The only way to know the real capacity of a stationary battery bank is to discharge it in a controlled way down to the end voltage and count the ampere-hours delivered: this is the acceptance and periodic test of IEEE 450, IEEE 1188 and IEC 60896. The Amperis Battery Discharger BDC runs it with a high-frequency IGBT regulator that holds the programmed current constant, from zero to the model maximum, in seven versions from 48 V and 200 A to 600 V and 15 A for lead-acid, Ni-Cd or lithium batteries; it stops on its own at the minimum voltage or maximum time, keeps the complete curve in its datalogger and, with several units in parallel, has no current limit.
Amperis BDC key data
- Model range: seven BDC dischargers in the B1 cabinet: BDC-048-200 (48 V, 200 A), BDC-096-200 (96 V, 200 A), BDC-135-150 (135 V, 150 A), BDC-240-075 (240 V, 75 A), BDC-400-040 (400 V, 40 A), BDC-500-025 (500 V, 25 A) and BDC-600-015 (600 V, 15 A).
- Discharge principle: high-frequency IGBT regulator; the BDC holds the current constant, adjustable from zero to the maximum of each model, with the battery voltage monitored throughout the test, on lead-acid, Ni-Cd and lithium batteries.
- Automatic stop: on programmed minimum voltage or maximum test time; programming a test on the BDC takes under two minutes and needs no specific training.
- Display and logging: battery voltage and current, elapsed time, discharged capacity in Ah and programmed values; built-in datalogger and miniUSB PC interface for downloading the complete curve.
- Reports: the analysis software plots voltage, current, power, discharged capacity and energy, produces reports with graphs and comments and exports to spreadsheets; with several BDC units in parallel, their files are merged into a single report.
- Units in parallel: several BDC units add up their discharge current, with no limit on total current.
- Installation: single-phase 120 or 230 V AC ±10 % supply, air cooling, IP21 as standard and IP54 optional, operation from −10 °C to +45 °C and a 326 × 765 × 483 mm B1 cabinet on heavy-duty castors.
- Standards: CE marking, electromagnetic compatibility IEC EN 61000-6-2 and IEC EN 61000-6-4, safety IEC EN 50178 and IEC EN 62040-1, and manufacture under ISO 9001:2008.
Advantages
Constant current from an IGBT regulator
The high-frequency IGBT regulator holds the discharge current at the programmed value, adjustable from zero to the maximum of each model, while the battery voltage stays under control.
Any battery, from 48 to 600 V
The range covers seven models, from 48 V and 200 A to 600 V and 15 A, and works with lead-acid, Ni-Cd or lithium batteries without changing instrument.
It stops on its own and keeps the test
The discharge ends at the programmed minimum voltage or maximum duration; the built-in datalogger keeps the complete curve and the measured values stay on screen.
From test to report
The PC interface (miniUSB) downloads the curve to the analysis software, which plots voltage, current, power, capacity and energy, produces reports with graphs and exports to spreadsheets.
No current ceiling
Units in parallel add up their discharge current and their files merge into a single report, so the test capability has no limit.
Applications
- Capacity testing of stationary battery banks in substations and power plants.
- Acceptance and periodic tests to IEEE 450, IEEE 1188 and IEC 60896.
- Battery recovery and characterisation in the workshop.
- Quality control in battery manufacturing.
About the product
The unit comes in a B1 cabinet of 326 × 765 × 483 mm on heavy-duty castors, with a double enclosure for thermal insulation and air cooling. Electronic protection covers soft start, reverse polarity and over-temperature, and the digital display shows battery voltage and current, elapsed time, discharged capacity and the programmed values.
It runs from a single-phase supply of 120 or 230 V AC ±10 %, with IP21 protection as standard and IP54 on request. It carries CE marking and complies with the electromagnetic compatibility standards IEC EN 61000-6-2 and 61000-6-4 and the safety standards IEC EN 50178 and IEC EN 62040-1, under an ISO 9001:2008 quality system.
Model range
| Model | Battery voltage (V) | Discharge current (A) |
|---|---|---|
| BDC-048-200 | 48 | 200 |
| BDC-096-200 | 96 | 200 |
| BDC-135-150 | 135 | 150 |
| BDC-240-075 | 240 | 75 |
| BDC-400-040 | 400 | 40 |
| BDC-500-025 | 500 | 25 |
| BDC-600-015 | 600 | 15 |
Technical specifications
| Discharge principle | High-frequency IGBT regulator, constant current adjustable from zero to the model maximum |
| Battery types | All: lead-acid, Ni-Cd and lithium |
| Battery voltage | 48 to 600 V depending on model |
| Discharge current | Up to 200 A depending on model; unlimited by paralleling units |
| Automatic stop | On programmed minimum voltage or maximum test time |
| Data | Built-in datalogger, PC interface (miniUSB) and analysis software with automatic reports |
| Protections | Soft start, reverse polarity and over-temperature |
| Supply | Single phase 120 or 230 V AC ±10 % |
| Protection degree | IP21 standard; IP54 optional |
| Operating conditions | −10 °C to +45 °C; humidity < 75 %; altitude > 2000 m to EN 62040-3 |
| Dimensions (B1 cabinet) | 326 × 765 × 483 mm, on castors |
| Cooling | Air cooled |
| Storage temperature | −20 °C to +70 °C |
| Standards | CE; EMC IEC EN 61000-6-2 and IEC EN 61000-6-4; safety IEC EN 50178 and IEC EN 62040-1; quality ISO 9001:2008 |
Frequently asked questions
Is the BDC suitable for IEEE 450, IEEE 1188 or IEC 60896 capacity tests?
Yes. The Amperis BDC is designed for the acceptance and periodic tests of those standards on stationary battery banks: it discharges at constant current down to the programmed end voltage, counts the ampere-hours delivered, records the complete curve and produces the test report automatically.
Is it difficult to set up a test on the BDC?
No. Programming a test takes under two minutes and needs no specific training; the BDC runs from a single-phase 120 or 230 V AC outlet, moves on heavy-duty castors and finishes on its own when the programmed minimum voltage or maximum time is reached.
Which batteries can it test?
Any industrial lead-acid, Ni-Cd or lithium battery, with nominal voltages from 48 to 600 V depending on the model.
How is the real capacity obtained?
The unit discharges at constant current and counts the ampere-hours delivered down to the programmed end voltage: that figure is the battery's real capacity.
Can the maximum current of a model be exceeded?
Yes. Units working in parallel add up their current and their records combine into a single report.
Is a PC needed during the test?
No. The built-in datalogger keeps the complete curve and the data is downloaded afterwards through the miniUSB interface.
