Cyrix-ct Battery Combiners

The Cyrix Battery Combiner is a microprocessor controlled heavy duty relay that automatically connects batteries in parallel when one of them has reached a pre-set voltage (indicating that the battery is being charged), and disconnects when the voltage decreases below float level (indicating that one or more batteries are being discharged). Cyrix Battery Combiners are an excellent replacement for diode isolators. The main feature is that there is virtually no voltage loss so that the output voltage of alternators or battery chargers does not need to be increased.

Intelligent battery monitoring to prevent unwanted switching
Some battery combiners (also called voltage controlled relay, or split charge relay) will disconnect a battery in case of a short but high amperage load. A battery combiner also may fail to connect a large but discharged battery bank because the DC voltage immediately drops below the disengage value once the batteries are connected. The software of the Cyrix 12/24 does more than simply connect and disconnect based on battery voltage and with a fixed time delay. The Cyrix looks at the general trend (voltage increasing or decreasing) and reverses a previous action only if the trend has reversed during a certain period of time. The time delay depends on the voltage deviation from the trend.
Protection against overheating (due to a long duration overload e.g.)
The Cyrix will disengage in case of excessive contact temperature, and reengage again after it has cooled down.
12/24 V auto ranging
The Cyrix 12/24 automatically detects system voltage.
No voltage loss
Cyrix battery combiners are an excellent replacement for diode isolators. The main feature is that there is virtually no voltage loss so that the output voltage of alternators or battery chargers does not need to be increased.
Prioritising the starter battery
In a typical setup the alternator is directly connected to the starter battery. The accessory battery, and possibly also a bow thruster and other batteries are each connected to the starter battery with Cyrix battery combiners. When a Cyrix senses that the starter battery has reached the connect voltage it will engage, to allow for parallel charging of the other batteries.
Bidirectional voltage sensing and power supply from both batteries
The Cyrix senses the voltage of both connected batteries. It will therefore also engage if for example the accessory battery is being charged by a battery charger. The Cyrix 12/24 has a dual power supply. It will therefore also close if the voltage on one battery is too low to operate the Cyrix. In order to prevent unexpected operation during installation or when one battery has been disconnected, the Cyrix 12/24 will not close if the voltage on one of the two battery connections is lower than 2 V (12 V battery) or 4 V (24 V battery).
Parallel connection in case of emergency (Start Assist)
The Cyrix can also be engaged with a push button (Cyrix remains engaged during 30 seconds) or a switch to connect batteries in parallel manually. This is especially useful in case of emergency when the starter battery is discharged or damaged.

How is Cyrix Li-ct different from the Cyrix-ct?
The Cyrix-Li-ct is meant for use with LiFePO4 batteries. It will parallel connect a lead acid starter battery and a LiFePO4 battery:
- if the Charge Disconnect output of the VE.Bus BMS is high, and
- if it senses 13,4V (resp. 26,8V) or more on one of its power terminals.
The Cyrix will disengage immediately:
- when its control output becomes free floating, signalling cell over voltage or cell over temperature, and/or
- when battery voltage drops below 13,2V.
Start assist function: a short positive pulse will close the relay during 30 seconds (see datasheet). A built-in transient voltage suppressor will limit the voltage spike that may occur when the Cyrix suddenly disengages due to cell overvoltage or over temperature.

For more information on installation or specifications, please see the data sheet below.