Lithium Boost Technologies, Inc. has introduced enhanced and redesigned chargers to assure high performance and reliability. Based on thorough performance test and analysis performed by JPS Engineering, Lithium Boost engineers have been able to identify the required improvements and redesign the smart chargers accordingly. The objective was to achieve 50K MTBF (mean time between failures) after incorporating the required components and circuits upgrades.
Lithium Boost has developed the smart chargers in conjunction with innovative Battery Management System (BMS), based on its proprietary technology, in order to optimize the performance of lithium-ion cells targeted for use in low speed electric vehicles (LSEV). The smart charging system consists of individual chargers, one for each lithium cell to assure balanced charging and completed-charge monitoring per cell. The BMS monitors the cell voltages through communication with the chargers and disables vehicle operations when any cell voltage remains too low for an extended period of time. When switched on, the BMS has an output wire that can provide up to 5 amps of power at the pack voltage for accessories, such as a DC to DC converter used for 12 volt lighting.
Lithium Boost smart chargers are now available in two sizes: 10 amps and 20 amps. Each individual charger delivers full current during most of the charge cycle, and tapers off to a trickle charge near the end of charge. The charger module accepts AC power in the range of 100 to 240 volts, 50 to 60 Hz. The 10 amp chargers set consumes approximately 6.5 amps at 115 volts, and 3.2 amps at 230 volts, and the 20 amp set consumes 13 amps at 115 volts and 6.5 amps at 230 volts.
“Our patented lithium battery system was successfully installed in hundreds of low speed electric vehicles, replacing existing lead-acid batteries,” said John Wade, Lithium Boost Technologies chief engineer. “Harnessing the power of lithium-ion cells required a long trial and error process that led us to developing an innovative battery system of smart BMS and individual chargers. Focused on constantly improving our products, while addressing our customer’s needs, we invested extensive engineering time and resources in testing and analyzing the existing lithium battery chargers. We’re pleased to have accomplished our objective to enhance the performance and reliability of our product and furthermore increase customer satisfaction.”
