 31, 2006 at 05:13
Hi Collyn,
I am very interested in the unit you are testing. Have always wondered why the Arrid did not have the output which you are saying this one does as it just seems so logical. Could you please give me the details of the manufacturer - nobuddy@tpg.com.au
Anoldbuddy
FollowupID:
405561
Reply By: revhead307 - Monday, Jan 30, 2006 at 19:05
Monday, Jan 30, 2006 at 19:05
G'day,
I have a GSL electronics 30A 24v - 12v battery charger...i dont think its a 3 stage..but its regulated (trickles then cuts off when full)...It can also be used as a charge equaliser (pull 12v off one battery in a 24v system)
I have a jaycar voltage/current block wired inline with it...and it puts out 14.5V..and gives the battery whatever my stereo take out of it. (the amp/sub being the main accessory have a current block inline aswell..so i can monitor the current draw and see whats going in and out of the battery)
It maintains the 12v auxillary battery in my 24v import patrol, works a treat.
Rev
AnswerID:
151882
Reply By: Member - Collyn R (WA) - Tuesday, Jan 31, 2006 at 12:20
Tuesday, Jan 31, 2006 at 12:20
The West unit and the Arrid unit are meant for different purposes.
The Arrid unit is intended to correct for minor voltage drop between towing vehicle and trailer: it puts out 14.2-14.4 volts at up to 20-amps. It is simply that - it is not a battery charger as such - it simply increases what's left of the alternator's voltage at the end of a cable. It is effective where there is a minor voltage drop on that cable, but if there is a faulty connector or if the cable is seriously too light then using any dc-dc converter to correct that voltage drop will cause the load to draw more current - which in turn worsens that cable's voltage drop - and thus negates the effect of the converter.
In other words if the best that cable can deliver is (say) 11.5 volts at 5 amps (ie 57.5 watts) then allowing 10% for conversion loss) the output is likely to be 14.4 volts at 3.6 amps (51.75 watts). This is better than you had before (which is zero charging) but one is not going to do a lot with 3.6 amps.
If the cable can deliver (say) 12.2 volts at 20 amps however then the unit will deliver 240 watts - and will convert that to a very useful 14.4 volts at 15 amps.
The West unit is a very sophisticated battery charger that is intended to overcome the several and known problems of charging batteries from a vehicle alternator.
It could certainly be used effectively in a trailer set-up (and even more so if the cabling was adequate) but as I understand the maker's intentions that is not it main purpose.
What it does is to act as a very sophisticated three-stage (plus) charger without interfering in any way with the the alternator or regulator (an unwise thing to do with computer engine systems).
It then charges any type of connected battery rapidly and fully using what (as far as I am aware) is a new technique for the final 20% or so of charge. By using a slow pulse width modulated method (short controlled bursts of 15 amps at 15.5 volts), sulphate is removed from the plates - and gas bubbles are given time to dissipate between pulses. This enables the battery to fully charge with virtually no gassing, and without harm.
As the battery approaches full charge, the pulses shorten to one 20 millisecond pulse every 10 seconds (corresponding to a constant 2 milliamps).
No alteration is needed to existing wiring or alternator system. Peter states that up to two volts drop is acceptable for input voltage.
Suggest contact Peter directly if interested - peter-west@xtra.co.nz
Collyn Rivers
AnswerID:
152044