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  #1  
Old 07-27-2012, 02:45 PM
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Default [EVDL] PFC-30 Goes All Current-Limit on Me

If I turn my PFC-30 up more than about half way, it goes into current limit
mode in less than 2 minutes. There's plenty of air space around the
charger, the trunk is open, and the temp in my garage is 74F (23C). Does
anyone else have this problem? Usually it's not an issue, since I charge at
low current overnight. But this morning I was out and about, and I wanted
to charge the car again to take it downtown for the evening.

Thanks.

Bill

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  #2  
Old 07-27-2012, 03:05 PM
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Default Re: [EVDL] PFC-30 Goes All Current-Limit on Me

What pack voltage are you running? Are you running into a battery side
current limit or a AC line side current limit? If your pack is reaching
the regulation voltage rather quickly the current will be limited to honor
that voltage regulation.

I've never had the problem but I think that if the charger goes into
thermal cutback you will get the megabright red LED warning light.

Mike

[quote] Bill Dennis <xxx@xxx.xxx> wrote:

> If I turn my PFC-30 up more than about half way, it goes into current limit
> mode in less than 2 minutes. There's plenty of air space around the
> charger, the trunk is open, and the temp in my garage is 74F (23C). Does
> anyone else have this problem? Usually it's not an issue, since I charge
> at
> low current overnight. But this morning I was out and about, and I wanted
> to charge the car again to take it downtown for the evening.
>
> Thanks.
>
> Bill
>
> _______________________________________________
> | Moratorium on drag racing discussion is in effect.
> | Please take those discussions elsewhere. Thanks.
> |
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  #3  
Old 07-27-2012, 03:46 PM
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Default Re: [EVDL] PFC-30 Goes All Current-Limit on Me

Pack isn't reaching its voltage limit. Cutoff voltage is 124.5V. PFC-30
goes into current limit even if pack voltage is 121V or 122V. Yellow limits
light is blinking. From the PFC-30 manual:

"If the yellow LIMITS LED is blinking, then it is indicating that there is
an over
temperature condition and the charger is in thermal cutback mode."

Bill

-----Original Message-----
From: xxx@xxx.xxx.edu [mailto:xxx@xxx.xxx.edu] On Behalf
Of Mike Willmon
Sent: Friday, July 27, 2012 2:55 PM
To: Electric Vehicle Discussion List
Subject: Re: [EVDL] PFC-30 Goes All Current-Limit on Me

What pack voltage are you running? Are you running into a battery side
current limit or a AC line side current limit? If your pack is reaching the
regulation voltage rather quickly the current will be limited to honor that
voltage regulation.

I've never had the problem but I think that if the charger goes into thermal
cutback you will get the megabright red LED warning light.

Mike

[quote] Bill Dennis <xxx@xxx.xxx> wrote:

> If I turn my PFC-30 up more than about half way, it goes into current
> limit mode in less than 2 minutes. There's plenty of air space around
> the charger, the trunk is open, and the temp in my garage is 74F
> (23C). Does anyone else have this problem? Usually it's not an
> issue, since I charge at low current overnight. But this morning I
> was out and about, and I wanted to charge the car again to take it
> downtown for the evening.
>
> Thanks.
>
> Bill
>
> _______________________________________________
> | Moratorium on drag racing discussion is in effect.
> | Please take those discussions elsewhere. Thanks.
> |
> | REPLYING: address your message to xxx@xxx.xxx.edu only.
> | Multiple-address or CCed messages may be rejected.
> | UNSUBSCRIBE: http://www.evdl.org/help/index.html#usub
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  #4  
Old 07-27-2012, 03:46 PM
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Default Re: [EVDL] PFC-30 Goes All Current-Limit on Me

Mine does the same thing. Pack voltage 272 nominal. Nicads, 1.2 volts per cell, 227 cells. I charge to around 360 (1.6 vpc). It goes into limit pretty quickly. Current starts around 25 amps, but cuts back. That's just the way it works for me.

Dave

[quote] "Bill Dennis" <xxx@xxx.xxx> wrote:

> Pack isn't reaching its voltage limit. Cutoff voltage is 124.5V. PFC-30
> goes into current limit even if pack voltage is 121V or 122V. Yellow limits
> light is blinking. From the PFC-30 manual:
>
> "If the yellow LIMITS LED is blinking, then it is indicating that there is
> an over
> temperature condition and the charger is in thermal cutback mode."
>
> Bill
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: xxx@xxx.xxx.edu [mailto:xxx@xxx.xxx.edu] On Behalf
> Of Mike Willmon
> Sent: Friday, July 27, 2012 2:55 PM
> To: Electric Vehicle Discussion List
> Subject: Re: [EVDL] PFC-30 Goes All Current-Limit on Me
>
> What pack voltage are you running? Are you running into a battery side
> current limit or a AC line side current limit? If your pack is reaching the
> regulation voltage rather quickly the current will be limited to honor that
> voltage regulation.
>
> I've never had the problem but I think that if the charger goes into thermal
> cutback you will get the megabright red LED warning light.
>
> Mike
>
> On Fri, Jul 27, 2012 at 12:39 PM, Bill Dennis <xxx@xxx.xxx> wrote:
>
>> If I turn my PFC-30 up more than about half way, it goes into current
>> limit mode in less than 2 minutes. There's plenty of air space around
>> the charger, the trunk is open, and the temp in my garage is 74F
>> (23C). Does anyone else have this problem? Usually it's not an
>> issue, since I charge at low current overnight. But this morning I
>> was out and about, and I wanted to charge the car again to take it
>> downtown for the evening.
>>
>> Thanks.
>>
>> Bill
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> | Moratorium on drag racing discussion is in effect.
>> | Please take those discussions elsewhere. Thanks.
>> |
>> | REPLYING: address your message to xxx@xxx.xxx.edu only.
>> | Multiple-address or CCed messages may be rejected.
>> | UNSUBSCRIBE: http://www.evdl.org/help/index.html#usub
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> |
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  #5  
Old 07-27-2012, 03:58 PM
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Default Re: [EVDL] PFC-30 Goes All Current-Limit on Me

[quote]Bill Dennis wrote:

> Pack isn't reaching its voltage limit. Cutoff voltage is 124.5V. PFC-30
> goes into current limit even if pack voltage is 121V or 122V. Yellow
> limits light is blinking. From the PFC-30 manual:
>
> "If the yellow LIMITS LED is blinking, then it is indicating that there is
> an over temperature condition and the charger is in thermal cutback mode."

Sounds to me that there are two possibilities:

1. the charger is lying to you

2. it isn't

If the fan(s) are operating normally, and the ambient temperature is moderate (as you've already stated), then it is still possible that the charger could be overheating internally as a result of dust/etc. build-up on internal heatsink fins or devices, or as a result of a heat generating component no longer being fixed firmly to the heat dissipating surface, or degradation of the thermal grease or other heat transfer medium between the device and heatsink.

My first assumption would be that the charger is telling (indicating) the truth, and that something inside is getting hotter than it should be under the circumstances. I would remove the charger and open it (ensure all caps have fully discharged), and vacuum/clean out any dust bunnies that have accumulated. You might also check that all devices mounted to heatsinks are securely fastened. If it continues to indicate overheating after this, it may need a trip back to Manzanita Micro for evaluation and service.

You might want to contact Rich before opening the charger to remove and dust bunnies as he may immediately recognise the overheating-indication-when-there-shouldn't-be-any as a symptom of a known failure mode ("failure" could include dust bunny or loose screw), and either advise you of exactly what to check/correct, or to send the unit in for service.

Cheers,

Roger.


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  #6  
Old 07-27-2012, 04:56 PM
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Default Re: [EVDL] PFC-30 Goes All Current-Limit on Me

I should add another comment to my post about my charger cutting back. I'm pretty sure it's acting normal and there's nothing wrong. Mine is an older unit and might not be as sophisticated as newer models. I know Rich has made improvements since mine was produced, and I'm sure they handle heat better now. But mine is doing what it needs to do to live a long life, and I'm good with that. If not, all I have to do is buy a newer model. Trust in the Madman.

Dave

[quote] Roger Stockton <xxx@xxx.xxx> wrote:

> Bill Dennis wrote:
>
>> Pack isn't reaching its voltage limit. Cutoff voltage is 124.5V. PFC-30
>> goes into current limit even if pack voltage is 121V or 122V. Yellow
>> limits light is blinking. From the PFC-30 manual:
>>
>> "If the yellow LIMITS LED is blinking, then it is indicating that there is
>> an over temperature condition and the charger is in thermal cutback mode."
>
> Sounds to me that there are two possibilities:
>
> 1. the charger is lying to you
>
> 2. it isn't
>
> If the fan(s) are operating normally, and the ambient temperature is moderate (as you've already stated), then it is still possible that the charger could be overheating internally as a result of dust/etc. build-up on internal heatsink fins or devices, or as a result of a heat generating component no longer being fixed firmly to the heat dissipating surface, or degradation of the thermal grease or other heat transfer medium between the device and heatsink.
>
> My first assumption would be that the charger is telling (indicating) the truth, and that something inside is getting hotter than it should be under the circumstances. I would remove the charger and open it (ensure all caps have fully discharged), and vacuum/clean out any dust bunnies that have accumulated. You might also check that all devices mounted to heatsinks are securely fastened. If it continues to indicate overheating after this, it may need a trip back to Manzanita Micro for evaluation and service.
>
> You might want to contact Rich before opening the charger to remove and dust bunnies as he may immediately recognise the overheating-indication-when-there-shouldn't-be-any as a symptom of a known failure mode ("failure" could include dust bunny or loose screw), and either advise you of exactly what to check/correct, or to send the unit in for service.
>
> Cheers,
>
> Roger.
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> | Moratorium on drag racing discussion is in effect.
> | Please take those discussions elsewhere. Thanks.
> |
> | REPLYING: address your message to xxx@xxx.xxx.edu only.
> | Multiple-address or CCed messages may be rejected.
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  #7  
Old 07-27-2012, 05:07 PM
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Default Re: [EVDL] PFC-30 Goes All Current-Limit on Me

[quote]Dave wrote:

> Trust in the Madman.

I think you've just hit on what should be Manzanita Micro's slogan! ;^>

Plasma Boy has "we blow things up so you don't have to", now Rich can have "Trust in the Madman".

(Email Rich to let him know, as I think he's only following the NEDRA list these days.)

Cheers,

Roger.

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  #8  
Old 07-27-2012, 05:07 PM
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Default Re: [EVDL] PFC-30 Goes All Current-Limit on Me

Bill when the pack is largely depleted watch the voltage on a meter. See
if it stays out of current limit say when your pack is at 119v. Then watch
at what voltage the light starts blinking. If it stays off until 121v or
so then try adjusting the trim pot up slightly until it goes off. Then
repeat the trim process until you get it up to 124.5v. It sounds like its
doing exactly what it should.

Mike
[quote] "Bill Dennis" <xxx@xxx.xxx> wrote:

> Pack isn't reaching its voltage limit. Cutoff voltage is 124.5V. PFC-30
> goes into current limit even if pack voltage is 121V or 122V. Yellow
> limits
> light is blinking. From the PFC-30 manual:
>
> "If the yellow LIMITS LED is blinking, then it is indicating that there is
> an over
> temperature condition and the charger is in thermal cutback mode."
>
> Bill
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: xxx@xxx.xxx.edu [mailto:xxx@xxx.xxx.edu] On
> Behalf
> Of Mike Willmon
> Sent: Friday, July 27, 2012 2:55 PM
> To: Electric Vehicle Discussion List
> Subject: Re: [EVDL] PFC-30 Goes All Current-Limit on Me
>
> What pack voltage are you running? Are you running into a battery side
> current limit or a AC line side current limit? If your pack is reaching
> the
> regulation voltage rather quickly the current will be limited to honor that
> voltage regulation.
>
> I've never had the problem but I think that if the charger goes into
> thermal
> cutback you will get the megabright red LED warning light.
>
> Mike
>
> On Fri, Jul 27, 2012 at 12:39 PM, Bill Dennis <xxx@xxx.xxx> wrote:
>
> > If I turn my PFC-30 up more than about half way, it goes into current
> > limit mode in less than 2 minutes. There's plenty of air space around
> > the charger, the trunk is open, and the temp in my garage is 74F
> > (23C). Does anyone else have this problem? Usually it's not an
> > issue, since I charge at low current overnight. But this morning I
> > was out and about, and I wanted to charge the car again to take it
> > downtown for the evening.
> >
> > Thanks.
> >
> > Bill
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > | Moratorium on drag racing discussion is in effect.
> > | Please take those discussions elsewhere. Thanks.
> > |
> > | REPLYING: address your message to xxx@xxx.xxx.edu only.
> > | Multiple-address or CCed messages may be rejected.
> > | UNSUBSCRIBE: http://www.evdl.org/help/index.html#usub
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> >
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> hment.html
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> | Please take those discussions elsewhere. Thanks.
> |
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| Please take those discussions elsewhere. Thanks.
|
| REPLYING: address your message to xxx@xxx.xxx.edu only.
| Multiple-address or CCed messages may be rejected.
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  #9  
Old 07-27-2012, 05:15 PM
EVDL List EVDL List is offline
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Default Re: [EVDL] PFC-30 Goes All Current-Limit on Me

what are you turning up? Output voltage?
What is the pack you are using and which
voltage and current is the PFC30 delivering
when you see it go into limit?
It may be normal behavior, it may not,
at this point we have too little info to judge.

Cor van de Water
Chief Scientist
Proxim Wireless Corporation http://www.proxim.com
Email: xxx@xxx.xxx Private: http://www.cvandewater.com
Skype: cor_van_de_water XoIP: +31877841130
Tel: +1 408 383 7626 Tel: +91 (040)23117400 x203

-----Original Message-----
From: xxx@xxx.xxx.edu [mailto:xxx@xxx.xxx.edu] On
Behalf Of Bill Dennis
Sent: Friday, July 27, 2012 1:39 PM
To: 'Electric Vehicle Discussion List'
Subject: [EVDL] PFC-30 Goes All Current-Limit on Me

If I turn my PFC-30 up more than about half way, it goes into current
limit mode in less than 2 minutes. There's plenty of air space around
the charger, the trunk is open, and the temp in my garage is 74F (23C).
Does anyone else have this problem? Usually it's not an issue, since I
charge at low current overnight. But this morning I was out and about,
and I wanted to charge the car again to take it downtown for the
evening.

Thanks.

Bill

_______________________________________________
| Moratorium on drag racing discussion is in effect.
| Please take those discussions elsewhere. Thanks.
|
| REPLYING: address your message to xxx@xxx.xxx.edu only.
| Multiple-address or CCed messages may be rejected.
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| Please take those discussions elsewhere. Thanks.
|
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  #10  
Old 07-27-2012, 05:35 PM
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Default Re: [EVDL] PFC-30 Goes All Current-Limit on Me

I'll fire off an email to Rick. It's rather disappointing to have a charger
billed as capable of 30A that can't even produce 25A at room temperature.

Bill

-----Original Message-----
From: xxx@xxx.xxx.edu [mailto:xxx@xxx.xxx.edu] On Behalf
Of Dave
Sent: Friday, July 27, 2012 4:49 PM
To: Electric Vehicle Discussion List
Subject: Re: [EVDL] PFC-30 Goes All Current-Limit on Me

I should add another comment to my post about my charger cutting back. I'm
pretty sure it's acting normal and there's nothing wrong. Mine is an older
unit and might not be as sophisticated as newer models. I know Rich has made
improvements since mine was produced, and I'm sure they handle heat better
now. But mine is doing what it needs to do to live a long life, and I'm good
with that. If not, all I have to do is buy a newer model. Trust in the
Madman.

Dave

[quote] Roger Stockton <xxx@xxx.xxx> wrote:

> Bill Dennis wrote:
>
>> Pack isn't reaching its voltage limit. Cutoff voltage is 124.5V.
>> PFC-30 goes into current limit even if pack voltage is 121V or 122V.
>> Yellow limits light is blinking. From the PFC-30 manual:
>>
>> "If the yellow LIMITS LED is blinking, then it is indicating that
>> there is an over temperature condition and the charger is in thermal
cutback mode."
>
> Sounds to me that there are two possibilities:
>
> 1. the charger is lying to you
>
> 2. it isn't
>
> If the fan(s) are operating normally, and the ambient temperature is
moderate (as you've already stated), then it is still possible that the
charger could be overheating internally as a result of dust/etc. build-up on
internal heatsink fins or devices, or as a result of a heat generating
component no longer being fixed firmly to the heat dissipating surface, or
degradation of the thermal grease or other heat transfer medium between the
device and heatsink.
>
> My first assumption would be that the charger is telling (indicating) the
truth, and that something inside is getting hotter than it should be under
the circumstances. I would remove the charger and open it (ensure all caps
have fully discharged), and vacuum/clean out any dust bunnies that have
accumulated. You might also check that all devices mounted to heatsinks are
securely fastened. If it continues to indicate overheating after this, it
may need a trip back to Manzanita Micro for evaluation and service.
>
> You might want to contact Rich before opening the charger to remove and
dust bunnies as he may immediately recognise the
overheating-indication-when-there-shouldn't-be-any as a symptom of a known
failure mode ("failure" could include dust bunny or loose screw), and either
advise you of exactly what to check/correct, or to send the unit in for
service.
>
> Cheers,
>
> Roger.
>
>
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