Hardware Description: Basic System
Power
Thermo Fisher Scientific
AutoPILOT PRO Flow Computer User Guide 2-3
The standard instrument is powered by an external 10–30 Vdc power
supply. Alternatively, the instrument may be powered by an internal
rechargeable battery. Power is connected to the flow computer through the
power distribution terminal block (TB1), located on the door panel of the
enclosure.
Power consumption of the basic AutoPILOT PRO flow computer is about
1 W for a typical unit; however, overall power consumption depends upon
the I/O configuration and is determined on an individual basis. Every
effort has been made to keep power consumption to a minimum.
The voltage range of the standard external power supply is 10–30 Vdc. If a
wireless radio is included in the system, the power supply should be able to
provide a current greater than 2.5 A.
See
for installation and wiring instructions.
If the internal battery option is used, the instrument is powered by a
rechargeable battery assembly that sits in a bracket fastened to the
instrument’s internal bracket. This battery is charged by an external solar
panel and incorporates a solar charger controller (SCC) that employs a
three-state solar charger algorithm: the bulk charge, the controlled
overcharge, and the float charge state.
When the battery capacity is 90% or less, the charger enters the bulk charge
state, providing the maximum and constant charge current to the battery.
Once the battery is close to being fully charged, the SCC enters the
controlled over-charging state. In this state, the SCC over-charges the
battery to ensure it is fully charged. Once the over-charging current reaches
its set point, the SCC switches to the float charge state, providing moderate
charging current to maintain the battery at its fully charged voltage level.
The charging cycle repeats when the battery capacity drops below 90%.
The SCC internal reference voltage is characterized with a negative
temperature coefficient matching that of a lead acid battery. The charger
voltage is automatically adjusted. Charging voltage increases at lower
ambient temperatures in order to maintain a fully charged battery. At
higher ambient temperatures, charging voltage is scaled off to help extend
the battery life.
The SCC dissipates its charging process heat through the main board
chassis. For proper operation, the main board must be mounted on its
bracket and the main board transistor Q12 must be attached to the chassis
for an illustration).
Power
External Power
Source
Internal Battery &
Solar Charger
Controller
