Adaptive 4-stage charger characteristic; bulk - absorption - floate - storage

The Phoenix Charger features a microprocessor controlled 'adaptive battery management system that can be preset to suit different types of batteries.  The 'adaptive' feature will automatically optimise the process relative to the way the battery is being used.

The right amount of charge, variable absorption time

When only shallow discharges occur (a yacht connected to shore power for example) the absorption time is kept short in order to prevent overcharging of the battery.  After a deep discharge the absorption time is automatically increased to make sure that the battery is completely recharged.

Prevent damage due to excessive gassing; the BatterySafe mode

If, in order to quickly charge a battery, a high charge current in combination with a high absorption voltage has been chosen, the Phoenix Charger will prevent damage due to excessive gassing by automatically limiting the rate of voltage increase once the gassing voltage has been reached (see the charge curve between 14.4V and 15.0V in fig 2 below).

Less maintenance and aging when battery is not in use; the Storage mode

The storage mode kicks in whenever the battery has not been subjected to discharge during 24 hours.  In the storage mode float voltage is reduced to 2.2 V/cell (13.2V for 12V battery) to minimize gassing and corrosion of the postive plates.  Once a week the voltage is raised back to the absorption level to 'equalize' the battery.  This feature prevents stratification of the electrolyte and sulphation, a major cause of early battery failure.

To increase battery life; termperature compensation

The storage mode kicks in whenever the battery has not been subjected to discharge during 24 hours.  In the storage mode float voltage is reduced to 2.2 V/cell (13.2V for 12V battery) to minimize gassing and corrosion of the postive plates.  Once a week the voltage is raised back to the absorption level to 'equalize' the battery.  This feature prevents stratification of the electrolyte and sulphation, a major cause of early battery failure.

Battery voltage sense

In order to compensate for voltage loss due to cable resistance. Phoenix chargers are provided with a voltage sense facility so that the battery always receives the correct charge voltage.