Float Current Monitoring System

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The float current monitoring system is an accessory to the battery monitoring system. It consists of a current monitoring interface (CMI) unit and a float current monitoring sensor. The system accurately monitors changes in the DC charging current which are precursors of an impending cell failure, as well as AC ripple currents which are indicators of charging system problems. The system also detects reversal of current direction indicative of a discharge condition and provides an alarm indication if a discharge event occurs.

How it works

The float current sensor toroid is installed on a monitored current-carrying conductor. The conductor, which is typically either an interconnection cable or a bus bar, is passed through the aperture of the current measurement sensor. The float current sensor is plugged into a CMI. Multiple float current monitoring systems can be connected to the site control unit’s P-Bus daisy chain using common CAT5 jumpers. Power is supplied to the CMI module over the P-Bus.

The CMI has a user-settable address switch. This switch allows the user to assign one of six P-Bus addresses to the CMI. The CMI has LED’s that indicate the status of the current sensor as well as communications with the site control unit.

Keep an eye on current events

Very highly accurate charge current sensor at extremely low currents
Monitors DC charge currents and AC ripple currents
One float current monitoring system per string and up to 6 daisy-chained together, with CAT5, per site controller
Detects reversal of current direction and send discharge event alarms
Predicts battery end-of-life and thermal runaway
Early indicator of charger issues

Datasheet

Specifications

DC Float Current Measurement Range	10 mA to 8 A
DC Float Current Measurement Resolution	1 mA
DC Float Current Measurement Accuracy	5% of measurement, up to 6A
AC Ripple Current Measurement Range	0-30 A; average current reading
AC Ripple Current Bandwidth	2 KHz nominal
AC Ripple Current Accuracy	5% typical
Current Sensor Aperture	2.2", round
Current Monitoring Interface Dimensions	2.7" x 3.2"
Interface to Host	P-Bus RS485 on RJ45 connector; power supplied by daisy chain

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