Technicians always find testing the functionality and performance of forklift battery chargers a troublesome task. It is essential that at least one real battery is available in order to test the basic functionality of a charger. The problem persists when the technician has to test the chargers and all the forklifts are in operation. Moreover, while a battery is being used it is impossible to quickly test the complete charging curve of the charger. It is problematic to set up the charger and check all the functionalities under different operating conditions.
Performance testing can be extremely difficult with conventional power supplies, where power is supplied to a device that undergoes instantaneous load changes. These changes force the output voltage of a conventional power supply to drop instantaneously. When errors are detected, the power supply control circuits try to correct or restore the voltage to the programmed level. (The error is the voltage difference between the programmed level and the actual level.) During this time, the voltage drops or dips substantially. The level of the drop depends on the magnitude of the load current change, and the recovery time depends on the transient response of the power supply control loop. When the load current change is up to 1,000%, conventional power supplies need one thousandth of a second to recover the programmed voltage. For portable devices, such as mobile phones, which operate at full power for short intervals only, the full power interval ends before the conventional power supply can recover.
The Amperis battery simulator is an electronic load. It is designed to test battery chargers of any type, power and voltage. During the charging process, the Amperis battery simulator simulates the behaviour of a battery and gives the technician the opportunity to carry out complete tests safely, accurately and quickly. It is not necessary to connect the battery to the charger in order to test it. This device removes the need to connect the battery and offers a very simple and flexible solution. Test batteries and discharged batteries can be used, and also for other purposes.
Features of the Amperis battery discharger:
- Fully portable
- Universal operation
- DC voltage of the connected battery bank
- No AC supply required
- Automatic battery discharge
- Microprocessor controlled
- Programmable discharge cycle termination
- Voltage-based termination
- Time-based termination
- Laptop/PC interface
- Lester proven electrical reliability
- Thermal protection
- Durable powder-coated steel case
- Heavy-duty DC cables
- Optimum battery capacity and life
- Easy to operate
- Reliable and durable
- Easy handling and storage when not in use.
Use of the Amperis battery simulators:
The typical operating sequence of the Amperis battery simulators is as follows:
To start the operation, connect the two crocodile clips to the battery or to the battery bank. Now press the Start button. This will begin the process. You can set the battery voltage to be simulated, the value of which will be shown on a digital display. All the real-time information is available on the display, so that you can monitor the progress and make changes. The battery voltage and the time are user programmable; the discharge cycle will end automatically based on the battery voltage or on the time set by the user.
Special features for maximum reliability and flexibility:
- An automatic test of the electronic power circuits during power-up is available. There is an automatic safety stop in the event of component failures.
- There is a double enclosure in the unit to ensure maximum thermal insulation. The double enclosure helps to keep the temperature under control. During operation, the outer part of the enclosure remains cool (the maximum temperature is <10°C).
- There is full temperature protection for all the electronic components and resistor banks. In the event of excessive internal temperature, stand-by mode (suspended operation) is set automatically in the unit.
- The unit has heavy-duty wheels, bearings, a metal structure, and a rubber cover to ensure maximum mobility and ease of use.
The Amperis battery simulators can be used to determine battery capacity and to help identify faulty batteries or cells in battery banks. Knowing the condition of the battery makes it possible to carry out better maintenance and the necessary repairs, optimising the daily capacity and the service life of the battery.