BCU Battery Charging Unit

HOTSTART’s BCU battery charging unit provides float charging to batteries, allowing them to maintain their available voltage. The BCU is designed for use in locomotives, heavy equipment, mobile applications and other battery installations.

To take advantage of limited locomotive space, the BCU charger, transformer, circuit protection, and all necessary components are packaged in a compact, foot-mounted configuration. 

BCU models are configured to convert a variety of common standard on-site AC power sources to DC outputs suited for typical locomotive battery voltages. To meet increased demand, multiple units may be installed in parallel as a single battery maintenance system. 

For shore power applications, the BCU may be installed on-board to operate in tandem with a HOTSTART idle reduction electric heating system. During layovers, the locomotive will remain charged and ready to start immediately. 

The BCU LED indicator displays status for >80% charge, a full charge, and system faults. Charging is automatically controlled and circuit-protected; no switches, timers, or adjustments are required.