PRODUCT CATALOG

Multi-Stage Voltage Regulation
What do Balmar smart regulators do
Smart voltage regulators, like Balmar’s Max Charge and
ARS-5, use electrical current to magnetize an alternator’s
rotor and stator. The alternator’s rotor creates alternating
(AC) current as it turns within the stator that’s converted
into DC electrical energy which can used to charge
batteries. During the time that the alternator is charging
the batteries, the voltage regulator constantly monitors
the battery voltage and adjusts alternator output to bring
batteries to a fully charged state.
Unlike a simple, single-stage regulator found in an
automotive alternator, Max Charge and ARS-5 regulators
are designed to provide specific multi-voltage charging
profiles that are customized for many of the different
battery technologies commonly found in marine vessels.
As the alternator and regulator provide the battery/
batteries with a source of charging energy -- and the
level of discharge is diminished -- the batteries develop
greater resistance. The regulator works to overcome
that resistance by increasing the charging voltage to the
highest level that the battery can safely be exposed to.
One of the core responsibilities of the voltage regulator
is to ensure that the charging voltage meets, but does not
exceed that (target) voltage.
How do Balmar smart regulators work
Typically, the regulator begins its cycle when the engine
starts. After a short start delay (which allows the engine
and belts to warm up), the regulator begins to apply field
current to the alternator’s positive brush, causing the
alternator to supply charging output to the batteries.
After charging for a set time period, the regulator begins
to perform calculations based on three primary criteria:
1. Whether the system has reached the target voltage for
that battery technology
2. Whether it has been able to maintain that target voltage
for specific time period, and,
3. How hard the regulator is having to drive the alternator
to maintain that voltage (field percentage).
If, at the time of calculation, the Balmar regulator is able
to meet its target goals, the regulator will advance to the
next stage of charging requirements. If not, the regulator
will continue to drive the alternator at a high level until the
calculated goals are met.
How many stages of charging
Max Charge and ARS-5 voltage regulators provide three
primary stages of charging: Bulk, Absorption, and Float.
Bulk stage is when most of the charging occurs, and has
the highest voltage target of the three. Depending on
battery type, bulk voltages range from 14.1 volts to 14.6
volts in a 12-volt system, and can last from just a few
minutes to several hours, depending on loads, battery
capacity and depth of discharge.
Absorption stage, is usually two tenths of a volt below
bulk stage, and allows the regulator to help bring the
batteries to a nearly full charge without subjecting them
to undue stress. Batteries are held in absorption stage
until the regulator sees that the batteries have met all of
their calculated target goals.
Float stage provides a level of charging that’s typically a
volt below bulk target voltage, and is meant to maintain
the battery (and address ship loads) once it reaches a fully
charged state. After a given time, the Balmar regulator
will make calculations based on Float target voltages. If
the regulator is having difficulty maintaining its target
goals (if the voltage is too low, or if the regulator has to
drive the alternator above a percentage of its capacity)
the regulator will revert to the Absorption stage.
What Batteries Are Supported
In addition to a factory default program, Max Charge
regulators offer selectable preset programs for six
battery types; standard flooded, deep cycle flooded, gel,
AGM, spiral wound (Optima), and for voltage sensitive
halogen systems. The ARS-5 regulator provides programs
for deep cycle flooded, AGM, gel, and spiral wound Optima
batteries, in addition to its default program.
In addition to preset program selections, all Balmar multistage
voltage regulators feature extensive advanced
programming modes, where all aspects of charging can
be tailored to meet individual system requirements.
Max Charge voltage regulators can also support special
functions like battery conditioning and equalization.
How are Balmar regulators programmed
Each Balmar multi-stage regulator features an epoxy
potted reed switch, which is controlled with a magnetic
programming tool included with each regulator. All
regulators are equipped with bright, easy-to-read 3-digit
numeric LEDs, which support both operational and
programming functions.
Do I need temperature sensing
All Balmar multi-stage regulators offer the ability to
sense alternator and battery temperatures when used
with optional MC-TS-A and MC-TS-B sensor cables.
Alternator temperature sensing enables the regulator to
automatically reduce field output if the alternator exceeds
safe operating temperature.
In order to maximize charging efficiency, battery
temperature sensing allows the regulator to automatically
adjust charging voltages, either up or down, based on
battery core temperature. This is essential when charging
sealed battery types, like AGM and gel cell batteries. If
an over-temperature condition occurs at the batteries,
a sensor-equipped Balmar regulator will shut down
charging, and activate a 500mA lamp signal, which can
be used to support a visual or audible warning device.
Both features add a substantial increase in charging safety
and efficiency for both the batteries and the charging
system.
Visit us at www.balmar.net for more information.
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