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6. COMMISSIONING
This charger is designed for charging lead acid automotive batteries only. The charger converts the
AC input into DC, at the correct value to charge the battery.
The charger is only suitable for conventional charging applications.
The standard model of the LF chargers follows the Wa charging curve as described by the DIN 41774
norm.
The charger’s operation is controlled by a microprocessor. A typical charging cycle consists of 3 parts:
•
INITIAL or BULK CHARGING
The battery is in a discharged state. The voltage of the battery cells is below the “gas” point
(i.e. approximately 2.40 V/cell at a temperature of 30 °C).
In this condition, the battery can absorb a large amount of energy. The charger operates close to its
maximum power, keeping the battery voltage under control.
•
REDUCING or ABSORBERING THE CHARGING
The battery voltage exceeds the “gas” point. The electrolyte produces gas and the charging current
must be reduced to prevent the battery from overheating. The charger adjusts its output current
and finishes charging when it detects a full state of charge (= 100%).
•
EQUALISATION
Once charging is complete, the charger automatically stops and allows the battery to cool. If the
battery remains connected to the charger for long enough (e.g. over the weekend), the charger will
emit additional, controlled, low current pulses. The purpose of this process, called “equalization”, is to
bring all the battery cells to exactly the same state of charge.
The battery chargers are equipped with two setting blocks, for selection of the nominal AC input
voltage and better optimization of the charging curve.
NOMINAL VOLTAGE 3-phase and 1-phase
This setting is present on chargers designed to operate with different nominal AC input voltages,
e.g. 3 x 230/400 VAC or 1 x 208/240/480 VAC.
Some chargers use a screw-type terminal block for this setting, while others use a standard bar-type
(delta-wye) terminal block.
CHARGING CURVE OPTIMISATION
This setting is present on all LF chargers. Its purpose is to compensate for fluctuations in the AC input
voltage at the installation site.
It is recommended to check the actual value of the available AC input voltage at the installation site,
and adjust the charger output current accordingly.
A screw terminal block is used for this adjustment on all chargers. In the case of single-phase models,
one wire must be routed. On 3-phase models, three wires must be connected.
• Safe practices must be learned through study and training before using this equipment.
• Only qualified personnel should install or service this battery charger.
Before disconnecting the battery, check that it is not being charged. If it is charging, turn off
the charger using the main switch or the stop push button, to avoid sparks between
connectors.
If the RGB LED flashes, the charger is active. Do not disconnect the battery!
Only when the RGB LED shows a SOLID colour (also white) you can disconnect the battery.