4. Discharging
4.1 Mini PAGlink batteries can be discharged individually or linked.
The batteries can be in any state of charge. The maximum number of
PAGlink batteries that may be linked has been limited to 10. If more
than 10 batteries are linked, the management system will shut-down
the supply, and no current will flow.
4.2 Linking batteries for discharge provides a number of benefits.
The combined capacity extends the run-time of your camera set-up.
Two linked 50Wh batteries will provide 100Wh; a 50Wh and a 99Wh
battery linked will provide 149Wh; two 99Wh batteries will provide
198Wh.
Where total continuous consumption is above 8A, two or more
batteries, of any rated capacity, should be linked. This will increase
the maximum continuous discharge current to 12A, provided the
batteries are in a similar state of charge. Sharing the current load
across multiple batteries prolongs individual battery life and provides
a better return on investment.
4.3 Linked batteries form a network which allows communication between
batteries, ensuring that a safe protocol is followed under all circum-
stances.
4.4 The PAGlink management system elects the battery with one or more
connected to its front contacts to be the ‘master’ and ensures that
this battery is always active (but not necessarily delivering current).
The system makes the most efficient use of the power available, and
prevents a transfer of charge between batteries. As discharge
progresses, batteries are electronically added to or subtracted from
the bus bar to deliver the current required. The linked batteries
discharge simultaneously rather than sequentially. Their individual
state of charge and the total run-time can be viewed via their
displays. As long as the ‘master’ remains connected, batteries may be
added or hot-swapped in order to achieve continuous running.
4.5 The batteries incorporate a precision, fixed, end-of-discharge cutoff,
set to 12.5V, as measured by the battery. This cutoff will only
operate if the battery capacity is less than 5%, eliminating unwanted
operation due to high current and low battery temperature.
4.6 The batteries incorporate a current limit of 8A for an individual
50Wh battery, 10A for an individual 99Wh battery, and 12A for linked
batteries of any rated capacity. Consumption above this for more than
5 seconds will trigger the over-current protection, turning the battery
output off. It can be recovered by simply removing it from the load
and pressing the display button, provided the battery still retains
some charge.
4.7 The batteries may be discharged within the temperature range -20°C
to +50°C, but for optimum performance, +10°C to +40°C is
recommended. The operating time will be shorter in conditions of
low temperature, and discharging will be electronically inhibited if
the battery temperature is below -20°C.
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