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5
Three Stage Charging Methodology
In general, the PowerCharger will deliver a three stage charge routine to each
battery.
1. Stage One will deliver a high rate charge matched to the capabilities of the
battery (typically a one or two hour rate, depending on battery type and charger
power module rating). During this stage, six separate cutoff methods are in
operation, simultaneously, ensuring the fastest, safest charge for that battery.
Stage One is indicated by the LCD displaying “Charging (Primary)”.:
TCO - Temperature cutoff which stops the Stage one charge precisely when
a temperature indicative of full charge is reached;
Dt/dT - a microprocessor based algorithm which measures a rise in
temperature over a specific time, very accurately indicating full charge. This
method is also the recommended method for charging Ni-MH technology;
-ΔV - a method to determine the end of stage one charging by identifying a
characteristic “reverse slope” of a Ni-Cd cell. Since this characteristic can
be disguised by the age, temperature and the number of the cells in a battery,
it can never be employed alone;
CCO - this method requires the identification of the particular battery size
(capacity) and chemistry, an exclusive Anton/Bauer Logic Series feature.
The charger determines the maximum charge time for the particular battery
and uses this information to ensure that overcharge conditions are avoided.
FUL - this determination is made when a fully charged DIGITAL battery is
returned to a PowerCharger within specified parameters of time, temperature,
and battery voltage. The DIGITAL battery communicates its fully charged
condition and the charger confirms the parameters and immediately indicates a
fully charged condition, without additional verification.
TEMPERATURE COMPENSATED VCO – for HyTRON series of
batteries. Similar to a VCO, however, only operates within certain temperature
parameters.
2. Stage Two charging is a BALANCING or “equalize” mode which calculates each
battery pack type to offset any imbalance of the battery’s cells, created by unequal
self discharge or any capacity mismatch of the individual cells in the pack. This
stage can vary in duration from zero to as much as 16 hours, depending on the
condition of the battery. A battery will typically leave Stage Two in 2-4 hours
under average operating conditions. Stage Two is indicated by the LCD
displaying “Ready (Secondary)”.
3. Stage Three charging is the Anton/Bauer exclusive Lifesaver maintenance
mode. This patented pulse routine keeps batteries fully charged, free from self-
discharge - indefinitely - without damaging heat associated with so-called
“trickle charge”. Stage Three is indicated by the LCD displaying “Ready
(Lifesaver)”.