Our solutions are designed to make energy supply and energy management more efficient, secure, and effective – even under challenging conditions. Thus, we support the management of current threat situations and create real value both in active field operations and at the interface with civilian deployments, such as protecting critical infrastructure and in crisis response.
EcoVolta – 2.3KW
POWERBANK
Universal, compact portable 230V solution for silent, emission-free energy on the go.
EcoVolta – 8.9KW
POWER TROLLEY
Mobile 400 Volt solution for professional applications with high power requirements.
EcoVolta – 15.0KW
POWERSTATION
Scalable professional power supply for high inrush currents and long runtimes or multiple devices.
EcoVolta – 15.0KW
EVOTRACTION
Powerful battery blocks or traction batteries for electric vehicles and machinery
FlexiBatt – 2.5KW
BATTERY-BLOCK
With 2.5 kWh and a lightweight, compact design, FlexiBatt provides energy for extended field operations.
FlexiBatt – 2.5KW
BATTERY CASE
A modular 48V and 2.5 kWh ruggedized battery system for professional, off-grid use independent of the power grid.
FlexiBatt – 50KW
BATTERY SYSTEM
A UPS and energy storage system with high capacity. The system combines 5 kWh modules. Scalable up to 50 kWh.
PowerUP
GENERATORS
Mobile hydrogen fuel cell generators for quiet, emission-free power in flexible applications.
PowerUP
POWER SUPPLIES
Integrable fuel cell power supplies for compact, modular hydrogen-based energy systems.
PowerUP
ELECTROLYZER
Decentralized hydrogen production for resilient, independent energy supply on site.
PowerUP
USV SYSTEME
Hydrogen-based UPS power systems for reliable backup power in critical applications.
PowerUP
CONTAINER SYSTEME
Containerized hydrogen power systems, solutions for scalable, resilient energy supply on site.
Vogt-CTE
Rescue
Business field for products related to rescue and operations
Vogt-CTE
Defense
Business field for products related to defense and security markets
Vogt-CTE
Energy
Business sector for products related to mobile energy supply markets
Vogt-CTE Fire Retardants
Business field for products related to fire protection and firefighting
Precise Control of the Charging Process
Modern Li-Ion chargers operate with precisely defined charging profiles, usually using the constant current/constant voltage method. Initially, the battery is charged with a controlled current, and subsequently, the voltage is carefully limited. This prevents overcharging and gently brings the battery to its target charge state.
Voltage and Current Monitoring
Throughout the entire charging process, the charger continuously monitors voltage and current. These values are dynamically adjusted to prevent overloads, current spikes, or unstable charging states. This is especially important for safety and for the uniform aging of cells.
Temperature Monitoring
The temperature monitoring is a central safety feature of modern chargers. Lithium-ion cells are sensitive to excessively high or low temperatures. The charger either monitors its own temperature or receives temperature data directly from the battery system. If a critical range is reached, the charger automatically reduces the charging power or completely interrupts the charging process. This prevents overheating, accelerated aging, and safety risks.
Balancing Functions (Cell Balancing)
A particularly important point is balancing, which is the equalization of the charge states of individual cells within a battery pack. Since cells never age completely identically, voltage differences can build up. Modern chargers support balancing by enabling targeted charging processes where individual cells or cell groups are balanced.
In passive balancing, excess energy from individual cells is dissipated through resistors. In active balancing, energy is deliberately shifted from more charged to less charged cells. Good balancing ensures that all cells age as uniformly as possible, that usable capacity is maintained, and that no single cell becomes the limiting factor.
Refresh and Maintenance Functions
Many high-quality chargers feature refresh functions that specifically maintain the battery. Controlled charge and discharge cycles are performed to balance voltage drift, stabilize cell chemistry, and calibrate measurement values like the state of charge. These functions are particularly useful after extended use or irregular operation.
Storage Functions for Preservation
Modern chargers often offer special storage or preservation functions. In this case, the battery is automatically brought to an optimal storage charge state, typically in the range of about forty to sixty percent. This range minimizes chemical stress and aging during prolonged inactivity. Storage functions are particularly important for seasonally used systems or mobile energy storage.
Discharge Functions
Some chargers can not only charge batteries but also control discharges. These discharge functions are used to test, condition, or specifically bring batteries to a desired charge state. During the discharge, the process is monitored and limited to safely prevent deep discharges.
Communication and System Integration
In professional applications, chargers are often communication-capable. Through interfaces like CAN, RS485, or digital signal lines, they exchange data with the battery management system. This allows for adjustment of charging parameters, monitoring of states, and early detection of errors.
Modern batteries and battery systems are often described using terms such as 2S, 4S, 6S, or 12S. These designations provide information about the internal electrical structure of a battery pack and are crucial for the proper selection of chargers, battery management systems, and connected consumers.
What does the “S” mean?
The “S” stands for series connection. It indicates how many individual battery cells within a battery are connected in series. In a series connection, the voltages of the individual cells add up while the capacity remains the same. Since a single lithium-ion cell has a nominal voltage of about 3.6 to 3.7 volts, the S designation allows direct derivation of the total voltage of the battery pack.
Examples of typical S configurations
A 2S battery pack consists of two cells connected in series, achieving a nominal voltage of about 7.2 to 7.4 volts. Such batteries are commonly found in smaller electronic devices or compact energy systems. A 4S battery uses four cells in series and reaches around 14.4 to 14.8 volts, typical for power tool batteries or smaller mobile applications. In a 6S battery pack, six cells are connected in series, resulting in a nominal voltage of about 21.6 to 22.2 volts. This configuration is widely used in high-performance mobile devices, drones, or model building applications. A 12S battery consists of twelve cells connected in series and achieves around 43 to 44 volts nominal voltage. Such systems form the basis of many so-called 48-volt battery systems, commonly used in stationary storage, UPS systems, or industrial applications.
Why these designations are so important
The S designation is a central factor for safety and compatibility. Chargers must be precisely matched to the maximum charging voltage of the respective S configuration. Likewise, the battery management system must be able to correctly monitor each cell group. An incorrectly designed charger or BMS can lead to overcharging, deep discharging, or damage to the battery. Additionally, inverters, motors, or electronic consumers must be designed for the respective system voltage.
Combination with the P designation
S designations are often combined with a P designation, such as 6S2P. While “S” defines the voltage, “P” describes the parallel connection of cells. Two cells connected in parallel increase capacity and maximum current without changing the voltage. This way, voltage and energy capacity of a battery can be precisely adapted to the intended use.
Summary
Designations like 2S, 6S, or 12S indicate how many cells are connected in series and what voltage a battery pack has. They provide fundamental orientation for the planning, safety, and system design of modern battery systems and should always be considered during selection and operation.
A deep discharge occurs when a battery or individual cells are discharged below their permissible minimum voltage. This is particularly critical for lithium-ion batteries, as this cell chemistry operates stably only within a narrow voltage range. If this range is violated, it leads to chemical changes within the cell, resulting in permanent capacity loss, increased internal resistance, and in the worst case, safety-relevant damages. Even a single deep discharge can significantly shorten the lifespan of a battery.
A deep discharge usually doesn’t happen suddenly but gradually. Common causes include devices that remain switched on for extended periods, connected consumers that further discharge the battery, or a missing or inadequate battery management system. Prolonged storage at very low charge levels can also lead to a deep discharge, as many systems have a low self-consumption. Particularly problematic is that a battery often looks “empty” externally, while internally it is already below the safe voltage threshold.
Prevention is the most important protection against deep discharge. Batteries should not be discharged to zero percent but should be recharged in time. For longer storage periods, a charge level of about forty to sixty percent is recommended. Consumers should be completely disconnected when not in use, and systems should always feature a functional battery management system that automatically shuts down the battery before critical voltages are reached. Regular monitoring of the charge level also helps to prevent damage.
If a deep discharge has already occurred, caution is advised. Deep-discharged lithium-ion batteries should not be charged immediately with high power. Only suitable chargers should be used, and the initial charging process should be monitored, especially concerning temperature. If the battery cannot be recharged, one should not experiment, as this can be dangerous. In many cases, a deeply discharged battery may no longer be safe or economically viable to rescue and must be replaced professionally.
In summary, a deep discharge usually occurs due to negligence, lack of shutdown, or prolonged standby with low charge levels. However, it can be reliably avoided in most cases through conscious charging behavior, regular monitoring, and the use of a good battery management system.
Prevention is the key step:
A reliable BMS automatically turns off the system before deep discharge takes place.
If a deep discharge has already occurred:
Important: A deeply discharged lithium-ion battery may often not be safely restored. Attempts with unsuitable chargers can be dangerous.
WE DELIVER INNOVATIVE ENERGY SYSTEMS
At Vogt-CTE, we provide our European trading partners access to unique innovations in the field of energy systems. Our solutions make energy supply and energy management easier, faster, safer, and more energy-efficient – all while consuming fewer resources. The products we represent are highly specialized, field-tested, and create real value: they strengthen resilient, decentralized structures and ensure operation even under demanding conditions. We do not just bring products to market; we deliver progress. Together with our partners, we ensure that these innovations reach where they are needed most: at operators of critical infrastructure, response organizations, and field users.