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AUTO DETECT
This product includes the exclusive “Auto-detect” feature for the charging of batteries. With
this new technology, the power converter will evaluate the charging cycle of a battery, determine
the type of battery being used, and then choose the appropriate charging program (prole) to
provide for the best performance and maintenance of that battery.
Because of the differences of Lead Acid, AGM and Lithium type batteries, a system that
provides a charge to the battery or batteries must be able to accommodate the different
charging requirements. With the use of the “Auto-detect” product, the charging requirement
is able to be “detected” and is then automatically set for the type of battery being used. For
standard Lead Acid and AGM batteries, WFCO power converters still use the Three-Stage Smart
Charging to effectively maximize battery life by monitoring through the different phases of the
charge cycle. On the other hand, Lithium batteries will prefer the use of only two stages when
charging, and therefore the power converter will charge using the WFCO Two-Stage Smart
Charging system.
LEAD ACID & AGM THREE-STAGE SMART CHARGING
In order to maximize battery life for lead acid and AGM batteries, it is best to charge batteries
slowly, keep them topped off with a trickle-charge when the RV is not being used. The 3-Stage
“smart” charger continuously measures the battery voltage output and regulates the amount of
charge using three modes of operation: Absorption, Bulk and Float modes.
All WFCO power converters have automatic three-stage switching power supplies. The converter
senses which mode it needs to be in by checking the RV system voltage.
ABSORPTION MODE
The converter normally provides a constant target output voltage of 13.6 VDC (nominal) to power
all the branch circuits. However, it is current limited, and if the output (load) current reaches its
maximum, the output voltage will drop as necessary to hold the converter’s maximum output
current level (the Amperage rating) without exceeding it.
BULK MODE
If the output current is high (normally caused by a discharged battery), this will cause the
converter to go into Bulk Mode, which means the target output voltage will change to 14.4 VDC
and a timer will start. Although the converter is outputting 14.4 VDC, you will not be able to read
that on a voltmeter due to the voltage-current relationship. From the paragraph above, as load
current increases, output voltage decreases. The actual output voltage will not rise until the load
current is reduced, which happens naturally as the battery charges or if 12 VDC appliances are
turned off.
Bulk Mode will be maintained until the current draw drops to approximately ve Amps, or until
the timer reaches four hours (whichever happens rst). Then the target output voltage is changed
back to 13.6 VDC for Absorption Mode. Lights that are powered from the output may change
brightness slightly at that time.
Note: For a detailed explanation of the charging modes, please refer to our publication “Theory of Operation”, document #AD-TD-0001-0.
OPERATIONAL FEATURES
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