The Auto Isolator
I detects when a vehicles alternator is charging the battery and then
closes a solenoid operated switch to additionally charge an auxiliary
battery. When the engine is stopped, the solenoid opens to isolate the
batteries. Upon "cranking" the engine with a charged auxiliary
battery, the solenoid is energized to parallel the batteries and provide
a starting boost. If the auxiliary battery is low, the batteries are not
paralleled. |
Since the auxiliary
battery is charged through a solenoid-operated switch rather than an isolation
diode, the auxiliary battery is fully charged. The .7 volt diode drop
is eliminated, as is the power dissipation in the diode. The system therefore
is more efficient. The starting boost provided by the parallel batteries
is especially useful in cold weather or when the main battery is low.
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