Operation; Charging Characteristics - Studer MBC 12-08 User Manual

OPERATION

When the battery charger is switched on, it automatically selects the optimum charge mode to
best suit the batteries or load connected. The battery charger has a loading characteristic of the
IUoU type.

CHARGING CHARACTERISTICS

Charging occurs in 3 phases:
BULK phase (constant current) - The batteries need more current than the battery charger can sup-
ply. Current is limited to the maximum rated output. The battery charger can enter this phase during
start-up, when the batteries are low or when a high load is connected.
ABSORPTION phase (constant voltage) - The battery charger charges the batteries at a constant
ABSORPTION voltage and at the current they need.
The current needed by the batteries will tend to diminish over time. When the required current is less
than 20% of the maximum output value, the charger will change to the FLOAT phase.
FLOAT phase (maintenance) - The battery charger charges the batteries at the constant FLOAT volt-
age. In this phase, as the batteries reach maximum capacity, they will tend to absorb current close to
zero Ampere. This FLOAT phase will allow the batteries to be on charge without the risk of overload-
ing. The next step to the ABSORPTION phase occurs when the demand for current goes over 20% of
the maximum output value.
(V)
14.1 (28.2) [Gel 14.4 (28.8)]
13.5 (27.0) [Gel 13.8 (27.6)]
(I)
Imax
20% Imax
BULK ABSORPTION
OPERATING
FLOAT NEW CYCLE
GB
TIME
TIME
8