Saft Nickel Capacitor (SNC) Engine cranking modules Saft Nickel Capacitor (SNC) modules, also known as asymmetric supercapacitors or ultracapacitors, are specifically designed to provide the very high power required for engine starting. SNC modules are extremely robust, high performance products that are unaffected by temperature extremes. The use of aqueous electrolyte provides for an extremely safe system that does not require any electronics. Applications Heavy duty vehicles Bus and trucks ■■ Generator sets ■■ Diesel locomotives ■■ Marine applications ■■ ■■ Features High cranking power Maintenance-free ■■ Very long life ■■ Excellent safety ■■ Abuse resistant ■■ Very low self discharge ■■ Reliable and robust design with no electronics. ■■ ■■ SNC module Mechanical characteristics Length(mm) (in) Width (mm) (in) Height (mm) (in) Weight (kg) (lbs) Electrical characteristics Capacitance Rated voltage Maximum voltage Minimum voltage Internal resistance Max Current 1.5 s Energy stored within operating voltage window Energy stored within a typical starting voltage window Maximum operating power1 Leakage current2 Operating conditions Operating temperature range Storage temperature range Cycle life Benefits Asymmetric Nickel-Carbon design SNCs have more energy compared to symmetric supercapacitors due to the intrinsic two-fold increase in capacitance. ■■ Proven robustness and safety of alkaline technology The simple and rugged design is perfectly compatible with the road/rail environment. ■■ Durability and maintenance-free operation SNCs are designed to last the life of most heavy vehicles and industrial equipment. ■■ Performances at very low temperature SNCs will provide enough power for engine starting even at temperatures as low as -40°C. ■■ 1 2 SNC 12-1200 SNC 24-300 SNC 12-2000 SNC 24-500 369 14.5 181 7.1 215 8.5 21 46.4 369 14.5 181 7.1 215 8.5 21 46.4 396 15.6 206 8.1 270 10.6 28.5 62.9 396 15.6 206 8.1 270 10.6 28.5 62.9 1200 F 12 V 16 V 4V 0.003 Ω 1602 A 4 - 14.5 V 110 kJ 6.5 - 13 V 70 kJ 18 kW 20 mA 300 F 24 V 32 V 8V 0.009 Ω 1779 A 8 - 29 V 110 kJ 13 - 26 V 70 kJ 24 kW 10 mA 2000 F 12 V 16 V 4V 0.003 Ω 1602 A 4 - 14.5 V 190 kJ 6.5 - 13 V 120 kJ 18 kW 30 mA 500 F 24 V 32 V 8V 0.009 Ω 1779 A 8 - 29 V 190 kJ 13 - 26 V 120 kJ 24 kW 15 mA - 40 to 50°C (- 40 to 122°F) - 60 to 70°C (- 76 to 158°F) 300 000 Max power measured at rated voltage Leakage current measured after 48 hours at 14 V for the 12 V modules and 28 V for the 24 V modules Dedicated for engine starting applications SNC modules are designed to provide the very high power needed to start an engine. Typically the SNCs will work in conjunction with batteries and can be recharged from the battery circuit. This arrangement has several benefits: ■■ Optimizes and reduces the size of the batteries With SNC modules installed, the batteries are no longer solicited for engine starting. The batteries can therefore be sized for the back-up of auxiliary loads only. ■■ Ensures engine starting capability even if the batteries are almost discharged The small amount of energy left in an almost discharged battery will be sufficient to recharge the SNC module. This provides for a flexible electrical system. ■■ Extends the life of the batteries Since the SNC modules will handle all the heavy starting work, the life of the batteries will consequently be increased resulting in reduced operating costs. ■■ Allows the use of multi-voltage systems The starting system and the batteries may even operate at entirely different voltages. In such a case, SNC modules can be re-charged from the storage batteries by a DC/DC converter. ■■ Eliminates the troubling voltage dip Since the cranking power comes from the SNC modules, the often troubling voltage dip that occurs during engine starting is avoided. Example of an installation of a SNC module in conjunction with batteries + + + Cranking motor Cranking motor Storage batteries Nickel-Capacitor module – Storage batteries – – Relay nHalf of the existing batteries can typically be removed. nThe SNC module is used to crank the engine. n The battery will recharge the SNC module for the next starting attempt even if it is almost discharged. Saft Industrial Battery Group 12, rue Sadi Carnot 93170 Bagnolet - France Tel.:+33 1 49 93 19 18 Fax:+33 1 49 93 19 64 www.saftbatteries.com Doc No.: 21869-2-0313 Edition: March 2013 Data in this document is subject to change without notice and becomes contractual only after written confirmation. Société par Actions Simplifiée au capital de 31 944 000 € RCS Bobigny B 383 703 873 Produced in the UK by Arthur Associates Limited