Intelligent battery sensor (IBS) for 24 V vehicle electrical systems

Clever energy management

Intelligent battery sensors (IBS) for 24 volt vehicle electrical systems ensure optimum energy management in trucks and buses (for both combustion engines and electric motors), and also for large construction machinery.

The IBS is used to monitor two 12 V batteries connected in series (24 V vehicle electrical system). The 24 V IBS measures the condition of the two batteries and provides information on their state of charge (SOC), ageing or state of health (SOH) and starting capability, i.e. state of function (SOF). The sensor can be easily integrated into the vehicle electrical system where it monitors battery voltage, power and temperature in 24 V vehicle electrical system environments. This information can then be issued via a control panel or the on-board computer.

Only one IBS is required to monitor both batteries!

The key points in short

• Space-saving and compact sensor, especially for the needs of trucks, buses and large construction machinery
• Accurate measurement of battery condition parameters: voltage, current and temperature
• Monitoring the battery condition: state of charge (SOC), state of health (SOH) and state of function (SOF)
• Over 200 million HELLA IBS have been produced worldwide to date
• The 24 V IBS is a reliable solution to prevent vehicle failures

Easy handling

Only one IBS is required to monitor the two 12 V batteries in the 24 V vehicle electrical system. The IBS is connected to the negative battery pole of the first battery using the battery clamp. Both positive battery poles are connected to the IBS by one cable each. For flexible, simple mounting, the IBS 24 V is available with a straight cable lug and also with a right-angled cable lug.

The IBS electronics are located in a cast housing with a plug connector, offering it ideal protection. Starter, gel and AGM (non-woven) batteries can be monitored by the 24 V IBS. The sensor can be directly integrated into the vehicle electrical system, e.g. CI BUS. Communication to the higher-level control unit takes place via LIN protocol. Thanks to its compact design, the IBS can be installed out of the way on a battery, for example under the driver’s seat or in storage compartments under the floor.

Active, efficient energy management

The IBS 24 V for vehicle electrical systems can prevent possible vehicle failures by issuing a warning when the battery charge level is critical. The limit value for this can be freely defined by the user.

But what other added value does the system offer?

An automatic start/stop system requires an IBS. For this purpose, the 24 V IBS determines whether the battery can provide enough energy for a restart. Once the battery has been sufficiently charged, the start/stop system automatically switches the engine off and on again when required. This can reduce fuel consumption – in city traffic and on the motorway in traffic jams.

If the remaining charge is too low, for example, the automatic start-stop function can be switched off to prevent any form of failure or breakdown. Identifying the state of health of the battery also enables the user to replace the battery in good time when it has reached a critical condition. This is a preventive way of stopping failures from happening.

Energy management for vehicle fleets

The IBS 24 volt sensor provides the central energy management input in the vehicle. This data can be transferred directly to the cloud. If the IBS is integrated into the vehicle’s telematics system, the battery condition, for example for an entire fleet, can be monitored. Consequently, it is possible to prevent failures caused by discharged batteries.

Intelligent battery sensors – already proven a million times over!

Especially in commercial operation, the intelligent battery sensor's contribution to saving energy and complying with stricter CO₂ emission requirements is particularly important. In addition, its optimal energy management ensures the vehicle's starting capability and reduces downtimes.

Vehicles are increasingly equipped with electronic control and monitoring devices and also with more lamps. These consume electricity even when the vehicle is at a standstill and thus represent a load on the vehicle electrical system’s battery. In certain circumstances, a deep discharge may occur and ultimately lead to vehicle failure. In addition, older batteries can no longer fully charge and then suddenly fail.

The battery sensors have been in use in various vehicle platforms since 2003, because the compact design of the sensor makes it particularly easy to integrate it into difficult installation locations, for example under the driver's seat or in storage compartments underneath the floor. So far, more than 200 million IBS have been produced and various customer requirements can be implemented on an individual basis.

Learn more about the intelligent battery sensor IBS 24 V