17
5. CHARGER OPERATION
5.1 Charge programs
All standard selectable charge programs (using DIP switches 5 and 6), perform a four stage
IUoUoP charging process comprising of a “Bulk”, an “Absorption”, a “Float” and a “Pulse”
stage. The image below visualizes the four stage charging process :
In the Bulk stage, the charger delivers full output current and typically returns approximately
80% of charge back into the battery once the absorption voltage is reached. During this
stage, the battery empty and battery 50% full indicators will be lit depending on the Bulk
charge progress. When the absorption voltage has been reached, the Absorption stage will
be entered and the battery 80% full indicator will be lit. This stage will return the final 20% of
charge to the battery. The output voltage is kept at a constant level and the charge current
decreases as a function of the battery's state of charge. When the charge current has
dropped below a certain value or when the maximum absorption timer has been expired,
the Float stage will be entered. The battery full Indicator will be lit and an acoustical
message will sound, indicating that the battery is full. In this stage the battery voltage will be
held constant at a safe level for the battery. It will maintain the battery in optimal condition
for as long as the battery remains connected to the activated charger. Connected battery
loads will be directly powered by the charger up to the charger's maximum output current
