The LMP1218-PWM Master Power Unit is a versatile device designed to manage power distribution and battery charging in various applications, particularly those involving auxiliary batteries and multiple power sources. Manufactured by IDM Technologie, this unit integrates several key functions, including smart battery charging, DC distribution, and solar charge control, all within a compact and robust plastic enclosure.
Function Description
The LMP1218-PWM acts as a central power management unit, capable of handling multiple energy inputs simultaneously. It can draw power from AC mains (shore power), solar panels, and an alternator (motor battery) to charge an auxiliary battery and supply DC loads. The unit features a microprocessor-controlled charging algorithm that ensures optimal charging for different battery types, including AGM, GEL, LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate), and WET batteries.
Key functions include:
- Smart Battery Charger (12V18A): The unit incorporates an active PFC (Power Factor Correction) charger with multiple charging stages (soft start, bulk, absorption, float, recycle) to quickly and efficiently charge batteries. It can be configured to charge Lithium batteries.
- Power Supply Mode: If no battery is connected, the unit automatically operates as a power supply, providing a stable 12.8VDC output to connected loads.
- PWM Solar Charger Controller (15A): A built-in PWM charger allows the unit to utilize solar panels for charging the service battery, supporting a maximum open voltage of 30VDC and a maximum supply current of 15A.
- Voltage Charging Relay (VCR): This feature enables the unit to draw power from the alternator to supply the system while the engine is running. The VCR has specific engagement and disengagement logics based on battery type (LFP or AGM/GEL) and alternator voltage/current, with options for integrated VCR or external DC-DC booster.
- Battery Low Voltage Protection (BLVP): A built-in relay protects the battery from deep discharge by disconnecting loads when the battery voltage falls below a predefined threshold, which varies by battery type. There is a 60-second time delay before protection or resume.
- DC Distribution: The unit provides 16 fused DC outputs for various loads, including water pumps, lighting, USB sockets, ovens, fridges, and other accessories. It also includes central control for water pumps and lighting.
- Main Switch: A built-in main switch allows for isolating the battery during storage. The unit also supports an external remote main switch for convenient on/off control of the auxiliary battery output.
- Communication Ports: RS485 and CI Bus ports are available for optional connectivity to other systems.
Important Technical Specifications
- Model: LMP1218-PWM
- Dimensions (LWH): 235 × 185 × 98.5 mm
- Weight: 2 kg
- Enclosure: Plastic case
- Cooling: By nature (passive)
- Protection Category: IP20
- Certification: ECE R10, E-mark
- Grid Input:
- Nominal input voltage: 230±10%VAC 50/60Hz
- Power factor: 0.98
- Input current at full load: 1.3A
- Battery Specifications:
- Starter battery: 12Vdc (range 12.8-14.8Vdc)
- Service battery: 12Vdc (range 10.8-16.2Vdc)
- Charger type: PWM
- Supported battery types: AGM/GEL/LFP/WET
- PV Input:
- Open circuit voltage: 30Vdc
- Max supply current: 15A
- VCR (Voltage Charging Relay):
- Relay specification: 12Vdc 30A continuous, peak current 50A
- Connect voltage: 13.4V (delay 10sec)
- Disconnect voltage: 12.8V (delay 60sec)
- High voltage limit: 14.8Vdc
- Charger Mode:
- Bulk current: 18A (Max)
- Absorption voltage: (14.4/14.1/14.4/14.7)±0.2Vdc
- Float voltage: (13.5/13.5/13.5/13.7)±0.2Vdc
- Power Supply Mode:
- Nominal output voltage: 12.8±0.2Vdc
- Rated output current: 18A (Continuous)
- Efficiency (Max): 88%
- Working Temperature: -20°C ~ +40°C
- Protection Features: Short circuit on output (fuse blown), reverse polarity (fuse blown), overload protection (derates output until overload is removed), battery charger over temperature (shuts down LMP), battery over voltage limits (battery charger disconnects, loads disconnect).
- Fuse Specifications: A comprehensive list of fuses for various DC loads, ranging from 5A (Awning light, Permanent Autoradio) to 50A (AUX BAT, Motor BAT), including 7.5A (Pump), 10A (Auxiliarie, Oven, Lighting, USB Sockets, Permanent SAT Antenna, Permanent Heating System, Permanent TV-Demodulator), 15A (12V Socket Kitchen), 20A (Permanent Fridge, Footboard), and 25A (Lifting Bed, By-pass Pump, By-pass Lighting, By-pass Lifting).
Usage Features
- Installation: Requires professional installation. Ensure adequate ventilation with at least 5 cm of empty space on each side of the unit.
- Configuration: Dip switches are used to set the VCR mode (Built-in VCR or Ex-DC/DC), Working mode (Charger or Power supply), and Battery type (AGM, GEL, LFP, WET).
- LED Display: Provides visual feedback on the unit's status and error conditions:
- CHG (Green): ON (Battery charged), Flashing (Battery charging), OFF (Battery discharge).
- Dischg (Orange): ON (Battery discharging), OFF (Battery charging).
- CHG/Dischg (Green/Orange): Both ON (Power supply).
- Error Indications: Flash once (Service battery voltage low), Flash twice (Service battery voltage high), Flash 3 times (LMP unit Over temp), Flash 4 times (Bulk charge timeout).
- Safety Precautions:
- High voltage inside; only qualified personnel should open for repair.
- Unit must be turned off before servicing.
- Not designed for use in life-retaining equipment.
- Avoid exposure to dust, rain, snow, or liquids.
- Do not block ventilation.
- Use correct cable gauges and ensure secure connections.
- Do not place inflammable goods near the unit.
- Avoid placing the unit directly above batteries due to corrosive gases.
- Exercise caution with battery acid and flammable gases during charging.
- Remove all personal metal items when working with batteries to prevent short circuits and burns.
Maintenance Features
- Daily Maintenance:
- Check and ensure the nominal battery voltage is 12Vdc.
- When replacing a battery, ensure the new battery is fully charged by the grid for the first time.
- Troubleshooting: The LED display provides error codes to assist in diagnosing issues such as low/high service battery voltage, unit over temperature, and bulk charge timeout.
The LMP1218-PWM is a robust and intelligent power management solution, designed for reliability and ease of use in demanding environments, offering comprehensive control and protection for auxiliary power systems.