Battery Characterization
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8
BATTERY CHARACTERIZATION
8.1.1
Battery Charging
You can monitor the current, accumulated charge and energy into and voltage on a
charging battery.
Connect the Watt's Up as shown in the "Battery Charging" CONNECTION DIAGRAM.
You made need gender-changing connectors/wiring to do this depending on the connectors
you are using. Follow the manufacturer instructions for operation of the charger and
battery.
Note that the Watt's Up's Peak Amps, Peak Watts and Voltage Minimum values are cleared
whenever the Watt's Up turns on. If the battery is connected before the charger is turned
on, the Watt's Up will track the minimum voltage on the battery during the charging
process.
With the charger on and the battery charging, the Watt's Up displays the ongoing charging
electrical values. The current (As) and power (W) show the average rate of charge and the
voltage indicates the current battery charging voltage.
CAUTION: When charging a battery do not operate it outside its manufacturer's
specifications. For example, do not allow battery voltage to exceed the maximum value
specified or charge at a current that exceeds the maximum specified or charge at a
temperature or manner that violates the manufacturers specifications. Note that so-called
"Battery Zapping Devices" may generate voltages and currents that exceed the safe
operating limits of both Watt's Up and batteries. Do not leave a charging battery
unattended.
At the end of the charge the Watt's Up Data Queue display indicates the total charge (Ah)
and energy (Wh) the battery received as well as the peak Amps (Ap) and peak Watts (Wp)
used and the minimum voltage on the battery during the charging process.
Make a note of these final values as they can be used to determine charger efficiency
See the Data Queue for Charge (Ah), Peak Amps (Ap) Energy (Wh), etc.
100.00A
10.00V
Data Queue
1000.0W
8.1.2
Battery Discharging, Efficiency and Health
When discharging a battery pack through the Watt's Up into a load you can monitor key
battery parameters like actual available charge and energy, peak and average current and
battery voltage.
Connect the Watt's Up as shown in the "Battery Discharging" CONNECTION DIAGRAM.
The load device you connect on the LOAD side must be capable of handling the discharge
power the battery pack can provide. Example loads include, light bulbs, power resistors,
ESC & Motor combinations, and devices specifically designed to discharge a battery like
some chargers in discharge mode.
If the battery pack voltage at the end of discharge will be less than the minimum 4.0 V the
Watt's Up requires, connect a battery of at least 4.0 V to the 3-pin auxiliary power
connection.
After connecting the LOAD to the Watt's Up, connect the battery. Discharging begins
when the battery is connected. Some loads (e.g. ESC and motor) may have to be "turned
on" to begin drawing current and discharging the battery.
CAUTION: When discharging a battery do not operate it outside its manufacturer's
specifications. For example, do not allow battery voltage to drop below the minimum value
specified or discharge at a current that exceeds the maximum specified or discharge at a
temperature or manner that violates the manufacturers specifications. Note that shorting a
"Watt's Up" & "Doc Wattson" Watt Meter and Power Analyzer User's Manual
RC Electronics, Inc.
