Absopulse Adds 500W Charger for Harsh Environments

Absopulse Electronics' new BCH501-BTC is a constant voltage switch mode battery charger with automatic temperature compensation designed for use in industrial and other harsh-environment applications. It utilizes high frequency conversion topology to generate 500W from a jumper selectable 110/220Vac (±15%) input and provides standard output float voltages of 13.8Vdc/36A, 27.6Vdc/18A or 55.2Vdc/9A for 12Vdc, 24Vdc or 48Vdc batteries respectively. Other output voltages are available on request.

The battery temperature compensation function ensures optimum charging at various temperatures. The temperature sensor signals the charger to fine tune its output voltage: as the battery temperature rises, the charge voltage is automatically reduced, when the batteries cool, the charge voltage increases. The adjustment rate (slope) is approximately 3mV/cell/°C for lead acid batteries.

BCH501-BTC is ruggedized, has a low battery disconnect function as well as a built-in charger fail alarm and a low battery alarm, both Form-C. It is natural convection/conduction cooled and is rated for operation over a -40°C to +50°C temperature range. The unit also features inrush current limiting, over-voltage protection, rectangular current limiting with short circuit protection, a self-resetting thermostat for thermal protection and battery reverse polarity protection.

This battery charger is housed in a 6" x 2.63" x 13.82" chassis and weighs 5.7 pounds (2.6 kilograms). The BCH501-BTC is priced at US$514 in OEM quantities.