Brake battery systems that are poorly maintained or inadequately charged create a false sense of security during drilling operations. The RCP Battery Charger uses a single-phase silicon-controlled thyristor rectifier to convert 240VAC input to 272VDC, continuously trickle charging brake batteries in parallel with the brake coil load.
A 2-hour boost function raises charge voltage to 286VDC for rapid recharge after discharge events, with maximum charging current of 6A for controlled, reliable battery conditioning.
RCP Brake Battery Charger – Backplate, Adjustment Potentiometers
RCP Brake Battery Charger – Panel Faceplate with HMI, Indication and Door mount Isolation
Standard Elmagco Battery Bank
Battery Switchover
The battery switchover circuit uses a contactor energised during normal operation to hold the batteries off the brake coils. On loss of brake controller power, emergency stop activation by the Driller, or BMU signal mismatch detection, the contactor de-energises automatically and connects the batteries directly to the brake coils — maintaining braking force without operator intervention.
A monitoring and control circuit protects batteries from deep discharge damage by automatically opening the battery isolation switch after 3 minutes of battery operation, or immediately if battery voltage drops below a safe threshold.
Standard Features
- Single-phase silicon-controlled thyristor rectifier assembly
- Transformer, thyristor bridge, choke, capacitor, firing card, and panel mount alarm display
- 240VAC input to 272VDC output for continuous trickle charging
- 286VDC boost function for rapid recharge — 2-hour cycle
- Maximum charging current 6A for controlled battery conditioning
- Automatic battery isolation after 3 minutes of discharge or on low voltage detection
- Panel mount alarm display
- Ex and safe area options available
- Clean instrument battery power supply available
- UPS configurations available
Replacement & Upgrade
RCP battery chargers are suitable as direct replacements for obsolete or unsupported systems where spares or maintenance support are no longer available. Short build and delivery timescales make the RCP charger a practical solution for urgent replacement requirements on operating rigs.
Applications
- Eddy current brake battery backup charging on offshore and land drilling rigs
- Battery maintenance charging for brake coil emergency power systems
- Replacement charger for obsolete brake battery systems
- Clean power supply for rig instrumentation systems
