Use of multiple battery banks dictates that the batteries be connected or "integrated" only whenever a charge voltage is present so that they may be charged simultaneously, then disconnected or "isolated" when in use to allow for selective discharge and avoid having the secondary or standby battery drain into the primary battery.
The new Battery Integrator performs this function automatically, acting as a "smart" switch to connect independent battery banks only when a charging voltage is present. Otherwise, they are isolated, and discharge between banks is prevented.
The traditional rugged and reliable diode isolator can also be used for this function, as it also maintains isolation between banks and allows charging from multiple sources. However, one drawback is inefficiency when voltage is lost as current passes through the diodes, resulting in undercharge if the charging source does not compensate for the voltage drop.
The Battery Integrator remedies this by use of an extremely low resistance contactor which causes no voltage drop in the charging system, while the multiple batteries are charged as a single bank whenever a charging source of approximately 13.2 VDC or 26.4 VDC or greater is present (depending on model).
When the alternator or charger is off or a large load causes the voltage to drop below the disconnect point the unit breaks the common tie between the banks. This allows selective battery discharge and prevents "dumping" of a higher-charged bank into a lower-charged bank.
The unit may also be activated through the key starter or a manual switch to provide an added "boost" from the secondary battery whenever the starter is engaged and the unit senses there is sufficient voltage in that battery to provide an assist.
For systems with more than two banks, an additional unit may be installed for each additional bank to provide the same isolation and integration as described above.
The Battery Integrator is ideal for multiplying the single charging output of an inverter-charger to maintain both the house bank and an engine start bank, then to isolate them during inverter function, so current is drawn from the house bank only.
Features
- Enables charging of two separate banks without voltage drop, yet maintains 100% isolation at all other times. For systems of three banks or more, an additional unit may be installed for each additional bank
- Heavy duty silver-plated contactor, continuous duty rated to 100 amps
- Voltage sense circuit, epoxy encapsulated and heavy duty continuous rated solenoid are all designed for use in marine environments
- Easy-to-install: compact size - may be mounted with any orientation
- Easy three-wire hook up for two bank systems (BATT +, BATT +, GROUND)
- Terminal for optional wiring of remote light indicating when battery banks are integrated
- Optional internal connection can be wired though key starter or manual over ride switch, tying battery banks together for extra boost during engine start
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