1. Introduction of Battery Isolator
A battery isolator is an electronic device that separates the current from the power supply to ensure that the current flows in only one direction, usually a device that operates between the starting battery and the auxiliary battery to disconnect the battery from the power system, for example, a battery isolator manages a variety of loads on a vehicle, lifts and winches on a vehicle, etc., that require a battery isolator to control the current flowing into them to keep the vehicle’s battery remain in optimal condition.
Battery managers also help to manage multiple batteries in a vehicle system, ensuring that each battery can be charged and discharged individually, stopping one battery from drawing power from another. In most cases, the battery isolator primarily protects the auxiliary or backup battery from unnecessary drain.
2. Function and working principle of battery isolator
Battery isolators are mainly used in station wagons or other vehicles with a lot of electrical equipment, usually each car has a battery, also called the main battery. However, the car’s power equipment is too much, there will be a main battery power shortage, such as the use of air conditioning, refrigerators, microwave ovens, etc. in the car, only a main battery is not enough, the vehicle’s battery will soon be depleted, resulting in the vehicle can not be used, which requires the addition of a sub-battery to power the car’s power equipment, the main battery and the sub-battery needs to be used between the battery isolator, so that the two batteries are charged at the same time, separate use. Charge and use separately, the specific working principle is as follows:
2.1 After starting the vehicle, the alternator works and charges the battery, the battery isolator will give priority to charging the main battery, and after the main battery is full, it will automatically charge the secondary battery without affecting the power supply of electric devices.
2.2 When the vehicle’s engine is not in use, the battery isolator will actively isolate the main battery from the secondary battery, allowing the secondary battery to power the vehicle’s electrical devices without discharging the main battery, so that there is no concern that the vehicle will not start.
2.3 When the main battery’s power is insufficient or damaged, there is an emergency switch, the battery isolator will connect the two main and secondary batteries in parallel, you can use the power of the secondary battery to start the vehicle.
3. Battery isolator classification
3.1 Manual isolator
Manual isolator is equivalent to an emergency switch, the main role of the secondary battery is to serve as a backup power supply, when the main battery can not start the vehicle use the secondary battery to start the vehicle.
3.2 Diode Battery Isolator
Diode battery isolator is a combination of two high-current diodes in a radiator, the advantage is no maintenance, long service life, inexpensive, the disadvantage is that the diode isolator has a voltage drop, wiring is more troublesome, because there is a line needs to be connected to the ignition switch.
3.3 Relay Battery Isolator
Relay battery isolator uses a large high current relay to control the current flowing through the battery isolator, the advantage is that there is no voltage drop, wiring is simple, the disadvantage is that it is expensive and needs to be replaced frequently.
4. Battery Isolator Uses
Battery isolators are used in vehicles or systems with multiple batteries, for example:
4.1 Automobiles: Battery isolators are usually used with trucks and RVs to start the vehicle and power other electrical devices.
4.2 Solar energy systems: battery isolators are useful for managing the charging and discharging of solar storage batteries to ensure that energy is utilized efficiently.
4.3 Emergency vehicles: such as ambulances and fire trucks, the use of battery isolators can effectively supply power to the vehicle’s electrical equipment without depleting the main battery’s charge, enabling it to be used even in emergencies.
4.4 Marine and large ships: Battery isolators are necessary on board ships to separate the main battery from the secondary battery.
5. Battery isolator and battery separator difference
5.1 Different functions: Battery isolator is to manage the charging and discharging of multiple batteries in a vehicle or system, and battery separator is to prevent electrical contact between adjacent positive and negative terminals to avoid damage to the circuit.
5.2 Different materials used: Battery isolators are made using diodes, relays, etc., while battery separators are made using plastic, rubber or glass.
5.3 Different applications: Battery isolators are mainly used in vehicles or systems used for multiple batteries to manage batteries, and battery separators are used in batteries.
5.4 Cost difference: Battery isolators use electronic components in the battery, the price cost is higher, the separator usually use simple materials to insulate.
5.5 Maintenance difference: Battery isolators need regular inspection and maintenance to ensure normal operation, battery separators do not need maintenance, only need to check whether the insulation material is broken.
6. How to choose the right battery isolator?
6.1 Choose the right voltage and current intensity
Battery isolator has specific rated voltage and current, which can not exceed the specified value, if it exceeds it will cause overload or overheat and cause fire.
6.2 Consider the number of batteries
Need to determine how many batteries the battery isolator supports
6.3 Consider the ease of installation
Complex installation requires maintenance personnel to install, if it is simple and easy to install the insulation can be installed by yourself.
Conclusion
Battery isolators are mainly used in vehicles or systems with multiple batteries to protect the main battery from being drained and allow the secondary battery to power other electrical devices, which can be considered comprehensively when choosing a battery isolator.
