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What
you should know about batteries |
Charging Multiple Battery Systems Connection Diagram CDR200 (Charger Distribution Relay) LEAB EDR (Energy Distribution Relay) 'Low Drop' Battery Isolators |
LEAB DC/DC Booster 12 V DC to 14.4 V DC - 12A Battery Types LEAB DC/DC Booster 24 V DC to 28.4 V DC - 8A |
| Charging Multiple Battery Systems |
Today’s RVs and boats frequently use double battery systems, one as a starter and a second set of batteries to run "the house".
Both batteries have to be charged from the one alternator. If the batteries are connected in parallel we could flatten the starter battery when using equipment connected to the consumer battery. To prevent this from happening there has to be some kind of separation between them.
One solution - is to connect the second battery with a relay which connects the batteries together during charging and separates them when being discharged. The problem with this solution is that when the relay is engaged there can be a massive current flowing from the starter battery through the relay and into the consumer battery causing damage to both the relay and batteries (a “cook-up”), it can even short-circuit the starter battery leaving you with a dead engine....
LEAB do manufacture a "Smart" relay which operates differently - When the motor starts, the alternator first charges the "Lowest" battery, until 13.4 volts, then the relay closes to add in the "other" battery. If this was so low that the first battery gets pulled below 13.4V, the relay opens again to keep the "Start" battery charged. With continuous action, both batteries end up full without the disastrous "cook-up" mentioned above. This system is basically suited to, and recommended for, two battery setups to about 70 - 100A alternators. See below for part number and more details.
A second solution -is a traditional diode bridge, such as illustrated here:With this device we can prevent the high current discharge caused by a relay, as the batteries are isolated from each other, and we are able to charge both batteries, when the motor starts. BUT - The big disadvantage with the diode split is the voltage drop that occurs when using diodes. The result is often insufficient charging voltage and the batteries not achieving a full charge, causing premature aging of the battery and reduced capacity too soon. Also some alternators do not get the excitation current to kick-start charging.
LEAB have largely overcome the disadvantages with their world renowned "Low Drop" Battery Isolators (only .25 Volt loss). LOW DROP Isolators can handle individual charging of 2 to 6 batteries.
This range is shown further down the page.
Solution three...
LEAB Solid State Mosfet Isolator 12/24 Volt
- No voltage losses
- Robust design - shock resistant
- Waterproof encapsulation
- For alternators up to 150Amps
- Control functions for emergency start
- Simple to wire
One size fits all
The same unit is used for 12 or 24 Volt systems. Operating voltage from 8V to 32V.
New technology
We are proud to introduce the LEAB CDB I50S combining the advantages and eliminating the downsides. No more short life batteries, when your system is protected with this amazing new Isolator. CDB 150S is a very robust device and all the electronics are set in epoxy resin then encapsulated in an aluminum casing. It will withstand oil and water, which makes it ideal for harsh environments.
CDB 150S has the advantages of the diode split but without the voltage drop. The internal electronics are based on high quality MOSFETS which give an almost totally loss free result.
Excitation
Many modern alternators require a small excitation current to trigger output power. The CDB 150S supplies this to the alternator during the startup sequence.
If the starter battery for some reason should be empty an emergency start can be activated to provide starting from the second battery.
Part Number: 0171400
| Connection Diagram |
On the top of the CDB 150S are the main terminals to connect to the two batteries and the charging devices.
Three coloured leads (red, blue, and black) come out one end of the box.
The BLACK lead connects to negative (earth or ground)
The RED lead connects to the ignition s
The BLUE lead connects to earth VIA an On/Off switch. This can be activated for an emergency start if the starter battery is discharged.
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| CDR200 (Charger Distribution Relay) |
The Leab CDR is an electronically controlled separating device for charging two or more batteries. The CDR is installed between the primary and secondary battery.
The circuit is open until the primary battery reaches the correct voltage. The CDR then charges the second battery.
The CDR then opens and power will be drawn only from the primary battery, leaving the second battery fully charged.
The CDR unit has a built in delay timer to prevent instability in heavy load situations.
Part Number: 0171450
It is important to to install the CDR close to the batteries and use appropriately sized cables to avoid unnecessary voltage drops and maintain the correct function of the CDR.
| Technical Specifications | |||
EDR: |
12/75 | 24/50 | |
Normal Voltage: |
12 | 24 | |
Min/Max: |
9-18 | 20-30 | |
Current: |
40/200 A | ||
Power Cons off: |
<3.0mA | ||
Power Cons on: |
7mA | ||
Max Capacity Secondary Battery: |
500 Ah | ||
Size: |
150mm x 80mm x 43m |
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Weight: |
900 gr | ||
Installation Diagrams
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| LEAB EDR (Energy Distribution Relay) |
Used for charging two or more batteries
Most battery chargers are conceptually intended to charge one battery or one bank of batteries. On some occasions it is desirable to charge more than one battery or bank of batteries, and to do this even though there are considerable differences in capacity or utilization of the different batteries. Chargers with multiple outputs
One solution could be to use a charger with more than one output. This is however most of the time an inefficient solution. The charging capacity really needs to be supplied to the battery or bank of batteries with the highest demand. A multi-channel charger divides its capacity into two or more equal capacity channels with no possibility to funnel the current to where it is most needed. Unless each separate channel has its own control circuits, basically a separate charger, the result of the charging is doubtful. At best the main output channel will provide the required charging.LEAB EDR - Function
One way of eliminating these disadvantages when charging two or more battery banks is to use the LEAB EDR. It is an electronic voltage controlled relay that is connected between the battery banks. In most cases the largest battery bank, or the battery bank with the highest consumption, is connected as battery one. This battery bank will then be charged with the relay open (battery banks not connected) until a preset voltage has been reached. If battery two at that point has a lower voltage, the relay closes and both batteries are charged. If battery two has a higher voltage, the relay will not close until battery one reaches the same voltage. When energy is taken from any of the batteries the voltage will drop and the relay opens again, separating the two batteries and eliminating the possibility to discharge the "wrong" battery. When the EDR relay closes a yellow LED is lit to indicate that the batteries are connected.
Installation
The LEAB EDR is a high capacity relay with dual metal contacts to allow high current. The electronics are encapsulated making the EDR suitable for use in corrosive environment. It will not cause any voltage drop and charging of battery two will be efficient and complete. Installation is very simple. Only three wires to connect, battery one, battery two and ground.
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Volts
|
2nd
Batt |
Internal
Consumption |
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Part
Number |
Nominal |
Maximum |
Current |
Max
Cap |
Off |
On |
0171200 (EDR 12V75A ) |
12V |
18V |
75A |
400Ah |
<1.0
mA |
280mA |
0171250 (EDR 24V/50A ) |
24V |
30V |
50A |
250Ah |
<1.0 mA
|
280mA
|
Both |
L x W x H = 70 x 75 x 32mm Weight 100g |
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| 'Low Drop' Battery Isolators |
The 'Low Drop' automatic battery isolators, electrically separate each battery to prevent the battery with the highest charge from draining into the one with the lower charge. When charging, the battery isolator allows the preferential recharging of the battery bank most in need.
They have an anodised aluminium casing, with wide finning.
They are very easy to install and protect the wiring
at the head of the load. All our battery isolators have
protection standard IP 685. The battery isolators have
this name because they isolate electrically. They are
also called with other names for the following reasons.
Our battery isolators have all the reported characteristics
but in addition they are also 'low drop'.
| Description | Reason |
| Isolators | Electrically isolate batteries; the energy of one battery does not flow into the other |
| Separators | Separate the current only in one way |
| Preferentiators | Intrinsically supply more energy to the more discharged battery |
| Dividers | Divide the charge among several batteries |
'Low
Drop' Isolators |
Unlike normal battery isolators, the 'low drop' isolators feature a low voltage drop between the alternator and the battery |
Isolator |
No. of Batteries |
Current per battery |
No. of Generators
|
Dimensions |
HPR
10002 |
2
X 50 |
2
50 Amp. |
1 |
80x120x100mm |
HPR
20002 |
3
X 50 |
3
50 Amp. |
1 |
80x120x100mm |
HPR
30002 |
4
X 50 |
4
50 Amp. |
2 |
80x120x200mm |
HPR 40002 |
6
X 50 |
6
50 Amp. |
2 |
80x120x200mm |
HPR
50002 |
2
X 100 |
2
100 Amp. |
2 |
80x120x200mm |
HPR
60002 |
3
X 100 |
3
100 Amp. |
2 |
80x120x200mm |
Assembly Instructions for Isolators
The 'Low Drop' battery isolators must be connected between the alternator and the batteries according to the following instructions:
- Connect the alternator(s) to the long terminals;
- Connect the positive lead connections of battery to the short terminals of the 'low drop' battery isolator;
- Tighten the connections and use cables of the correct diameter. We advise use of very heavy cables particilarly if routing a long distance.
- Place the 'low drop' battery isolator upright and in a well aired place.