Cell Charger

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INTRODUCTION

A battery charger is a device used to put energy into a secondary cell


or rechargeablebattery by forcing an electric current through it.
The charging protocol depends on the size and type of the battery being
charged. Some battery types have high tolerance for overcharging and can be
recharged by connection to a constant voltage source or a constant current
source; simple chargers of this type require manual disconnection at the end of
the charge cycle, or may have a timer to cut off charging current at a fixed time.
Other battery types cannot withstand long high-rate over-charging; the charger
may have temperature or voltage sensing circuits and a microprocessor
controller to adjust the charging current, and cut off at the end of charge. A
trickle charger provides a relatively small amount of current, only enough to
counteract self-discharge of a battery that is idle for a long time. Slow battery
chargers may take several hours to complete a charge; high-rate chargers may
restore most capacity within minutes or less than an hour, but generally require
monitoring of the battery to protect it from overcharge. Electric vehicles need
high-rate chargers for public access; installation of such chargers and the
distribution support for them is an issue in the proposed adoption of electric
cars.

Charge rate
Charge rate is often denoted as C or C-rate and signifies a charge or discharge
rate equal to the capacity of a battery in one hour. For a 1.6Ah battery, C =
1.6A. A charge rate of C/2 = 0.8A would need two hours, and a charge rate of
2C = 3.2A would need 30 minutes to fully charge the battery from an empty
state, if supported by the battery. This also assumes that the battery is 100%
efficient at absorbing the charge.
A battery charger may be specified in terms of the battery capacity or C rate; a
charger rated C/10 would return the battery capacity in 10 hours, a charger rated
at 4C would charge the battery in 15 minutes. Very rapid charging rates, 1 hour
or less, generally require the charger to carefully monitor battery parameters
such as terminal voltage and temperature to prevent overcharging and damage
to the cells.
Types of battery chargers
Simple
A simple charger works by supplying a constant DC or pulsed DC power source
to a battery being charged. The simple charger does not alter its output based on
time or the charge on the battery. This simplicity means that a simple charger is
inexpensive, but there is a tradeoff in quality. Typically, a simple charger takes
longer to charge a battery to prevent severe over-charging. Even so, a battery
left in a simple charger for too long will be weakened or destroyed due to over-
charging. These chargers can supply either a constant voltage or a constant
current to the battery.
Simple AC-powered battery chargers have much higher ripple current and
ripple voltage than other kinds of battery supplies. When the ripple current is
within the battery-manufacturer-recommended level, the ripple voltage will also
be well within the recommended level. The maximum ripple current for a
typical 12 V 100 Ah VRLA battery is 5 amps. As long as the ripple current is
not excessive (more than 3 to 4 times the battery-manufacturer-recommended
level), the expected life of a ripple-charged VRLA battery is within 3% of the
life of a constant DC-charged battery.

Trickle
A trickle charger is typically a low-current (5–1,500 mA) battery charger. A
trickle charger is generally used to charge small capacity batteries (2–30 Ah).
These types of battery chargers are also used to maintain larger capacity
batteries (> 30 Ah) that are typically found on cars, boats, RVs and other related
vehicles. In larger applications, the current of the battery charger is sufficient
only to provide a maintenance or trickle current (trickle is commonly the last
charging stage of most battery chargers). Depending on the technology of the
trickle charger, it can be left connected to the battery indefinitely. Some battery
chargers that can be left connected to the battery without causing the battery
damage are also referred to as smart or intelligent chargers.

Timer-based
The output of a timer charger is terminated after a pre-determined time. Timer
chargers were the most common type for high-capacityNi-Cd cells in the late
1990s for example (low-capacity consumer Ni-Cd cells were typically charged
with a simple charger).
Often a timer charger and set of batteries could be bought as a bundle and the
charger time was set to suit those batteries. If batteries of lower capacity were
charged then they would be overcharged, and if batteries of higher capacity
were charged they would be only partly charged. With the trend for battery
technology to increase capacity year on year, an old timer charger would only
partly charge the newer batteries.
Timer based chargers also had the drawback that charging batteries that were
not fully discharged, even if those batteries were of the correct capacity for the
particular timed charger, would result in over-charging.

Intelligent

Example of a smart charger for AA and AAA batteries


A "smart charger" should not be confused with a "smart battery". A smart
battery is generally defined as one containing some sort of electronic device or
"chip" that can communicate with a smart charger about battery characteristics
and condition. A smart battery generally requires a smart charger it can
communicate with (see Smart Battery Data). A smart charger is defined as a
charger that can respond to the condition of a battery, and modify its charging
actions accordingly.
Some smart chargers are designed to charge:
 "smart" batteries.
 "dumb" batteries, which lack any internal electronic circuitry.
The term "smart battery charger" is thoroughly ambiguous, since it is not clear
whether the adjective "smart" refers to the battery or only to the charger.
The output current of a smart charger depends upon the battery's state. An
intelligent charger may monitor the battery's voltage, temperature or time under
charge to determine the optimum charge current and to terminate charging.
For Ni-Cd and NiMH batteries, the voltage across the battery increases slowly
during the charging process, until the battery is fully charged. After that, the
voltage decreases, which indicates to an intelligent charger that the battery is
fully charged. Such chargers are often labeled as a ΔV, "delta-V," or sometimes
"delta peak", charger, indicating that they monitor the voltage change.
The problem is, the magnitude of "delta-V" can become very small or even non-
existent if (very) high capacity rechargeable batteries are recharged. This can
cause even an intelligent battery charger to not sense that the batteries are
actually already fully charged, and continue charging. Overcharging of the
batteries will result in some cases. However, many so called intelligent chargers
employ a combination of cut off systems, which should prevent overcharging in
the vast majority of cases.
A typical intelligent charger fast-charges a battery up to about 85% of its
maximum capacity in less than an hour, then switches to trickle charging, which
takes several hours to top off the battery to its full capacity.
Universal battery charger–analyzers
The most sophisticated types are used in critical applications e.g.: military or
aviation batteries. These heavy-duty automatic “intelligent charging” systems
can be programmed with complex charging cycles specified by the battery
maker. The best are universal (i.e.: can charge all battery types), and include
automatic capacity testing and analyzing functions too.
Fast
Fast chargers make use of control circuitry in the batteries being charged to
rapidly charge the batteries without damaging the cells' elements. Most such
chargers have a cooling fan to help keep the temperature of the cells under
control. Most are also capable of acting as standard overnight chargers if used
with standard NiMH cells that do not have the special control circuitry.
Pulse
Some chargers use pulse technology in which a series of voltage or current
pulses is fed to the battery. The DC pulses have a strictly controlled rise time,
pulse width, pulse repetition rate (frequency) and amplitude. This technology is
said to work with any size, voltage, capacity or chemistry of batteries, including
automotive and valve-regulated batteries. With pulse charging, high
instantaneous voltages can be applied without overheating the battery. In
a Lead–acid battery, this breaks down lead-sulfate crystals, thus greatly
extending the battery service life.
Several kinds of pulse charging are patented. Others are open source hardware.
Some chargers use pulses to check the current battery state when the charger is
first connected, then use constant current charging during fast charging, then
use pulse charging as a kind of trickle charging to maintain the charge.
Some chargers use "negative pulse charging", also called "reflex charging" or
"burp charging". Such chargers use both positive and brief negative current
pulses. There is no significant evidence, however, that negative pulse charging
is more effective than ordinary pulse charging.
Inductive
Inductive battery chargers use electromagnetic induction to charge batteries. A
charging station sends electromagnetic energy throughinductive coupling to an
electrical device, which stores the energy in the batteries. This is achieved
without the need for metal contacts between the charger and the battery. It is
commonly used in electric toothbrushes and other devices used in bathrooms.
Because there are no open electrical contacts, there is no risk of electrocution.
USB-based

Pay-per-charge kiosk, illustrating the variety of mobile phone charger connectors


Since the Universal Serial Bus specification provides for a five-volt power
supply, it is possible to use a USB cable as a power source for recharging
batteries. Products based on this approach include chargers for cellular phones,
portable digital audio players, and tablet computers. They may be fully
compliant USB peripheral devices adhering to USB power discipline, or
uncontrolled in the manner of USB decorations.

Solar chargers
Solar chargers convert light energy into DC current. They are
generally portable, but can also be fixed mount. Fixed mount solar chargers are
also known as solar panels. Solar panels are often connected to the electrical
grid, whereas portable solar chargers are used off-the-grid (i.e. cars, boats,
or RVs).
Although portable solar chargers obtain energy from the sun only, they still can
(depending on the technology) be used in low light (i.e. cloudy) applications.
Portable solar chargers are typically used for trickle charging, although some
solar chargers (depending on thewattage), can completely recharge batteries.
Other devices may exist, which combine this with other sources of energy for
added recharging efficacy.

Motion-powered charger
Several companies have begun making devices that charge batteries based on
regular human motion. One example, made by Tremont Electric, consists of a
magnet held between two springs that can charge a battery as the device is
moved up and down, such as when walking. Such products have not yet
achieved significant commercial success.

Applications
Since a battery charger is intended to be connected to a battery, it may not have
voltage regulation or filtering of the DC voltage output. Battery chargers
equipped with both voltage regulation and filtering may be identified as battery
eliminators.

Mobile phone charger

Micro USB mobile phone charger

A brightbox charging station for various brands of mobile phones with locking chambers.

Most mobile phone chargers are not really chargers, only power adapters that


provide a power source for the charging circuitry which is almost always
contained within the mobile phone. They are notoriously diverse, having a wide
variety of DC connector-styles and voltages, most of which are not compatible
with other manufacturers' phones or even different models of phones from a
single manufacturer.
Users of publicly accessible charging kiosks must be able to cross-reference
connectors with device brands/models and individual charge parameters and
thus ensure delivery of the correct charge for their mobile device. A database-
driven system is one solution, and is being incorporated into some designs of
charging kiosks.
Mobile phones can usually accept a relatively wide range of voltages, as long as
it is sufficiently above the phone battery's voltage. However, if the voltage is
too high, it can damage the phone. Mostly, the voltage is 5 volts or slightly
higher, but it can sometimes vary up to 12 volts when the power source is not
loaded.
There are also human-powered chargers sold on the market, which typically
consists of a dynamopowered by a hand crank and extension cords. A French
startup offers a kind of dynamo charger inspired by the ratchet that can be used
with only one hand. There are also solar chargers.
China, the European Commission and other countries are making a national
standard on mobile phone chargers using the USB standard. In June 2009, 10 of
the world's largest mobile phone manufacturers signed a Memorandum of
Understanding to develop specifications for and support amicroUSB-
equipped common External Power Supply (EPS) for all data-enabled mobile
phones sold in the EU. On October 22, 2009, the International
Telecommunication Union announced a standard for a universal charger for
mobile handsets (Micro-USB).

Battery charger for vehicles


There are two main types of charges for vehicles:
 To recharge a fuel vehicle's starter battery, where a modular charger is used.
 To recharge an electric vehicle (EV) battery pack.
Chargers rated only one or two amperes may be used to maintain charge on
parked vehicle batteries or for small batteries on garden tractors or similar
equipment. A motorist may keep a charger rated a few amperes to ten or fifteen
amperes for maintenance of automobile batteries or to recharge a vehicle battery
that has accidentally discharged. Service stations and commercial garages will
have a large charger to fully charge a battery in an hour or two; often these
chargers can briefly source the hundreds of amperes required to crank an
internal combustion engine starter.

Stationary battery plants


Telecommunications, electric power, and computer uninterruptible power
supply facilities may have very large standby battery banks (installed in battery
rooms) to maintain critical loads for several hours during interruptions of
primary grid power. Such chargers are permanently installed and equipped with
temperature compensation, supervisory alarms for various system faults, and
often redundant independent power supplies and redundant rectifier systems.
Chargers for stationary battery plants may have adequate voltage regulation and
filtration and sufficient current capacity to allow the battery to be disconnected
for maintenance, while the charger supplies the DC system load. Capacity of the
charger is specified to maintain the system load and recharge a completely
discharged battery within, say, 8 hours or other interval.

Electric vehicle batteries


Electric vehicle battery chargers come in a variety of brands and
characteristics. Zivan, Manzanita Micro, Elcon, Quick
Charge,Rossco, Brusa, Delta-Q, Kelly, Lester and Soneil are the top 10 EV
chargers in 2011 according to EVAlbum.com. These chargers vary from 1 KW
to 7.5 KW maximum charge rate. Some use algorithm charge curves, others use
constant voltage, constant current. Some are programmable by the end user
through a CAN port, some have dials for maximum voltage and amperage,
some are preset to specified battery pack voltage, amp-hour and chemistry.
Prices range from $400 to $4500.
A 10 amp-hour battery could take 15 hours to reach a fully charged state from a
fully discharged condition with a 1 amp charger as it would require roughly 1.5
times the battery's capacity.
Public EV charging stations provide 6 kW (host power of 208 to 240 VAC off a
40 amp circuit). 6 kW will recharge an EV roughly 6 times faster than 1 kW
overnight charging.
Rapid charging results in even faster recharge times and is limited only by
available AC power and the type of charging system.
Onboard EV chargers (change AC power to DC power to recharge the EV's
pack) can be:
 Isolated: they make no physical connection between
the A/C electrical mains and the batteries being charged. These typically
employ some form of Inductive charging. Some isolated chargers may be used
in parallel. This allows for an increased charge current and reduced charging
times. The battery has a maximum current rating that cannot be exceeded
 Non-isolated: the battery charger has a direct electrical connection to the A/C
outlet's wiring. Non-isolated chargers cannot be used in parallel.
Power Factor Correction (PFC) chargers can more closely approach the
maximum current the plug can deliver, shortening charging time.
Charge stations
There is a list of public EV charging stations in the U.S.A. and worldwide.
Project Better Place is deploying a network of charging stations and subsidizing
vehicle battery costs through leases and credits.

Auxiliary charger designed to fit a variety of proprietary devices

Non-contact magnetic charging


Researchers at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and
Technology (KAIST) have developed an electric transport system
(called Online Electric Vehicle, OLEV) where the vehicles get their power
needs from cables underneath the surface of the road via non-contact magnetic
charging, (where a power source is placed underneath the road surface and
power is wirelessly picked up on the vehicle itself. As a possible solution to
traffic congestion and to improve overall efficiency by minimizing air resistance
and so reduce energy consumption, the test vehicles followed the power track in
a convoy formation.

Use in experiments
A battery charger can work as a DC power adapter for experimentation. It may,
however, require an external capacitor to be connected across its output
terminals in order to "smooth" the voltage sufficiently, which may be thought of
as a DC voltage plus a "ripple" voltage added to it. Note that there may be
an internal resistance connected to limit the short circuit current, and the value
of that internal resistance may have to be taken into consideration in
experiments.

Prolonging battery life


What practices are best depend on the type of battery. NiCd cells need to be
fully discharged occasionally, or else the battery loses capacity over time in a
phenomenon known as "memory effect." Once a month (once every 30 charges)
is sometimes recommended. This extends the life of the battery since memory
effect is prevented while avoiding full charge cycles which are known to be
hard on all types of dry-cell batteries, eventually resulting in a permanent
decrease in battery capacity.
Most modern cell phones, laptops, and most electric vehicles use Lithium-
ion batteries. These batteries last longest if the battery is frequently charged;
fully discharging them will degrade their capacity relatively quickly. When
storing however, lithium batteries degrade more while fully charged than if they
are only 40% charged. Degradation also occurs faster at higher temperatures.
Degradation in lithium-ion batteries is caused by an increased internal battery
resistance due to cell oxidation. This decreases the efficiency of the battery,
resulting in less net current available to be drawn from the battery. However, if
Li-ION cells are discharged below a certain voltage a chemical reaction occurs
that make them dangerous if recharged, which is why probably all such batteries
in consumer goods now have an "electronic fuse" that permanently disables
them if the voltage falls below a set level. The electronic fuse draws a small
amount of current from the battery, which means that if a laptop battery is left
for a long time without charging it, and with a very low initial state of charge,
the battery may be permanently destroyed.
Motor vehicles, such as boats, RVs, ATVs, motorcycles, cars, trucks, and more
use lead–acid batteries. These batteries employ asulfuric acid electrolyte and
can generally be charged and discharged without exhibiting memory effect,
though sulfation (a chemical reaction in the battery which deposits a layer of
sulfates on the lead) will occur over time. Typically sulfated batteries are simply
replaced with new batteries, and the old ones recycled. Lead–acid batteries will
experience substantially longer life when a maintenance charger is used to "float
charge" the battery. This prevents the battery from ever being below 100%
charge, preventing sulfate from forming. Proper temperature compensated float
voltage should be used to achieve the best results.
Components used:
 One main lead
 One step down transformer 9 – 0 – 9
 2 diodes
 One polar capacitor
 6 volt battery or (1.5 x 4) cells
 One L.e.d.
 One carbon resistor

Circuit Description
In this model step down down transformer convert 220 volt
ac into 9 volt ac current then we make 9 volt dc using 2
diodes and capacitor through full wave rectifier method and
then we connect 6 volt battery (1.5 x4 cells) to it.

In brief
Here you can read how to make a simple charger or adapter
for charging 6 volt rechargable battery. This charger works
with a full wave rectifier circuit and a step down transformer.
You can use this device as a AC adapter or charger for
batteries. By selecting proper transformers and rectifier circuit
it is possible to change the output of the charger. Thus you
can design a charger circuit according to your purpose. 
What is a Step Down Transformer?
Transformer is a device used to step up or step down the
input voltage. A step down transformer reduces the input
voltage and provide a lower voltage at output. A transformer
works on the principle of mutual induction. 

What is a Rectifier Circuit?


The output of a step down transformer is an AC voltage. But
we need DC of the same voltage. A rectifier circuit is used to
convert the AC voltage to DC. There are three main types of
rectifier circuits. 

1. Half wave rectifier 


2. Full wave rectifier 
3. Bridge rectifies 

                      We are going to make battery charger working


on a full wave rectifier circuit. A diode is the main part of a
rectifier, which converts the alternating current to direct
current. 
How to make DC battery charger
You need to buy the following components from an
electronics shop. 

1. Step down transformer


2. two diodes IN4007 
3. Capacitor 1000 microfarad 16v-1 
Connect the components as shown in the Circuit diagram.
You are done! 

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