BATTERY SAVER
Photovoltaic Low-voltage Load Disconnect Device (BS1) (or)
Photovoltaic Low-voltage Generator Start Device (BS6)
BS
(
)
Installation and Operation Manual
SPECIALTY CONCEPTS, INC.
8954 Mason Ave.
Chatsworth, CA 91311 USA
MODELS COVERED: BS1 and BS6 (12, 24, 36, 48 volt units) Copyright 9/1997 Specialty Concepts, Inc.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The BATTERY SAVER (BS) is a versatile device for the protection of batteries from low voltage.
Versions can be ordered to disconnect a load or start a generator.
The BATTERY SAVER consists of a relay with a voltage sensing circuit and a red light to indicate
operation. It is housed in an anodized aluminum chassis suitable for wall mounting with a terminal
block for up to 10 gauge wire or spade connector.
FEATURES
LOW-VOLTAGE LOAD DISCONNECT (BS1) or
LOW-VOLTAGE GENERATOR START (BS6)
• 25 amp load, 12 or 24 volt
• 15 amp load, 36 or 48 volt
DESIGN FEATURES
• Indicator light
• Input noise suppression
• Reverse polarity protection
• Adjustability; set-point and span
• Indoor wall mount chassis
SPECIFICATIONS
PARAMETERS UNITS NOMINAL VOLTAGES
12 v 24 v 36 v 48 v
System Voltage, Max (Volts) 17.0 34.0 51.0 68.0
Load Current, Continuous (1) (Amps) 25 25 15 15
Load Current, Max (60 seconds) (2) (Amps) 30 30 19.5 19.5
System Voltage, Max. (Volts) 17.0 34.0 51.0 68.0
Operating Voltage @ Battery, Min. (Volts) 9.6 9.6 19.2 19.2
Quiescent Current (3) (Milliamps) 8.2 12 10 10
Current Consumption, Energized
(Load Disconnected / Gen Start) (4) (Milliamps) 107 116 75 75
Voltage Drop, Typ. (Battery to Load) (Volts) .03 .03 .03 .03
Low-voltage Set-point, Factory Set
Load Disconnect , (BS1) (Volts) 11.5 + .3 23.0 + .6 34.5 + .9 46.0 + 1.2
Generator Start , (BS6) (Volts) 11.5 + .3 23.0 + .6 34.5 + .9 46.0 + 1.2
Adjust. Low-voltage Set-point Range (5) (Volts) 10.5 to 12.5 21.0 to 25.0 31.5 to 37.5 42.0 to 50.0
Resumption Voltage, Factory Set
Load Reconnect (BS1) (Volts) 13.0 + .3 26.0 + .6 39.0 + .9 52.0 + 1.2
Generator Stop (BS6) (Volts) 13.0 + .3 26.0 + .6 39.0 + .9 52.0 + 1.2
Adjustable Resumption Range, Typ. (5) (Volts) 12.2 to 14.0 24.4 to 28.0 36.6 to 42.0 48.8 to 56.0
Time Delay, Typ. (6) (Seconds) 2 2 2 2
Operating Temp. Range (°C) -20 to 50 -20 to 50 -20 to 50 -20 to 50
Storage Temp. Range (°C) -55 to 85 -55 to 85 -55 to 85 -55 to 85
Notes:
(1) Non-inductive.
(2) Carry only, Non-switching
(3) Relay unenergized, red L.E.D. off, typical value.
(4) LVD/Gen. start relay energized, red L.E.D. on, typical value.
(5) Higher and lower settings can be reached but are not recommended.
(6) Prevents nuisance disconnects.
PART NUMBERING KEY
EXAMPLE: Model
BS1 - 12
MODEL VOLTAGE
BS1 - (Low-voltage Load Disconnect) 12
BS6 - (Generator Start) 24
Nominal Voltage
NOMINAL
36
48
APPLICATIONS
Deep discharge damage to lead acid battery banks is often a major concern, both as a system
reliability issue and an economic issue relating to replacement costs of batteries and cycle life
based on depth of discharge. The BATTERY SAVER (BS) can reduce damage to expensive
batteries by controlling deep discharge.
VERSIONS
The BS1 can be used as a low-voltage load disconnect (LVD) to automatically turn lights or
other non-essential loads off when battery voltage drops too low. These loads are
reconnected after the systems has recharged some. Loads can be staged for
disconnect, turning off the least useful ones first and leaving the essential loads on, by
using multiple BATTERY SAVERs.
The BS6 can be used to signal the start of a stand-by generator or other auxiliary charger to
recharge the battery, avoiding deep discharge without temporarily losing the loads.
The BATTERY SAVER can be used as the only control in a small stand alone systems, or as
one of many control elements in large, modular control system for multi-kilowatt applications.
In many small applications charge regulation is not as much a concern as deep discharge
damage. In these cases LVD can be the only type of control electronics needed. Some
systems that already have charge regulation may need the addition of a LVD circuit. The BS1
can be added to existing systems without requiring a complete new control.
RELATED SYSTEM EQUIPMENT
The BATTERY SAVER is an integral part of a low voltage D.C. power system that includes a
charging source, a battery and a load. These items should be installed according to the
instructions provided by the equipment supplier, and this manual assumes that the rest of
the equipment installation has been properly completed.
CHARGING SOURCES: Connect charging sources with their own regulation devices directly
to the battery, using properly rated over-current protection devices.
Note: The BATTERY SAVER can remain connected to a battery being charged by an
alternator, battery charger, etc. without damage to the BATTERY SAVER. No disconnect
or isolation switches are required.
BATTERIES: The BATTERY SAVER is designed to be used with the most common lead-acid
batteries. These are wet cell batteries using pure lead, lead antinomy and/or lead calcium
grids. The factory standard set-points are selected to correspond to approximately an 80%
depth of discharge. These settings may need to be adjusted when using sealed,
maintenance free batteries, or vented pocket plate nickel-cadmium batteries. For these
batteries, consult the battery manufacturer for recommended set-points.
LOADS: The load is considered the item or equipment that the PV system is powering.
System loads such as lights, radios, DC/AC inverters, etc. must be rated for the proper DC
input voltage. DC loads not exceeding the rated BS1 load current (see specification
section) can be connected to the load terminals of the BS1, which provides the automatic
LVD function. Higher current, or inductive loads such as pumps, motors or inverters
should be connected directly to the battery, using properly rated over-current protection
devices (fuses or circuit breakers).
GENERATORS (for Generator start): The BATTERY SAVER (version 6) can automatically
turn on a standby generator when the battery voltage drops low. The generator must be
equipped with a two wire auto-start feature.
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