Dual battery charger has solar and plug-in
Charging batteries from solar power or from a vehicle or boat alternator has never been easier or safer thanks to the latest Intelli-Charge from Projecta.
Just introduced to New Zealand, the class-leading Projecta IDC25 IntelliCharge 25A 9-32V, three-stage DC/ solar battery charger, is the most advanced of its type currently available on the market, boasting a range of features that will deliver safer and more reliable charging of 12V secondary/ auxiliary deep cycle batteries while on the go.
A key feature is the unit’s ability to charge simultaneously from both solar and alternator (9-32V) inputs without the need to manually switch from one power source to the other – great for those who own a boat or recreational vehicle.
It can function as an MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) solar controller up to 25A, maximising the power generated from solar panels. And when operating on vehicle power, the unit offers dual charging modes for compatibility with both smart and conventional alternators, making it ideal for use in just about any vehicle, power boat or yacht.
“It’s very simple to use, and means that if you go away camping or on the boat and you aren’t using the engine for an extended period, you’ll still be able to keep the battery on charge from the sun,” says Tim Paterson, of Narva New Zealand, which distributes Projecta battery products here.
The new charger supports multichemistry batteries including GEL, AGM, WET and Calcium, which maximises its flexibility. As an added bonus, the unit has periodic equalisation capability to remove acid stratification from calcium batteries, adding life to the battery, as well as making it safer.
Assisting the IDC25’s performance is an over-temperature protection function, which sees the charger automatically adjust its output, based on battery temperature. This allows the unit to operate (at a reduced charge rate) in extreme temperatures of up to 80deg. C without damaging the battery.
Other safeguards include over- and under-voltage protection, which shuts down the charger if voltage problems are detected, and spark-free protection, which prevents the charging process from beginning unless the load is securely connected.
These features prevent accidental damage to batteries, and when combined with the unit’s in-built reverse connection protection, provide an extremely safe and robust product, well suited to the rigours of long distance touring and off road applications.
Like all Intelli-Charge products in the Projecta range, charging is by way of a three-stage process that maximises the capacity of a battery to take a charge and helps to prolong its life.
Further aiding the IDC25’s performance and longevity is its sturdy construction, which makes it shock, vibration and dust-proof. Sealed to the IP67 standard, the unit is also water resistant, making it ideal for both in-vehicle and under-bonnet installation, as well as for use in marine applications.
If mounted under the bonnet or in a boat engine compartment, included in the package is additional wiring to set-up an in-cabin LED indicator to remotely display charging and fault status. Installation is made easier because it comes with labelled and pre-wired cabling.
Projecta’s new ICD25 charger is backed by a two-year warranty, and can be purchased at leading automotive, marine and RV outlets throughout New Zealand. For more information, visit www.projecta.co.nz.