Batteries in cars are used in mixed operating mode: when starting the engine, a significant starting current is consumed; while driving, the battery is charged in buffer mode with a small current from the generator. If the car's automatic system is faulty, the charging current may be insufficient or lead to overcharging at elevated values.Crystallization of the plates, increased charge voltage, premature electrolysis with abundant release of hydrogen sulfide and insufficient capacity at the end of the charge accompany the operation of such a battery.It is impossible to restore normal battery operation directly from a car generator; chargers are used for this.
The battery discharge current for 10 hours is always equal to the battery capacity. If the discharge voltage drops to 1.92 volts per cell in less than ten hours, then the capacity is so much less.
Some cars use two batteries with a total voltage of 24 volts. Different discharge currents due to the fact that the first battery is connected to the entire load with a voltage of 12 volts (TV, radio, tape recorder...), which is powered by the battery when parked and on the road, and the second is loaded only during the starting of the starter and warming up the spark plug in a diesel engine. The voltage regulator in not all cars automatically monitors the battery charging voltage in winter and summer, which leads to undercharging or overcharging of the battery.
It is necessary to recharge batteries using a separate charger with the ability to regulate the charge and discharge current on each battery.
This need prompted the creation of a charger-discharge device with two channels with separate adjustment of the charge and discharge current, this is very convenient and allows you to select optimal recovery modes for the battery plates based on their technical condition.
The use of a cyclic recovery mode leads to a significant reduction in the yield of hydrogen sulfide and oxygen gases due to their complete use in the chemical reaction, the internal resistance and capacity are quickly restored to working condition, there is no overheating of the housing and warping of the plates.
The discharge current when charging with an asymmetric current should be no more than 1/5 of the charging current.
Manufacturers' instructions require discharging the battery before charging, that is, forming the plates before charging. There is no need to look for a suitable discharge load; it is enough to perform the appropriate switching in the device.
It is advisable to carry out control discharge with a current of 0.05 C from the battery capacity for 20 hours, for example, with a battery capacity of 50 A/h, the discharge current is set to 2.5 amperes.
The proposed scheme allows the plates of two batteries to be formed simultaneously with separate installation of the discharge and charging current,
Device characteristics:
Mains voltage - 220V.
Secondary voltage 2 * 16 Volts
Charge current 1-10 Amps
Discharge current 0.1-1 Ampere.
The form of the charge current is a half-wave rectifier.
Battery capacity is 10-100 A/h.
Battery voltage 3.6-12 Volts.
The current regulators are key regulators on powerful field-effect transistors VT1, VT2.
The feedback circuits contain optocouplers U1, U2, which are necessary to protect the transistors from overload. At high charge currents, the influence of capacitors C3, C4 is minimal and an almost half-wave current lasting 5 ms with a pause of 5 ms accelerates the recovery of battery plates, due to a pause in the recovery cycle, overheating of the plates and electrolysis does not occur, the recombination of electrolyte ions is improved with full use in chemical reactions of hydrogen and oxygen atoms.
Capacitors C2, C3, operating in voltage multiplication mode, when switching diodes VD1, VD2, create an additional impulse to melt coarse-crystalline sulfation and convert lead oxide into amorphous lead.
The current regulators of both channels R2, R5 are powered by parametric voltage stabilizers on zener diodes VD3, VD4. Resistors R7, R8 in the gate circuits of field-effect transistors VT1, VT2 limit the gate current to a safe value.
Optocoupler transistors U1, U2 are designed to shunt the gate voltage of field-effect transistors when overloaded with charging or discharging currents. The control voltage is removed from resistors R13, R14 in the drain circuits, through trimming resistors R11, R12 and through limiting resistors R9, R10 to the optocoupler LEDs. With increased voltage across resistors R13, R14, the optocoupler transistors open and reduce the control voltage at the gates of the field-effect transistors, the currents in the drain-source circuit decrease.
To visually determine the charge or discharge currents, galvanic devices are additionally installed in the drain circuits - ammeters PA1, PA2 with internal shunts of ten amperes.
The charging mode is set by switches SA1, SA2 in the upper position, discharge in the lower position.
The batteries are connected to the charger-discharge device by stranded wires with a cross-section of 2.5-4 mm in vinyl insulation with crocodile clips.
Field-effect transistors are mounted on separate radiators for cooling.
Power transformer T1 is not critical in terms of power; in this embodiment, a transformer from an old tube TV is used with rewinding for two voltages of 16-18 volts. The wire cross-section is selected to be at least 4mm/sq.
Resistors R13, R14 are made of a piece of nichrome wire with a diameter of 1.8 mm and a length of 10 cm, mounted on a resistor type PEV-50.
If possible, use power transformers such as TN59-TN63, TPP.
LEDs HL1, HL2 indicate the correct polarity of connecting the batteries to the charging circuit.
After connecting the battery, the mode switch SA1 or SA2 is switched to discharge mode. The current regulator, when the network is on, sets the discharge current within the above limits. After the discharge current is reduced to zero after 6-10 hours, the mode switch is moved to the upper position - charge, the current regulator sets the recommended value of the charging current.
After 6-10 hours of charging, the current should drop to the float charge value.
Next, carry out a repeated discharge. When the 10-hour discharge capacity is full (voltage is not lower than 1.9 Volts per element), carry out a second 10-hour charge.
The good condition of the battery allows the performance to be restored in one cycle.
It is recommended to carry out a charge-discharge cycle of the battery even if its condition is excellent; it is easier to eliminate crystallization at the beginning of operation and not wait for it to turn into “old” sulfation with a deterioration in all battery parameters.
The device circuit is assembled and secured with a transformer and power diodes inside the case, current regulators, switches and LEDs are installed on the front side, a fuse and power wire are mounted on the rear wall of the case. Transistors are installed on powerful radiators 100*50*25. A variant of the appearance of a dual-channel charger-discharge device is shown in the photograph. Forming of plates using this technology must be carried out after long-term storage of the battery in a warehouse (pre-sale preparation), long-term operation, or in the mode of the general supply voltage of the vehicle's electrical equipment - 24 Volts.
Literature:
1. V. Konovalov. A. Razgildeev. Battery restoration. Radiomir 2005 No. 3 p.7.
2. V. Konovalov. A.Vanteev. Electroplating technology. Radio amateur No. 9.2008.
3. V. Konovalov. Pulsating charger-recovery device Radio Amateur No. 5 / 2007. p.30.
4. V. Konovalov. Key charger. Radiomir No. 9/2007 p.13.
5. D.A. Khrustalev. Batteries.g. Moscow. Emerald.2003
6. V. Konovalov. “Measurement of R-internal AB.” “Radiomir” No. 8 2004 p. 14.
7. V. Konovalov. “The memory effect is removed by the voltage boost.” “Radiomir” No. 10.2005 p. 13.
8. V. Konovalov. "Charger and recovery device for NI-Cd batteries." “Radio” No. 3 2006 p. 53
9. V. Konovalov. "Battery regenerator". Radiomir 6/2008 p.14.
10. V. Konovalov. "Pulse diagnostics of the battery." Radiomir No. 7 2008 p.15.
11. V. Konovalov. "Diagnostics of cell phone batteries." Radiomir 3/2009 11 pages.
12. V. Konovalov. “Restoring batteries with alternating current” Radio amateur 07/2007 page 42.
List of radioelements
| Designation | Type | Denomination | Quantity | Note | Shop | My notepad |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U1, U2 | Optocoupler | AOT110B | 2 | To notepad | ||
| VT1, VT2 | MOSFET transistor | IRFP260 | 2 | To notepad | ||
| VD1, VD2 | Diode | D246B | 2 | To notepad | ||
| VD3, VD4 | Zener diode | KS210B | 2 | To notepad | ||
| HL1, HL2 | Light-emitting diode | AL307B | 2 | To notepad | ||
| C1 | Capacitor | 0.1uF 630V | 1 | To notepad | ||
| C2, C3 | Capacitor | 1 µF | 2 | To notepad | ||
| C3, C4 | Electrolytic capacitor | 1000uF 25V | 2 | To notepad | ||
| R1, R4 | Resistor | 910 Ohm | 2 | 0.25W | To notepad | |
| R2, R5 | Variable resistor | 2.2 kOhm | 2 | To notepad | ||
| R3, R6 | Resistor | 120 Ohm | 2 | To notepad | ||
| R7, R8 | Resistor | 56 Ohm | 2 |
If used incorrectly, the plates may become sulfated and it will fail. Such batteries are recharged by charging with an “asymmetrical” current when the ratio of charging and discharging currents is selected at 10:1. In this mode, they not only restore sulfated batteries, but also carry out preventive maintenance on healthy ones. ...
For the "Charger-power device" circuit
For the scheme "Pulse diagnostics of batteries"
During long-term storage and improper use, large insoluble crystals of lead sulfate appear on the battery plates. Most modern chargers are made according to a simple circuit, which includes a transformer and a rectifier. Their use is designed to remove working sulfitation from the surface of the battery plates, but they are not able to remove old coarse-crystalline sulfitation. Device characteristics Battery voltage, 12V Capacity, Ah 12-120 Measurement time, s 5 Pulse measurement current, A 10 Diagnosed degree of sulfation, % 30. ..100Weight of the device, g 240Operating air temperature, ±27°C Lead sulfate steels have high resistance, which prevents the passage of charging and discharging current. Radomcrophone circuits The voltage on the battery rises during charging, the charge current drops, and the abundant release of a mixture of oxygen and hydrogen can lead to an explosion. The developed pulse chargers are capable of converting lead sulfate into amorphous lead during charging, followed by its deposition onto the surface of plates cleared of crystallization. Based on the voltage value under load, resistor R14 sets the corresponding percentage of sulfation on the scale of the device PA1 with the middle position of the resistor sliders R2 , R8 and R11. The device readings are adjusted by resistor R11 in accordance with the data given in the table. Voltage under load...
For the "miner's lantern memory" circuit
For the scheme "ANTI-THEFT DEVICE"
Automotive electronics ANTI-THEFT V. REZKOV, Vitebsk. Unlike well-known industrial and amateur anti-theft devices, this design does not have a single mechanical contact and a secret toggle switch, it is simple, reliable and durable. It is an electronic ground switch. As practice suggests, for fire safety purposes, moreover, when the vehicle is parked for short periods, it is advisable to disconnect the on-board network from the battery. consists of only three parts: thyristor VS1, diode VD1 and reed switch SF1 (Fig. 1). Thyristor VS1 acts as an electromagnetic relay, which is activated in the presence of a short-term pulse on the control electrode. This signal is given when the SF1 reed switch installed in the passenger compartment is closed. The thyristor opens, its resistance decreases sharply, and the “-” terminal is connected to ground. T160 current regulator circuit The thyristor passes current in only one direction - from the battery to the on-board network. So that the battery can be recharged from the generator, diode VD1 is connected in parallel with the thyristor in reverse polarity. With the ignition off or the engine off device goes into "anti-theft" mode. Place device under the hood in a hard-to-reach place so that it does not catch the eye of a stranger or intruder. It is advisable to make a hole in the thyristor housing for an M8 bolt for the terminal blocks (Fig. 2). The SF1 reed switch is installed inconspicuously in the cabin - on a plastic decorative panel or in any other place. The reed switch magnet is kept by the driver. The described was installed in the car...
For the "Starting charger" circuit
Starting a car engine with a worn-out battery in winter takes a lot of time. The density of the electrolyte after long-term storage decreases significantly; the appearance of coarse-crystalline sulfation increases the internal resistance of the battery, reducing its starting current. In addition, in winter the viscosity of engine oil increases, which requires more starting power from the starting current source. There are several ways out of this situation: - heat the oil in the crankcase; - “light up” from another car with a good battery; - push start; - expect warming. - use a starting charger (ROM). The last option is most preferable when storing the car in a paid parking lot or in a garage where there is a network connection. In addition. The ROM will not only allow you to start the car, but also quickly recreate and charge more than one battery. In most industrial ROMs, the starting battery is recharged from a low-power power supply (rated current 3...5 A), which is not enough to directly draw current from the car’s starter, although The capacity of the internal starter batteries of the ROM is very large (up to 240 Ah), after several starts they still “run out”, and it is impossible to quickly recreate their charge. The mass of such a unit exceeds 200 kg, so it is not easy to roll it up to the car even with two people. Starting charging and recovery device(PZVU), proposed by the Laboratory of Automation and Telemechanics of the Irkutsk Center for Technical Creativity of Youth, differs from the factory prototype in its low weight and automatically maintains the operating condition of the battery, regardless of storage time and time of use. Even in the absence of internal battery The PZVU is capable of briefly delivering a starting current of up to 100 A. The regeneration mode is an alternation of equal-time current pulses and pauses, which accelerates the recovery of the plates and reduces the temperature of the electrolyte with a decrease in the release of hydrogen sulfide and oxygen into the atmosphere...
For the circuit "Charger Tourist"
On a long hiking trip (on foot or by bicycle) you cannot do without lighting. There are not enough flashlights that can be recharged from the mains for a long time, and tourist routes pass mainly in places where there are no power lines. The Tourist charger will help solve this problem. To do this, you need to remove small-sized D-0.25 batteries from two flashlights and plug them into the charger. ...
For the circuit "Desulfating charger circuit"
Automotive electronicsDesulfating charger circuit The desulfating charger circuit was proposed by Samundzhi and L. Simeonov. Charger device performed using a half-wave rectifier circuit based on diode VI with parametric voltage stabilization (V2) and a current amplifier (V3, V4). The H1 signal light lights up when the transformer is connected to the network. The average charging current of approximately 1.8 A is regulated by selecting resistor R3. The discharge current is set by resistor R1. The voltage on the secondary winding of the transformer is 21 V (amplitude value 28 V). The voltage on the battery at the rated charging current is 14 V. Therefore, the charging current battery occurs only when the amplitude of the output voltage of the current amplifier exceeds the battery voltage. During one period of alternating voltage, one pulse of charging current is formed during time Ti. Discharge battery occurs during the time Тз= 2Тi. Therefore, the ammeter shows the average importance of the charging current, equal to approximately one third of the amplitude value of the total charging and discharging currents. T160 current regulator circuit In the charger, you can use the TS-200 transformer from the TV. The secondary windings are removed from both coils of the transformer and a new winding consisting of 74 turns (37 turns on each coil) is wound with PEV-2 1.5 mm wire. Transistor V4 is mounted on a radiator with an effective surface area of approximately 200 cm2. Details: Type VI diodes D242A. D243A, D245A. D305, V2 one or two zener diodes D814A connected in series, V5 type D226: transistors V3 type KT803A, V4 type KT803A or KT808A. When setting up the charger, you should select the voltage based on transistor V3. This voltage is removed from the potentiometer slide (470 Ohm), connected in parallel with the zener diode V2. In this case, resistor R2 is chosen with a resistance of...
For the circuit "CHARGER FOR CAR BATTERIES"
Automotive electronics CHARGER FOR CAR BATTERIES. SELYUGIN, Novorossiysk, Krasnodar Territory. Acid batteries “do not like long periods of time without work.” Deep self-discharge can be destructive for them. If the car is parked for a long time, then a problem arises: what to do with the battery. It is either given to someone to work with or sold, which is equally inconvenient. I propose a fairly simple device that can be used both for charging batteries and for long-term storage in working condition. From the secondary winding of transformer T1, the current in which is limited by being connected in series with the primary winding of the ballast capacitor (C1 or C1 + C2), the current is supplied to the diode-thyristor bridge, the load of which is the battery (GB1). T160 current regulator circuit An automotive 14 V generator voltage regulator (GVR) of any type, intended for generators with a grounded brush, is used as a regulating element. I have tested a regulator of type 121.3702 and an integral one -Y112A. When using an “integral”, terminals “B” and “C” are connected together with “+” GB1. Terminal "Ш" is connected to the circuit of thyristor control electrodes. Thus, the battery maintains a voltage of 14V at a charging current determined by the capacitance of capacitor C2, which is approximately calculated by the formula: where Iз is the charging current (A), U2 is the voltage of the secondary winding when the transformer is “normally” turned on (B), U1 is mains voltage. Transformer - any, with a power of 150...250 VA, with a voltage on the secondary winding of 20...36 V. Bridge diodes - any...
For the "Battery Regenerator" circuit
Operation of rechargeable batteries in violation of the technical conditions of charge and discharge often leads to the appearance of sulfate crystals on the plates, which reduce the active surface of the plates and, thereby, reduce its capacity, maximum discharge current, etc. Crystallization in acid batteries can also occur during long-term storage. When the electrolyte settles, a self-discharge EMF occurs due to the potential difference between the lower and upper layers of the electrolyte in the battery bank. In nickel-cadmium batteries, crystallization leads to the appearance of a “memory effect”, which worsens performance characteristics. In the laboratory of the Automation and Telemechanics Association of the Irkutsk Regional Center for Technical Creativity of Students, regeneration of batteries has been developed, which makes it possible to maintain them in working condition, moreover, in the absence of mains voltage for power supply charging and recovery devices. Amateur radio converter circuits Two regeneration modes have been introduced into the device circuit: - during long-term storage; - accelerated regeneration-restoration (for example, when starting a car in winter). The battery regenerator (Fig. 1) consists of a square pulse generator on the DA1 timer and a power amplifier on the VT1 transistor. The power supply of the microcircuit is stabilized by an integrated voltage stabilizer DA2. The regeneration mode is changed using switch SA1 ("Regeneration" "Recovery"). An increase in the pulse amplitude occurs in transformer T1 due to the difference in the number of turns of the primary and secondary windings. The regenerator circuit is powered in the car through a “12 V” plug socket. In stationary conditions it can be connected using crocodile clips. Coil L1 with inductance 5...10 mH is obstructed...
Every car owner must take care of the uninterrupted operation of the battery, the most important component of electrical equipment, without which starting the engine is not possible. Battery failure as a result of discharge is a fairly common occurrence, especially in winter, so the issue of purchasing products that restore functionality is especially relevant for cold regions.
TOP 10 chargers for car batteries.
The battery does not produce electricity, it only stores it and then releases it. The battery is charged from the car's electric generator, but full charging is not achieved, so after some time the battery loses its charge, requiring the connection of external devices. At above-zero temperatures, the engine can start even on a half-charged battery, but starts are significantly reduced if the battery charge is incomplete. Experienced motorists know how important it is to always have a life-saving remedy on hand to prevent sudden battery discharge.
The car market offers countless different chargers of varying quality and cost, but the choice of device must be approached with all responsibility. You should take into account the fact that not every charger can fit your car’s battery, so it is important to know what type of battery the car is equipped with. The 2018 rating of car battery chargers will help you navigate among the variety of types and manufacturers. Here you can find devices with different characteristics in a wide price range of domestic and foreign production.
Types of battery chargers
Among the range of car battery chargers you can find examples with additional options. In addition to the main function, they can perform many others, but the cost in this case will be much higher, so before purchasing you need to decide which of the add-ons will actually be used and whether the overpayment is worth it.
Battery charging devices are divided into three main types:
- chargers are used exclusively for charging the battery;
- starters are used to start the engine;
- charging and starting devices combine these two functions.
To start the engine using the device, you must connect to the power supply, so if the device will only be used to restore the battery capacity, it is not rational to overpay for the function that ensures starting the engine. There are also portable chargers and jump starters equipped with their own battery. Using a modern device of this type, you can start a car that has stalled far from power sources.
Charging and starting devices for batteries are:
- Pulse. The advantages of devices of this type are compactness and low weight, as well as the presence of protective mechanisms. They are more convenient to use, higher in cost than transformer chargers, but subsequently the purchase is justified. The operating principle of pulsed devices is based on the creation of high-frequency currents, for which large dimensions are unnecessary.
- Transformer devices are much larger and it is inconvenient to have such a device with you all the time; they are usually used for stationary battery maintenance. The device operates by reducing the voltage through standard conversion. Transformer chargers are considered reliable, easy to repair, but are heavy.
When choosing the best charger for a car battery, you should carefully study the characteristics of the devices, weighing all the advantages and disadvantages. In addition, you need to pay attention to the type and parameters of the battery; this information is contained in the vehicle passport.
Main characteristics of chargers
The main task of each external charger is to restore the capacity of the car’s battery, during which alternating current from a 220 Volt network is converted into direct current - 12 Volts. To find out which charger is best suited for a particular battery, consider the most common ones:
- WET are lead-acid batteries using liquid electrolyte, they are installed on most cars, and are suitable for any charger.
- AGM – batteries with glass fiber material.
- GEL – battery with gel electrolyte.
To charge an AGM or GEL battery, specially designed or universal devices are used that have a mode switching function to ensure interaction with these types of batteries. Depending on the setting method, chargers can be manual, semi-automatic or automatic. When purchasing, it is better to give preference to the latter, then the charging process is fully controlled by the software part of the device, and, if necessary, it is switched off independently.
Operating modes
Modern charger models allow you to choose the function of charging batteries with gel-like or absorbed electrolyte. It is very important to ensure that the appropriate operating mode is set, because unlike WET batteries, even a slight increase in voltage can lead to battery failure.
When choosing a device, ask about the “Boost” option, which provides fast charging with increased current. Thanks to it, the ability to start the engine will appear just a few minutes after the start of the process of restoring the battery capacity. In emergency circumstances, this function can be very helpful to the driver. Desulfation using a charger reanimates the battery using the principle of multiple charging, so the presence of this function can significantly extend the battery life.
The best automatic chargers not only handle the process without your participation, following a given algorithm when charging the battery and eliminating the possibility of overvoltage, but also recognize the capacity and level of battery discharge, independently adjusting to the desired operating mode. Some devices can simultaneously charge several batteries using a serial or parallel connection, but this function is unlikely to be useful to the average motorist.
Voltage supplied by the charger
The output voltage is one of the key parameters of the device; it must match the voltage of the on-board network. The most commonly used batteries are 12 Volt batteries, so most devices are designed for them, but there are also chargers that produce 24 Volts, adapted to work with two 12 Volt batteries (as a rule, trucks or minibuses are equipped with them). The minimum voltage corresponding to 6 Volts is inherent in motorcycle batteries.
Charging current
The rated current is 10% of the battery capacity, so you can determine which charger will be best for your battery by looking at the car's documentation. Thus, for a battery with a capacity of 60 A/h, the charge current should be 6 A. An exception is the option for accelerated battery recovery, but it should not be abused, since such measures can lead to rapid wear of the battery. Automated devices themselves choose the current supply mode, but the best solution would be to purchase a device with an adjustable charge.
Types of protection and safety
When choosing which charger to buy for a car battery, special attention should be paid. Their presence of protection against overloads, voltage surges, incorrect connection of terminals, and overcharging will ensure stable operation and long service life of the device.
Popular charger models
Models of the top ten best chargers are presented in different price segments. When choosing a suitable device, it is important to have an idea of the tasks that will need to be performed with its help, so if the multifunctionality of the charger is unnecessary, then it is not advisable to pay a significant amount for it. The quality and reliability of the device, as well as the originality of the product, play a much larger role.
Top 10 battery chargers
Universal charging with a wide range of functions, including battery diagnostics and desulfation. The device operates at temperatures as low as -20° C and can be used for 12 V batteries of various types. The device automatically carries out eight-stage charging with a charging current of 7 Amps, has a protection class of IP65 (from moisture and dust), and is safe for on-board electronics of the car. The average cost of CTEK MXS 7.0 is 15,000 rubles.
A specialized charger, developed for sea and river vehicles, is used for 12 V batteries of all types with a capacity from 50 Ah to 500 Ah. Provides prevention, restoration, and battery condition monitoring, operates quietly, and has a night mode that further reduces noise. The device provides eight-stage charging with a current of up to 25 Amps. CTEK M300 does not produce galvanic currents, so the device is not dangerous for metal parts of the vehicle, and has a protection class of IP 44 (outdoor use). The device is not cheap, its average price will be about 35,000 rubles.
The device, created using advanced technologies, is able to function in extreme cold conditions and is suitable for all types of 12 V batteries with a capacity of up to 110 Ah. CTEK MXS 5.0 POLAR can be used for snowmobiles, ATVs, SUVs, and passenger vehicles. A recovery function is available that returns the battery to serviceability. The main advantage of the device is a wide range of operating temperatures from -30° C to +50° C. An automated eight-stage charging system with a current of up to 5 Amps, the process of which the user can follow on the display. CTEK MXS 5.0 POLAR is equipped with a well-insulated cable to ensure high-quality operation in cold weather, has an IP 65 protection level against moisture and dust, the average cost of the device is about 10,000 rubles.
The charger from the German manufacturer offers six operating modes, automatically recognizes the battery type, and provides charging at subzero temperatures. The device is suitable for 12 V and 24 V WET/GEL batteries with a capacity of up to 230 Ah (for 12 V) and 120 Ah (for 24 V), charges with a current of up to 7 Amps, and is protected from short circuit, humidity and dust. You can purchase the device for up to 6,000 rubles.
The device is compact in size with decent functionality, easy to use, and provides a charging current of 5 Amps for all types of 12 V batteries from 20 Ah to 160 Ah. The charger can be used at temperatures from -20° C to +50° C, has a protection class of IP 65, and desulfation is included in the set of options. The disadvantage is the slow charging speed. The cost of the device will be up to 10,000 rubles.
CTEK MXS 5.0
A multifunctional device from CTEK allows you to use such options as diagnostics, prevention, and battery restoration. The charger carries out eight-stage charging of 12 V lead-acid batteries with a maximum capacity of up to 110 Ah at a current of up to 5 Amperes. Operating temperature ranges from -20° C to +50° C; a unique display allows you to monitor the process. The model is slightly inferior in characteristics to its counterparts, but is distinguished by high quality, reliability and a reasonable price. You can purchase a copy at a low cost of about 8,000 rubles.
ORION PW 415
A pre-start charger from a domestic manufacturer, also distinguished by its design simplicity, is quite powerful, provides a charge for 12 or 24 V batteries with a capacity of up to 160 Ah at a current of up to 15 Amps, charges quickly, and has overheating protection. The average price is 2500 rubles.
In fact, these are only a few of those that are worthy of attention; there are still many high-quality products on the car market that meet the basic requirements for memory. Based on the main characteristics of the devices and their compliance with the battery parameters, you can choose the right charger for your car’s battery, thereby fully meeting possible unforeseen circumstances.
A charger (charger) is a device for charging an electric battery from an external energy source, usually from an alternating current network. Monitoring the condition of a car battery includes periodic checking and timely maintenance of it in working condition. For cars, this is often done in the winter, since in the summer the car battery has time to recharge from the generator. In the cold season, starting the engine is more difficult and the load on the battery increases. The situation worsens with long breaks between engine starts.
Modern battery charger
A variety of circuits and devices exist in large numbers, but in general, batteries are organized based on the following elements:
- voltage converter (transformer or pulse unit);
- rectifier;
- automatic charge control;
- indication.
The simplest charger
The simplest is a device based on a transformer and rectifier, shown in the diagram below. It's easy to do it yourself.
Circuit diagram of a simple car charger
The main part of the device is the TS-160 transformer, used in old TVs (picture below). By connecting its two secondary windings of 6.55 V each in series, you can get an output of 13.1 V. Their maximum current is 7.5 A, which is quite suitable for charging the battery.
Appearance of a homemade charger
The optimal voltage of a classic charger is 14.4 V. If you take 12 V, which the battery should have, it will not be possible to fully charge, since it will not be possible to create the required current. Excessive charging voltage leads to battery failure.
As rectifiers, you can use D242A diodes, which correspond in power.
The circuit does not provide automatic regulation of the charging current. Therefore, you will have to sequentially install an ammeter for visual control.
To prevent the transformer from burning out, fuses are installed at the input and output, respectively 0.5 A and 10 A. The diodes are mounted on radiators, since during the initial charging period the current will be high due to the low internal resistance of the battery, which causes them to heat up greatly.
When the charging current decreases to 1 A, this means that the battery is fully charged.
Device Features
Modern models have replaced outdated devices with manual control. The device circuits provide automatic maintenance of the charging current with selection of its required value as the battery condition changes.
Modern devices have a declared charging current of 6 to 9 A for batteries with a capacity of 50-90 Ah, used for passenger cars.
Any battery is charged with a current of 10% of its capacity. If it is 60 Ah, the current should be 6 A, for 90 Ah - 9 A.
Choice
- Ability to restore a completely discharged battery. Not all memory devices have this function.
- Maximum charging current. It should be 10% of the battery capacity. The device should have a shutdown function after full charging, as well as a support mode. When charging a completely discharged battery, a short circuit may occur. The device circuit must be protected.
The multifunctionality and versatility of new devices with reasonable prices makes it inappropriate to make chargers yourself. In essence, they are multi-purpose power supplies with different operating modes.
Charger - power supply
Manufacturers
Models are selected mainly with power from a 220 V network. To select, you need to know their features. The general characteristics of modern chargers for car batteries are as follows:
- pulse type;
- presence of forced ventilation;
- small dimensions and weight;
- automatic charging mode.
“Berkut” Smart Power SP-25N
The model is professional and is designed for charging 12 V lead-acid batteries. The automatic operating principle includes the following operating modes:
- charging any car batteries under normal conditions;
- charging in “Winter” mode – at an ambient temperature of 5 0 C and below;
- “desulfation” – recovery with increasing voltage to maximum;
- “power supply” – used to supply voltage at a load of up to 300 W (not battery).
Charger “Berkut” Smart Power SP-25N
Charging is carried out in 9 stages. It is difficult to make such a device with your own hands. First, the battery is checked for its ability to charge. Afterwards, restoration is carried out with a small current with a gradual increase to the maximum. At the last stage, a saving mode is created.
The model can have different protection classes, for example, IP20 (normal conditions) and IP44 (against splashes and particles measuring 1 mm or more).
The battery can be charged without removing it from the car: through the cigarette lighter or alligator contacts.
When charging, the “+” terminal of the battery must be disconnected from the vehicle circuit.
“Orion” (“Pennant”)
The device for pulsed energy conversion makes automatic charging. The circuit provides smooth manual control of the current strength using a rotary knob. Control indicators can be arrow or linear. The battery discharge level can be 0-12 V.
Charger “Orion”
“Orion” is a power source for other loads, for example, tools operating on a voltage of 12-15 V.
The main advantage of the device is the price, which is several times less than its analogues. As power and additional features increase, the cost can increase significantly.
Device overview. Video
You can learn a lot of useful information about the automatic battery charger from the video below.
There is a large selection of pulse chargers for lead-acid batteries for cars on the market. A special feature is a simple interface and many functions. Circuits for simple chargers can be easily found and assembled with your own hands, but it is better to have a reliable device on hand that guarantees long-term operation of the car battery.
