Download Model: PSB-12-2 Power Supply and Battery and Load Management

Model: PSB-12-2
Power Supply and
Battery and Load Management System
Rev: b
08/2011
VLF Designs
1621 Bella Vista Dr.
Jackson, Mo. 63755
573-204-1286
[email protected]
Power System Overview
The PSB-12-2 is the second generation 12V battery system with an integral updated
battery charge and load management system (BC-12b). Connectors have been provided for the
quick connection of an AC line operated DC power, solar panel (s), external battery and external
essential and non-essential loads. The power system is configured around the BC-12b battery
management system and a 70 watt universal AC input 15VDC power supply. (If the unit is to be
operated on ac power below 0˚F for an extended period of time an 18 VDC power supply will be
supplied in place of the 15 VDC unit.) Full specifications and adjustment instructions for the BC12b can be found in the accompanying manual.
Operation
AC Power Input
The input to the DC power supply can be between 100 and 240 VAC, 50 or 60 Hz. The
power supply is auto switching and requires no jumper setting when changing operating line
voltage. The output of the AC operated power supply is 15VDC (18VDC) and it can supply up to
4.5A (3.5A)of output current.
A defective battery with internally shorted cells may force the AC power supply into fold
back current limiting. Foldback current limiting is indicated by a slowly, brightly, flashing
yellow AC power source LED. The charger will attempt to charge the batteries but it will be
impossible for full charge to be attained under these conditions. Foldback limiting of this type
prevents damage to the DC power supply and the BC-12b. Batteries containing shorted cells
should be replaced.
When operating the system with only an AC derived power source, the battery must be
connected before power can be supplied to the load. The battery may be subsequently removed
for change out without loss of power to the load, provided the AC source does not lose power
during that period.
The ac power cord is provided with a standard North American type power plug
(NEMA5-15). For use overseas, adapters can be purchased which will convert the plug to a
different style. Voltage conversion is not required when these types of adapters are used. No
transient suppression has been provided on the AC line. If transient conditions are likely, an
external surge suppressor should be employed.
The ground conductor in the AC power conductor is connected to the back plane in the
box, and also connected to the aux ground connections in the solar panel and essential load
connectors.
Solar panel Input
The connector for the solar panel input has connections for two solar panels, and when
used with the BC-12b these two inputs are connected to the individual solar inputs to the
regulator. Normally a single solar panel will be connected to the SP1 inputs. If a second solar
panel is used, it should be connected to the SP2 input and the internal DC power supply should
be unplugged from the BC-12b. Keeping the power supply connected will not damage the
supply, however part of the second solar panels’ input power will be wasted in the internal
circuitry of the DC power supply.
A ground connection which is returned to ground via the ac power cord is provided for
convenience grounding of the solar panel frames and mounts in order to minimize lightning
damage. If the solar panels are used where there is a high probability of lightning damage, an
additional high current external path to ground is highly desirable. No additional protection of
the BC-12 solar panel input is required, as the protection is internal to the regulator.
External Battery Connection
The external battery can be of any amp hour capacity, although practical consideration
limit the capacity to around 800AH. (a higher current charge system should be considered for
battery capacities in excess of 800AH, unless the connected load is light).
A 6 ft cable with 3/8” ring lugs is provided. Red is positive and black is ground. Use
extreme caution when connecting batteries in parallel, as there is a high risk of fire or explosion
if an accidental short circuit or misconnection occurs.
The case of the BC-12b regulator is connected to circuit common via the power supply
coaxial connector. Power supply (-), solar panel (-), battery (-) and output commons are all
connected together inside the regulator.
External Load Connections
The external essential load connection is used to supply power to the data recorder and
any sensors connected to the recorder. An additional pin in this connector is available for
connection of recorder ground to power ground and may help protect the recorder from damage
from transients. Power will be supplied to this connector until the battery voltage drops below
11.9 VDC.
The non-essential load connection is for use with external additional communications and
telemetry hardware. If radio telemetry equipment using an external antenna is to be powered
from this output, the antenna and its support should be well grounded and a connection should be
provided to the essential load ground as well to minimize damage to the telemetry equipment
from any potential difference that may exist between the various system grounds. Power will be
supplied to this connector until the battery voltage drops below 12.4 VDC.
Cautions
Always remove AC power from the box before servicing the internal contents of the box
to avoid a possible severe electrical shock should you accidentally come in contact with the AC
power system wiring.
Avoid servicing or contacting any of the components of the system during a lightning
storm in order to prevent serious injury to the equipment operator.
Screw on dust caps have been provided for all input and output connections. In order to
maintain system and connector integrity, all unused ports should be capped.
Connector Pin Outs
AC Power
MS3106A-14s-7s
A
Power Hot
B
Ground
C
Power Neutral
Essential Load
MS3106A-14s-7p
A
(+) 12VDC out
B
Ground
C
Power Common
Solar Panels
MS3106A-14s-5p
A
Ground
B
Solar Panel #1 (main) (+)
C
Solar Panel #2 (+)
D
Solar Panel #2 (-)
E
Solar Panel #1 (main) (+)
Non-Essential Load
MS3106A-12s-3s
A
(+) 12VDC out
B
Power Common
Battery
MS3106A-12s-3p
A
Battery (+)
B
Battery (-)