Standard Cycle Routines
The Standard Cycle Routines will cycle the batteries for the number of cycles specified in the No of Cycles parameter. Each cycle consists of a discharge followed by a charge. For example if the No of Cycles = 2 then the cycle session will consist of: Cycle 1 Discharge, Cycle 1 Charge, Cycle 2 Discharge, Cycle2 Charge.
Specify Battery Type in either Quick Setup or Profile Setup mode. In Quick Setup mode, default cycle parameters will be used. Profile Setup allows for the cycle parameters to be specified as required. The parameter Discharge Current will set the constant current discharge level and Voltage Cutoff will specify when to terminate the discharge. The charge cycles will charge batteries using a charge algorithm appropriate for the specified battery type.
During a cycle session the actual battery capacity can be measured on the Discharge portion of the cycle. This is when the actual output of the battery is determined. At the end of each part of the cycle, the results are displayed in the Results Data area. If the battery was fully charged at the beginning of the cycle session, then the first discharge will reveal the total capacity of the battery. If the state of charge was less than 100% then the first discharge will not represent the full capacity. On the second discharge after the battery has been charged to 100% the full capacity will be measured. The cycle session ends with a charge so that the battery will be ready for service when complete.
After setting up the cycle parameters click the on screen Cycle button. This will load the appropriate cycle routine into the device. Once the routine has been loaded, it is controlled with the on screen, Start, Halt, Stop buttons. The cycle routines are also configured to begin the session simply by connecting the battery. The hardware Vector push button can also be used to restart the cycle session. Note that after the cycle routine is loaded into the device, the Cycle button is not used again unless the test parameters need to be updated. Also, once the cycle routine is loaded, the device can also be used off line without the PC connection for stand alone applications.
Cycle NiCd
Memo: This function use to cycle a NiCd battery for the specified number of cycles. Remove and reconnect a battery to begin a new session. Flashing yellow LED indicates discharging. Specify Low Voltage cutoff to terminate discharge. Flashing green LED indicates charging. A solid green LED indicates that the cycles are complete and a trickle current(if specified>0.005A) will be applied until the battery is disconnected. An under voltage and over voltage situation will be detected as a possible incorrect battery. Check battery or Restart/Vector to force the charge to begin. Charge will terminate for safety at 140% of capacity. Users should also include additional charge termination methods in the battery profile. Recommended terminations are -dV of 0.015V/cell, Maximum input of 120%, Temperature cut-off of 40 deg C and dT/dt of 2 deg C/Min. These should be adjusted as battery, charge rate, temperature and situation dictates. Always charge batteries as per the battery manufacturers recommendations.
Cycle LiIon
Memo: This function is used to cycle a generic LiIon battery for the specified number of cycles. Specify charge and discharge parameters accordingly. Remove and reconnect battery to begin a new session. Each cycle consists of a discharge followed by a charge. Flashing yellow LED indicates discharging. Flashing green LED indicates charging. A solid green LED indicates cycles are complete.
Cycle NiMH
Memo: This function is for charging a NiMH battery. Remove and reconnect a battery to begin a new session. Flashing green LED indicates charging. A solid green LED indicates that charging is complete. An under voltage and over voltage situation will be detected as a possible incorrect battery. Check battery or Restart/Vector to force the charge to begin. Charge will terminate for safety at 130% of capacity. Users should also include additional termination methods in the battery profile. Recommended termination methods are -dV of 0.012V/cell, Maximum input of 120%, Temperature cut-off of 40 deg C and dT/dt of 2 deg C/Min. These should be adjusted as battery, charge rate, temperature and situation dictates. Always charge batteries as per the battery manufacturers’ recommendations.