Alpha Pro charge regulator – User and Installation Manual
3.2 THE 3-STEP+ CHARGE PROCESS
The Alpha Pro charge regulator controls the alternator’s output voltage. It is designed for optimal charging of flooded,
GEL, AGM and Lithium-ion batteries. Battery charging is accomplished in three automatic stages: BULK,
ABSORPTION and FLOAT.
Figure 5: 3-step+ charge system
See Figure 5. The first step of the 3-step+ charge
process is the BULK phase, in which the output current
of the charging system is limited by the maximum
output current of the alternator and the engine RPM.
At this stage, the greater part of the battery capacity is
rapidly charged. The current charges the batteries and
the voltage will rise to the absorption voltage. Refer to
the specifications for the charging voltages for different
batteries.
The duration of this phase depends on the ratio of
charging capacity to battery capacity and on the
degree to which the batteries were discharged to begin
with.
The bulk phase is followed by the absorption phase. The absorption charge starts when the voltage on the batteries
has reached the absorption voltage and ends when the battery is fully charged. Battery voltage remains constant
throughout this stage, and the charge current decreases during charging of the battery. With a flooded battery, this
stage lasts about four hours, with GEL and AGM around three, and with Lithium-ion batteries about 30 minutes.
Once the maximum absorption timer has passed, the Alpha Pro charge regulator automatically switches over to the
float phase. During the float phase the Alpha Pro charge regulator switches to float voltage, refer to specifications,
and stabilizes this voltage to maintain the batteries in an optimum condition. Connected loads are powered directly
by the charging system. If the load is higher than capacity of the charging system, the required additional power
comes from the battery, which will be progressively discharged. The Alpha Pro charge regulator will start a new
cycle when the engine is started again or when the battery voltage drops below a predefined threshold.
3.3 TEMPERATURE COMPENSATED CHARGING
A battery temperature sensor is included in the delivery of the Alpha Pro charge regulator. By installing this battery
temperature sensor, the charge voltages are automatically adapted for deviating temperatures. When the
temperature-sensor is not connected, the 25°C [77F] settings are taken.
When the battery temperature is low, the charge voltage
increases. On the other hand, when the battery
temperature is high, the charge voltage is decreased.
This will extend the life of your batteries. Consult your
battery manufacturer for recommended charging
voltages.
Notes: - Temperature compensated charging does not
prevent the batteries from overcharging
situations.
- Lithium-ion batteries do not require the external
temperature sensor or temperature compensa-
tion!
Figure 6: Temperature compensated charging
CAUTION!
High temperatures are destructive to batteries. If your batteries are regularly subjected to temperatures
above 30C [100F], you should relocate them, or supply forced fresh air ventilation.
To Next Page
Loading...
Need help?
General
