Intelligent battery charger for automotive and industrial applications

Powerbox has introduced a new product within its automotive line - the Smart DC-DC ENA200-Charger. Designed to meet new market requirements for intelligent and flexible charging solutions for automotive and industrial demanding applications, the device includes the latest technologies for intelligent charging. Part of the “One package to fit all” program developed with our customers, the ENA200-Charger fits into the same IP21 packaging as the isolated DC-DC converters ENA100 and ENA200. The device includes a micro-controller with very advanced firmware to guarantee optimum charging and longer battery life-time. The unit includes pre-defined charging algorithms for standard lead acid, absorbed glass matte (AGM), gel cell and calcium, though application-defined profiles can be uploaded at the company’s configuration centre to meet customer’s specific application. The charger includes load temperature monitoring and intelligent spark control. The charger is available in two input voltages for 12V and 24V systems, delivering smart adjusted voltage for 12V batteries with up to 15A charging current and peak power up to 216W. For safety, the unit provides galvanic isolation of 500VDC (input/output/case). The new generation of automotive equipment and demanding industrial applications such as mining machinery, forest industry, trucks and containers, geo-localisation, forklift and electrical cleaning vehicles are demanding more simple and efficient power solutions with built-in intelligence to adjust load charging to an almost infinite range of applications. Designers often face challenges when developing systems requiring autonomous equipment powered by local batteries, in the selection of battery technology but also in the type of charger. They are concerned by the size of the battery charger, which nowadays is often integrated into a much smaller envelope. The device has been designed to bring simplicity to integration. Built-in low profile IP21 polycarbonate housing, it is as small as 116mm x 88mm x 18mm, making it one of the thinnest DC-DC chargers on the market. The integrated baseplate includes four mounting holes for mechanical attachment to a vehicle chassis or assembly plate. The low weight, less than 500grams, contributes to excelling performance in vibration testing (5-50Hz, acceleration ±7,35m/s2). The charger includes over-temperature, short-circuit and reverse-voltage protection but also a well programmed spark protection function, constantly measuring the connection to the battery prior charging. By default the charger will not start charging if the voltage is below 5V though this limit can re-programmed for specific applications. “Industrial automotive applications are integrating battery chargers within confined envelopes requiring highly efficient and low profile chargers. Using low profile technology and integrated components, our designer developed a brand new range of chargers with built-in intelligence” said Patrick Le Fèvre, marketing and communication director at Powerbox. “The ENA200-Charger is part of the “One Package to Fit All” project developed in close co-operation with our partners and customers, aiming to reduce time to market whilst reducing inventory.”