Soneil Battery Chargers uses new technology in a small box

Designed specially for Charging Deep Cycle Batteries

Switch-mode technology:

Soneil, has battery chargers with output of 12, 24, 36 & 48 volts and input of 115VAC (UL, CSA approvals) and 230VAC (CE, TUV, GS, KEMA approvals). Soneil battery chargers can also be used in JAPAN. Boasting a longevity rating of 30,000 power-on-hours (POH), the SUPERCHARGER applies state of the art technology to revolutionize battery power maintenance.

Selected components commonly found in computers are utilized in these constant current chargers to reduce size and weight normally associated with familiar taper type chargers. One such component is a sophisticated switching circuit that "chops up" 115/230VAC input at a rate of 100,000 pulses per second. Since less power is being manipulated at a faster rate, the conversion to 12, 24, 36 & 48VDC can be completed without the need for a large transformer.

The Switch-mode Charger is an electronics device whereas the conventional charger is an electrical device with some electronics.

Benefits of Switch-mode Chargers:

i) Smaller size (6.9" x 3.7" x 1.9") and light weight (1.5 lbs)

ii) No tapering of current - Constant Current

In the conventional chargers, the current reduces as the battery voltage goes up. For example an 8 Amp charger, the current will start at 8 Amp and will go down as the battery voltage increase. At the end (full charge) the current is almost zero. So the charger is giving an average of 4 Amps.

The switch-mode charger gives a constant current. In charging time, the constant current is equal to twice the tapered current. So a 4 Amp Constant Current battery charger is as fast (in some cases faster) than a tapered 8 Amp conventional charger.

Note: Some conventional chargers are constant current types but these are more expensive, larger in size and weight.

iii) More Reliable:

In switch-mode, the transformers are installed on the electronics circuit board. Since all components are on circuit board, the switch-mode chargers are much more reliable.

iv) Ability to function with AC voltage fluctuations

The switch-mode chargers are capable of large AC voltage fluctuations without any loss of output power. For example a properly designed switch-mode charger of 115VAC input will operate at 90VAC. So 115VAC chargers can be used in Japan where the voltage is 100VAC.

v) Other benefits:

These are function of the design of the charger.

- Deep discharge start: Can charge a battery as low as 0.5 volts. Most of the conventional chargers need 12-18 volts to start.

- Current Limit: The switch-mode charger will not give large current at low voltage (unlike conventional chargers). This protects the battery.

- Voltage limit

- On-board application: Due to small size, the switch-mode chargers can be installed on-board a scooter or power chair.

- Portability: Even if a charger is not installed on-board, it is portable due to small size and lightweight. The user can easily carry it with him and charge the battery at lunch hour or during a visit.