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charging still allows full operation of charging and balancing. The SOC
displayed on the charger screen may not be accurate as the communi-
cation between the battery and charger is limited. For the most accu-
rate SOC reading, always refer to the battery's SOC display (UIM, BDI
or truck integration).
Each charging type uses specific battery cables to allow for that type
of communication. These cables must be properly selected and con-
figured for correct charging and balancing of the Ready Power battery.
Contact the local Deka representative or for questions regarding
compatible chargers and battery charging cables.
8.3.2 Connecting to Charger
Locate the charge cables installed on the battery. These will usually be
the Anderson Euro style connector or Anderson SBX connector. Some
setups will have dedicated charge cables while others may require dis-
connecting cable(s) from the lift truck before connecting to the charger.
Connect the battery charge cables to the corresponding cables on the
Ready Power approved charger. For dual cable operations, both battery
charge cables must be connected to the charger cables before the
charging process will begin.
CAUTION:
Always connect Anderson Euro connectors in the correct
orientation. Forcing the connectors together in a reverse polarity
orientation may cause charger and battery damage, not covered by
the Ready Power Warranty.
Once all cables are connected, the charger will begin the communi-
cation connection process. This process may last up to 30 seconds
while the battery and charger start communicating. The charger will
then begin the charge process automatically and the charger will go to
maximum DC amps output; the operator should verify this each time
the charger is connected. No user input is needed on either the battery
or charger.
8.3.3 Charging Process
The charger and battery communicate throughout the charge process
to ensure the maximum acceptable amperage is sent to the battery,
creating the shortest possible charge times. As the battery nears the
top of charge, you may see the charge rate reduce. This is normal as
the cells reach their upper charge limits. The charger may display the
output amps and the State of Charge (SOC) of the battery. This will
help determine where the battery is in the charge process.
On CAN-enabled chargers, the SOC of the unit is accurately dis-
played. On "early vintage chargers with" BMID setups you may see
a difference in reported SOC between the charger and the User
Interface Module (UIM). It is normal for these to be up to 20% off at
times. Always refer to the battery's UIM or BDI for the most accurate
SOC reading.
On certain BMID chargers, you may see a temperature reading on the
charger's screen. This reading is not the temperature of the battery
nor of the charger. It is a result of normal signals being sent to the
charger and should be ignored. The battery management system will
be sending these temperatures signals to control the current provided
by the charger.
For chargers using CAN communications, the BMS will send the current
request to the charger without the need to use a temperature signal.
8.3.4 Balancing
Deka Ready Power batteries require cells to be balanced on a regular
basis. At the top of charge, the battery's onboard computer (BMS)
will enter the balancing mode and command the charger to provide
a small amount of current (about 5-10 amps). This whole process is
automated, requiring no user input, with the battery management
system controlling the balancing actively.
During the balancing process, it is normal to see the charger current
output fluctuate up and down and even rest at 0 amps for short periods
of time.
The more frequent a battery is balanced, the quicker the process
will be. If the battery has not been balanced for several weeks, the bal-
ancing process may take longer.
NOTE:
To maintain the health of the battery and to protect the prod-
uct's warranty, it is important that the battery is fully balanced at least
once a month. Keep the charger connected to the battery until the
charger presents the charge is complete.
8.3.5 Stopping the Charge
Once the battery's Battery Management System (BMS) reads all cells
are in balance, it will command the charger to end the charging cycle.
This is usually accompanied by a "Charge Complete" message or in-
dication on the charger. If the operator wishes to end the charge cycle
early, they MUST use the charger's "stop" button.
CAUTION:
Disconnecting the charge cables without using the
stop button may cause arcing and will cause damage to the
connector and contacts. This could lead to future problems such as
abnormally hot connectors and, in worst case scenarios, melting
of the connectors.
8.3.6 Non-Lithium Chargers
A non-lithium charger is defined here as: A charger that has not been
approved by Navitas to work and communicate with the Ready Power
line of batteries. While it is not advised to use non-lithium chargers in
everyday operations, there may be instances where it could be useful
to use these chargers for service or pre-install activities.
NOTE:
Using chargers which are not approved for regular battery
operations will prevent normal cell balancing and will void the Ready
Power Warranty.
To use a non-lithium charger for service:
1. Ensure the battery and charger have matching connectors
2. Power on the battery and charger
3. Connect the battery to the charger
4. Monitor the unit as it charges for the first 20 minutes to make sure it
continues charging
a. The battery does not need to be fully charged for pre-install or ser-
vice actions
5. Stop the charger before reaching top of charge and disconnect the
cables
6. Power down the battery if no other service actions are required
If the battery is left connected to the charger, it will shut down at top of
charge to prevent an over-charge condition from occurring. The battery
will need to be reset before being used again. Continued overcharge
protection shutdowns will prematurely wear internal parts. Request
service from a local Deka representative if you are seeing signs of a
battery shutting down while connected to a charger.
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