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Charger for car battery. How battery chargers work and how they work Automatic electron charger

Under normal operating conditions, the vehicle's electrical system is self-sufficient. We are talking about energy supply - a combination of a generator, a voltage regulator, and a battery works synchronously and ensures uninterrupted power supply to all systems.

This is in theory. In practice, car owners make amendments to this harmonious system. Or the equipment refuses to work in accordance with the established parameters.

For example:

1. Operating a battery that has exhausted its service life. The battery does not hold a charge
2. Irregular trips. Prolonged downtime of the car (especially during hibernation) leads to self-discharge of the battery
3. The car is used for short trips, with frequent stopping and starting of the engine. The battery simply does not have time to recharge
4. Connecting additional equipment increases the load on the battery. Often leads to increased self-discharge current when the engine is turned off
5. Extremely low temperature accelerates self-discharge
6. A faulty fuel system leads to increased load: the car does not start immediately, you have to turn the starter for a long time
7. A faulty generator or voltage regulator prevents the battery from charging properly. This problem includes worn power wires and poor contact in the charging circuit.
8. And finally, you forgot to turn off the headlights, lights or music in the car. To completely discharge the battery overnight in the garage, sometimes it is enough to close the door loosely. Interior lighting consumes quite a lot of energy.

Any of the following reasons leads to an unpleasant situation: you need to drive, but the battery is unable to crank the starter. The problem is solved by external recharge: that is, a charger.

The tab contains four proven and reliable car charger circuits from simple to the most complex. Choose any one and it will work.

A simple 12V charger circuit.

Charger with adjustable charging current.

Adjustment from 0 to 10A is carried out by changing the opening delay of the SCR.

Circuit diagram of a battery charger with self-shutdown after charging.

For charging batteries with a capacity of 45 amps.

Scheme of a smart charger that will warn about incorrect connection.

It is absolutely easy to assemble it with your own hands. An example of a charger made from an uninterruptible power supply.

Of course, if the car’s battery and generator are in good working order, then situations leading to a complete discharge of the battery are extremely rare, which is why not everyone needs chargers. However, sometimes you can’t do without them.

Charging device

Before purchasing a car battery charger, pay attention to its weight, control system, power consumption, amperage and overheating protection. Typically, such models are lightweight, they can be connected to the mains, the power consumption is low, and the battery can be charged in a few hours. This depends on its capacity and discharge depth.

The control can be manual, when the owner needs to turn on the device and select the current strength, or automatic, when it is enough to connect the device to the battery. Some models are equipped with a display and touch buttons.

It is worth paying attention to such seemingly trifles as the length of the wires, moisture resistance and impact resistance of the case, reliability and availability of components. Of course, such battery chargers will have a higher price. But such additions will significantly extend the service life and simplify the operation of the device.

Starter chargers

As the name implies, using this device you can not only charge the battery, but also start the engine when it is completely discharged. The main disadvantage of the design is its large weight and dimensions, because essentially this charger for a car battery is a huge transformer. This type of charger is also frightening due to its high price. Therefore, before buying a charger for this type of battery, weigh the pros and cons. Think in advance about the location where this device will be located and make sure that the power supply parameters correspond to its characteristics.

When purchasing, it makes sense to pay attention to the power consumption, current and the maximum possible capacity of the battery being charged.

To ensure the operation of the battery, the car battery must be periodically charged. For charging, a homemade or proprietary charger can be used. It is quite possible to make a charger with your own hands from a rectifier or computer power supply.

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Design and principle of operation of the charger

A homemade device for a car battery must charge the battery from a 220-volt household network. In fact, a charger for a car battery can be called an electricity converter. The devices consume alternating current from the mains and reduce it to 14 volts. This is the voltage level that a car battery produces. On sale today you can find many types of memory devices, ranging from simple ones to multifunctional devices with many capabilities. You can find devices that allow you not only to start a machine engine. This type of device is considered a charging and starting device.

There are also starting devices that will recharge the battery or start the power unit without connecting to a household network. In addition to the equipment that converts electricity, the device itself contains a conventional battery. Thanks to its presence, the device can be called autonomous. But after each battery charging procedure, the device requires recharging so that the next time it can perform this function.

Charger device

If we talk about simple memories, then structurally they include several components. The main part of such a device is considered to be a step-down transformer device, which is designed to reduce the voltage from 220 to 13.8 volts. But the transformer unit only reduces the voltage parameter. The diode bridge directly performs the procedure for converting alternating current to direct current. It is used to rectify the current and divide it into two poles - plus and minus. An ammeter is installed immediately behind the diode component; it is designed to demonstrate the current strength. Pointer ammeters are used in devices that are simple in design.

Digital devices are installed in modernized memory devices, and in addition to an ammeter, a voltmeter can be added to the circuit. Depending on the type of charger, the device may have a voltage selection function. Such devices can be used to recharge batteries at 12, 24 or 6 volts. Electrical circuits with positive and negative contacts come out of the diode component; they are connected directly to the battery. The entire structure is installed in a housing; an electrical line with a plug comes out of it, which is connected to the household network, as well as conductors with clamps. To ensure safe operation of the circuit from power surges and damage, the device is equipped with a fusible safety element. These are the main nuances of the electrical circuit design.

AKA KASYAN spoke in detail about the design features, operating principle and nuances of assembling a homemade charger.

Operating principle

As for the charging procedure, everything is simple:

1. The terminals of the device are connected to the dead battery, and the consumer must be careful not to confuse the poles.
2. After connecting the device, it is connected to the network.
3. When charging starts, the device produces a voltage with a current value of 6-8 amperes. However, after some time, the current parameter decreases, which helps prevent the destruction of the plates installed inside the structure.
4. When the battery is fully charged, the instrument needle will drop to zero.

General requirements for the charger

It is important to determine the necessary parameters for the degree of charge and density of the working solution in the battery. Otherwise, the efficiency of the charger may be reduced to a minimum.

Determining the necessary parameters when charging with direct current

Table of correspondence between the degree of charge, electrolyte density and voltage

Most modern cars are equipped with lead-acid batteries. To recharge such devices, no more than 10% of the current of the total battery capacity is required. If the battery capacity is 55 Ah, then no more than 5.5 amperes of current will be required to replenish the charge. If 65 Ah - then 6.5 amperes, etc. It is permissible to use a lower current value, then the charging procedure will be slower. The charge itself will be collected in the battery even at a minimum current value, but it will take more time to replenish it in the battery.

When performing calculations, take into account that the current value should be no more than 10%. Therefore, the procedure will take about ten hours to complete. But it will take so much time to completely discharge, and this cannot be allowed. Therefore, the recharging time actually directly depends on the magnitude of the discharge.

To determine the degree of discharge, it is necessary to measure the voltage:

• if the battery is fully charged, the voltage will be about 12.7 volts;
• if the voltage is 12 volts, this indicates that the device is half discharged;
• at a voltage of about 11.7 volts, urgent charging of the battery is required, since it is almost discharged.

If the battery is completely discharged, this will lead to rapid wear of the device. To approximately calculate recharging time, the consumer must know the difference between the actual voltage and the maximum charge of the battery. The resulting parameter is multiplied by ten, so the consumer can find out the charge replenishment time. For example, if the voltage parameter on a discharged battery is 12.1 volts, then the difference with the ideal charge value will be 0.7 V. By multiplying this number by 10, you can determine that the actual time to replenish the volume of the device will be about seven hours.

Making your own car charger: the most popular schemes

In order to make a powerful charger for a car battery with your own hands, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the following circuit options:

• semiconductor diode + light bulb;
• rectifier;
• Memory from the computer power supply;
• Charger from power adapter.

Semiconductor diode + light bulb

A household network is used as a power source. The diode component is required to convert alternating current into direct current. The light source is used as a current-limiting resistor element.

To calculate the memory, the following data is used:

1. The current parameter that passes through the light source must be calculated in accordance with the power of the light bulb. The power parameter of the device is divided by the voltage in the household network. For a 60 W lighting source, the current in the electrical circuit will be 0.27 amperes.
2. The real average current is calculated. Since the diode element removes every 50% of the sine wave, the average current value will be about 0.32.

If the light source is powerful, the load current will ultimately be low. This allows you to add a common diode component, such as the 1N4004, to the circuit. You can find it in a radio electronics store. Such diodes are installed in low-power power supplies, supplied with anti-theft systems, etc. When assembling, one nuance must be taken into account - the strip on the body of the diode element indicates the cathode. This contact must be connected to the positive contact of the battery.

Simple circuit of a semiconductor diode element with a light source

Rectifier

A circuit with a rectifier device is used in branded memory devices that are simple in design. To assemble the device, you will need a transformer unit with at least 12.5 volts of output voltage. The voltage parameter should be no more than 14 volts. It is allowed to use transformer devices from Soviet televisions; such devices are equipped with two 6.3 volt windings. If the devices are connected in series, the result will be 12.6 volts. To ensure rectification of the current value, a diode bridge is added to the circuit; it is used as a rectifier device. It is possible to assemble a unit from individual diode elements, or you can purchase a ready-made device.

During operation, the diode component will become very hot. Therefore, a radiator device from a plate of the appropriate size must be added to the circuit; it must be aluminum. Therefore, the use of a diode assembly will be more convenient. The plate is mounted by fixing it with a bolt to the central hole. When installing the plate on the work surface, it must be treated with thermal paste.

Scheme of a rectifier device for a homemade charger

Charger from computer power supply

If you have an old PC power supply, you can disassemble it and remove all electrical circuits, leaving only:

• the black conductor is the ground contact, connected to the negative output of the battery;
• the electrical circuit is red, this voltage is 5 volts, a load is connected to it for the correct operation of the device;
• the yellow contact is a 12-volt voltage, connected to the positive output of the battery;
• The green contact is intended to activate the converter device; it must be fixed to the housing inside the device.

A ceramic resistor device is used to provide an imaginary load. Its resistance value will be approximately 1.2 Ohms, and the power parameter should be at least 20 W. It is allowed to use a piece of nichrome spiral from a heating device; the piece is cut in accordance with the ohmmeter readings. Since the load will heat up, it must be installed in the power supply case next to the ventilation device. After this, the charger case is assembled, and clips are soldered to the remaining contacts, which will be used to connect to the battery.

The main disadvantage of a charger from a power supply is that it cannot fully charge the battery, since 12 volts is not enough for this.

If the device will be used for emergency charging, it needs to be modified. The main component will be a PWM controller board. It is used to convert DC to serial current. The procedure for adjusting the output voltage is carried out by changing the duration of the signals when operating at a constant frequency. To complete the task, you will need an electrical circuit connected to pin 1 in the diagram. We need to find a resistor element that connects this contact to the 12-volt output.

This resistor part is soldered using a soldering iron, and a trimmer is installed instead. Before performing the task, use an ohmmeter to adjust the element to a similar resistance. After connecting the power supply to the household network, a voltmeter is connected to its output. By carefully rotating the resistor trimmer, the power supply is adjusted to a voltage of about 14.5 volts, but no more. When the resistance parameter increases, the voltage value will also increase. After adjustment, the resistor device can be removed from the board.

Device diagram from a computer power supply

Charger from power adapter

For independent development of memory, it is allowed to use other power supplies, for example, to power a laptop. But the voltage parameter on such devices varies around 20 volts, and for a car battery this is a lot. Therefore, the voltage value will have to be reduced; to do this, you can try to modify the PWM controller circuit. Performing this task requires certain skills and knowledge in the field of electronics.

A 12-volt lighting source can be used as a limiter. An H7 standard high beam bulb has a power of about 60 W and about 5 amperes of current passes through it. A regular adapter will be able to function normally under such a load. If the maximum current of the adapter is less, it is permissible to use 21 W lighting sources, for example, from rear optics. In this case, the current flow will be about 1.75 amperes, and with a parallel connection you can get 3.5 amperes.

Charging circuit from the power adapter

What else is needed for homemade charging?

During the process of recharging the battery, the consumer needs to control the amount of charging current. To do this, you can temporarily add a tester to the circuit; it is connected to an open circuit in one of the electrical circuits that goes to the battery. If you want to get a more powerful charger, then it is recommended to add an ammeter to its circuit. It cuts into one of the battery power circuits into the body of the device itself, and its screen is displayed on the front part of the device.

To prevent damage to the device as a result of power surges, it is recommended to protect the electrical circuit with a fuse element. This device is designed for a current that should be 50% greater than the charging parameter. The best option would be to add a tubular safety device to the socket.

The process of charging a homemade battery

The charging current should be no more than 10% of the standard one. For gel devices, the charging current must be set as accurately as possible, in particular if the capacitance value is low. This type of battery is highly sensitive to overcharging. If the battery is critically discharged, you need to consider limiting the current of the device.

The procedure for charging the battery using a homemade device is as follows:

1. The battery is removed from the car. To do this, the clamps are disconnected and the terminals of the device are cleaned.
2. The battery is diagnosed visually for mechanical damage. If there are cracks and dents on the case through which electrolyte escapes, then there is no point in charging the device.
3. The covers on the case are unscrewed if the battery is serviceable. The level of electrolyte solution in the jars is checked. If it is critically low, distilled water is added inside the device. Only after this can you begin the charge replenishment procedure.
4. The charger clamps are connected to the battery terminals. The positive contact is connected to the plus, and the negative to the minus.
5. The charger is connected to a household network. After a certain period of time, which must be calculated in accordance with the degree of discharge, the device turns off.

Typical mistakes when making a homemade charger

Video “The process of assembling a homemade memory device”

The Soldering Iron TV channel presented a detailed overview of the procedure for assembling a homemade charger for a car.

The automatic charger UZ-A-6/12-6,3-UHL 3.1 (hereinafter referred to as the UZ-A device) is intended for charging 6 and 12 volt starter batteries installed on motorcycles and personal cars.

Before you start using the UZ-A device (you must study this manual, as well as the rules for the care and use of the battery.

The UZ-A device has a smooth setting of the charging current, an electronic protection circuit that ensures the safety of the battery during overloads, short circuits and incorrect polarity of the output terminals. In this case, the protection is designed in such a way that a charging current appears at the output only if a voltage source (battery) is connected to the output terminals.

The UZ-A device is designed for operation in temperate climates at ambient temperatures from minus 10 °C to plus 40 °C and relative humidity up to 98% at 25 °C.

This device produces a charge when there is a voltage on the battery of at least 4 volts.

Technical data

• Supply voltage - 220 ± 22 V;
• Mains frequency - 50 ± 05 Hz;
• Charge current setting range - 0.5 - 6.3 A;
• Automatic disconnection from the battery after -10.5 ± 1 h;
• Power consumption, no more than -145 W;
• Alternating voltage for powering a portable car lamp (12 or 36±2V).

On the front panel there are:

1. "NETWORK" LED, signaling that the device is connected to the network;
2. current indicator for monitoring the charge current;
3. button to turn the charger into charge mode;
4. knob for setting the charge current;
5. LED indicating the end of the charge cycle.

There is a radiator on the back wall of the charger to cool the rectifier. The radiator has a socket for powering a portable lamp (12 or 36 V), an electric soldering iron, etc., and a fuse.

At the bottom of the body of the device there is a niche into which the power cord and cables with contact clamps “+” and “-” are placed for connecting the charger to the corresponding battery terminals.

Rice. 1. Appearance of the automatic charging device "Electronics".

Checking the functionality of the charger

In the conditions of selling a charger in a store in the absence of a battery, as well as at the consumer’s place to check the functionality of the charger, it is allowed to use dry cell batteries with a total voltage of at least 4 V instead of a battery for a short time (it is most convenient to use a battery with a voltage of 4.5 V, it is allowed to use series-connected elements of 1.5 V each - at least 3 elements).

Check as follows:

1. Set handle B to the extreme left position.
2. Connect the contact clamps of the charger to the battery terminals, observing the polarity: the “+” terminal of the device to the “+” battery, and the “-” terminal of the device to the “-” battery.
3. Connect the charger to a 220 V AC mains voltage, and the “NETWORK” LED on the front panel of the device will light up and, depending on the state of the electronic circuit, the LED may light up. Press the [i] button. In this case, if the LED was on, it will go out.
4. Turn the knob clockwise to make sure the current changes (the current will gradually increase). This is a criterion for the performance of the device. Note. To avoid premature failure of the test battery, it is recommended to check the current for no more than 5 hours - 10 seconds and set the current value to no more than 3-5 A.
5. After checking, remove the handle (counterclockwise until there is no reading of the charging current. Disconnect the charger from the mains and from the battery.

Safety requirements

When operating the UZ-A device, the following is not allowed:

• replacing the fuse, as well as repairing the device while it is on;
• mechanical damage to the insulation of the power cord, the wires of the output terminals, as well as exposure to a chemically active environment (acids, oils, gasoline, etc.).

During the charging process, the temperature of the device case is allowed to exceed the ambient temperature by no more than 60 °C.

Product design

The UZ-A device is a rectifier with a smooth current setting. From terminals 3, 6 of network transformer T1, the voltage is supplied to a 2[-half-wave controlled rectifier made using thyristors VS1 and VS2.

The rectified voltage is supplied to the battery through contacts X1 (“plus”) and X2 (“minus”). To control the amount of charge current, use the current indicator PA1.

To disconnect the charging circuit from the battery after 10.5 ± 1 hour, control the operation of the thyristors and set the required charging current, use a circuit assembled on transistors VT1 + VT11 and a DD1 microcircuit.

On transistor VT1 there is a pulse shaper with a frequency of 50 Hz, on integrated circuit DD1 there is a pulse counter, on transistors VT8 and VT10 there is a frequency divider by 2, on transistor VT6 there is a controlled current generator (stabilizer).

In this case, the required charge current is set by potentiometer RP1.

The control pulse generator is made using transistors VTЗ and VT7.

Transistor VT2 is a power amplifier of these pulses.

Rice. 2. Schematic diagram of the automatic charging device "Electronics" - option 1 (parts are numbered according to the markings on the factory diagram).

Rice. 3. Schematic diagram of the automatic charging device "Electronics" - option 2 (parts are numbered according to the markings on the factory board).

Rice. 4. Circuit board of the automatic charging device "Electronics".

Rice. 5. Circuit board of the automatic charging device "Electronics".

The VT11 transistor has a protection circuit against short circuits and terminal reversal.

The circuit on transistors VT4 and VT5 serves to switch the device to reduced current mode (after 6 - 8 hours the current will decrease by 1.3 - 2.5 times).

The VD7 and VD8 diodes are used to assemble the power supply rectifier for the pulse shaper and counter circuit. Diodes VD5 and VD6 prohibit the supply of pulses to the control electrode of the thyristor at the moment when reverse voltage is applied to the thyristor.

LEDs VD2 and VD13 are used to indicate the power supply is turned on and the end of charging.

The manufacturer reserves the right to replace individual circuit elements that do not affect the technical characteristics of the product.

Preparation and work procedure

Remove the power cord and contact clips from the niche.

Place the device firmly on the handle-stand.

Set the adjustment knob to the extreme left position.

Connect the contact clamps of the device to the terminals of the battery, observing the polarity:

• “+” clamp of the device to “+” battery;
• "-" clamp of the device to the "-" battery.

Connect the device to a 220 V AC mains voltage, and the “NETWORK” LED on the front panel will light up and, depending on the state of the electronic circuit, the LED may light up.

Press the [i] button. At the same time, if after switching on the LED I was on, it will go out. Turn the adjustment knob to set the required charging current using the current indicator.

When charging a battery, the charge current may increase at the first moment, and then gradually decrease as it is charged, which is a sign of an increase in the emf of the battery. To improve the battery charging mode, after 6-8 hours the charging current will automatically decrease by 1.3 - 2.5 times.

After 10.5 hours (± 1 hour), the device automatically disconnects from the battery, and the LED on the front panel lights up.

A charger is a device that charges a battery. How to choose it? Which memory is better? And what does the market offer us? All this is written below.

Types of chargers for car batteries

There are different types of battery chargers on the market. Let's look at 8 options plus a common classification.

Pulse charger for car battery

A pulse battery charger charges with high-frequency current. Devices of this type are miniature.

The following variants of pulse memory are distinguished:

1. Manual chargers require human control. You need to manually adjust the current strength, charging time and voltage.
2. Automatic are programmed chargers that independently determine the battery parameters. They are able to automatically regulate the entire charging process.
3. Semi-automatic or semi-automatic are charging systems that perform part of the processes automatically. You will have to control the charging time manually.

Pulse charging of the battery comes in three options:

1. Charging with constant pulse current.
2. Filling with energy using constant voltage.
3. A combination of the two options above.

Sometimes there are situations when you need to start the car right away. A powerful pulse “charger” for the battery makes this the “ BOOST».

Please pay attention to this at the time of purchase. By using BOUSTA Charging will occur in 5-10 minutes. This is enough to start the car.

Pre-charger for car battery

It is required when it is impossible to disconnect the battery from the network. The main advantage is that you do not need to remove the battery from the car. Startup after connection is not possible.

Starting device for battery

Allows you to start the engine in a matter of minutes!

The device is compact and easy to use! It is enough to connect the crocodiles of the starting charger to the battery terminals. The required amount of current will be generated and the car will start.

Starting charger for car battery

Allows you to charge the battery and start the car immediately after connecting to the network.

Three types of charger for batteries:

1. Household ones are chargers that are used in the garage. Operate from 12 volt network. There are 6-volt devices on the market. They are also capable of starting a motorcycle.
2. Professional are devices in contact with a 12-24 volt network.

Such devices are identified by the presence of thick wires.

Transformer charger for car battery

The main key figure here is the transformer. Its disadvantage is its dimensions. The principle of operation is to reduce the voltage according to the principle of a conventional converter. That is, from high to low. Large charging currents take part in charging the battery.

The auto charger for a 12-volt battery is regulated by the program. Smart electronics will do everything according to the correct algorithm and protect the battery from various dangers.

This device charges and cleans the battery from lead sulfate. I call this phenomenon desulfation. The device is protected against incorrect connection of wires and short circuit of terminals. Thanks to the built-in controller, the optimal charging mode is selected.

Automatic chargers have 4 types of operation:

1. Battery charging mode. Its stages: The first step is to charge up to 14.6 volts with a stable current of 0.1 s (C is the battery capacity in Ah). Then comes charging with a voltage of 14.6 volts. This happens until the current drops to 0.02 C. Then it maintains a stable voltage of 13.8 volts until it reaches 0.01. At the end, the battery is charged. If the voltage drops to 12.7 V, the above circuit is repeated.
2. Desulfation. Operating cycle: 5 seconds of charging with a current of 0.1 C. This is followed by a 10-second discharge with a current of 0.01. This occurs until the battery voltage reaches 14.6 volts. Then normal charging occurs.
3. Battery Test. This mode makes it possible to find out how much the power source is discharged. After a current load of 0.01 C, the voltage at the contacts is measured for 15 seconds.
4. Control-training cycle mode. The battery discharges to a voltage of 10.8 volts. Then the specified mode is activated. Having received data on the charging current and time, the system determines the battery capacity. The data will be displayed on the device display.

There are usually two types of automatic chargers.

5-stage memory

Here's what it does:

• Charges the battery up to 80 percent!
• Perform full charging with reduced current
• Preventatively keeps the charge at 95-100%
• Eliminates sulfation on plates
• They do battery diagnostics.

8-stage automatic charger

The device has an eight-step charging cycle.

Here's what his job is:

1. Due to charge-discharge, the plates are cleaned.
2. The power supply is tested for functionality.
3. The battery is charged to 80% capacity.
4. Charging occurs smoothly up to one hundred percent, with minimal current.
5. A check is made to see how well the battery holds a charge.
6. All electrolyte separation is eliminated.
7. maintained at maximum.
8. A preventative charge is carried out up to 95-100 percent!

Second classification of battery charger

Types of settings:

1. Manual - you configure everything yourself.
2. Automatic - everything you need is already configured by a computer program.

According to the car battery charging scale

The car battery charging indicator is as follows:

1. Switches
2. LED
3. Digital

By connection type:

1. Connected from a regular 220 volt network.
2. Connected to the cigarette lighter. This type is the most convenient because it is small in size and portable.

According to the duration of a car battery charge:

1. Slow - perform charging during the day.
2. Fast - charge in 2-3 hours.
3. Air conditioning. Typically, chargers with this speed charge the battery within 1 hour.

New chargers for car batteries

Every year new memories appear. Main list of new products:

1. CTEK MXS 7.0
2. CTEK MXS 5.0 POLAR
3. Bosch C7
4. CTEK MXS 5.0
5. Noco Genius G7200EU
6. CTEK CT START STOP
7. CTEK MXS 5.0 TEST & CHARGE
8. CTEK MXS 3.8
9. Bosch C3
10. Noco Genius G3500EU

Which charger for a car battery is better?

It's difficult to choose the best. All chargers work great. A brief overview of popular models is presented below.

This type of charger is quite simple. There is nothing fancy about it. There is simply a transformer with switching of the terminals of the secondary or secondary winding. On the case, the 4A/6A toggle switch is responsible for switching. In addition to the transformer, it contains a diode bridge and an ammeter measuring device.

This device is unpretentious. It can be left in a cold, damp garage. It's unlikely to break.

According to the manufacturer, such a power source is designed to work with ninety-amp batteries. But in practice this is 65 amperes maximum!

Do not use the charger to charge gel and AGM batteries. This is due to the fact that at the end of charging the voltage level at the terminals can be about 15 volts. Such voltage can cause damage to these batteries.

Among many others, this charger stands out for its miniature size. It is capable of charging different batteries. Has many charging options. Built-in sulfation mode. Thanks to it you can charge a completely zero power supply!

The peculiarity of the device is the presence of a “power supply”. When the current does not automatically decrease at the outputs, turning off at the end of the charging process, but maintains a certain voltage level at the contacts.

Drivers find a lot of uses for this mode. For example, you can power a carrier with 12 volts or revive seemingly unusable batteries.

Using automatic charging, the driver simply needs to set the ammeter to the highest charging current, determined from the battery capacity.

Elitech UPZ 30/120

The device works with a 12-24 volt battery. The device has two charging options:

1) Normal – allows you to work with a maintenance-free battery;

2) Fast - makes it possible to recharge lead-acid batteries, because it has a high current;

The presence of a special start mode toggle switch disables automatic protection. This allows the device to deliver as much as 120 A to the load. This is normal for a compact charger model.

This charger weighs only 1.5 kg! Delivers current up to 50 A. Allows you to start at a time when the starter needs little current.

To select the charging mode, press the “mode” button. After this, the charger itself will set the necessary parameters. If desired, voltage and current can be displayed on the main display. If there is a malfunction, an error message will appear.

The best manufacturers of car battery chargers

Below are the brands of battery chargers.

Charger brands:

1. Airline
2. Aiken
3. Hyundai
4. Katun
5. Pendant
6. Yulmart
7. Sonar
8. Golden eagle
9. Resanta
10. Electronics
11. Ermak
12. Arduino
13. Patriot
14. Mercedes
15. Pole
16. Telwin
17. Caliber
18. Sorokin

The best automatic chargers and their brief overview

The simplest device that works with lead-acid batteries. This model stands out among its competitors! The front panel contains only a couple of indicators. This is a charge light and a charging activity diode.

This device, of course, cannot revive zero power supplies, but it is quite capable of raising those who are near death to their feet!

Advantages:

1. Great working machine
2. Easy to use

Flaws:

1. Very simple mode of operation.

This is a top-class charger at a very reasonable price. Easily copes with battery recharging up to 100 Ah. The initial charging process is carried out with a current of 6.5 A. The device constantly reads data about the state of the battery and gradually selects the mode required for charging. It increases and then increases the current strength. If a breakdown occurs, the device notifies the owner.

Advantages:

1. Can notify about breakdown
2. Touch screen
3. Low power consumption
4. Has good cooling

Flaws:

1. Small current supply 10A
2. The price, although reasonable.

The charger recharges 12 and 24 volt batteries

Used on an industrial scale. Rarely do ordinary drivers purchase this device.

Advantages of the device:

1. Produces good performance despite its small size
2. Simple controls that everyone can understand
3. Moisture-resistant housing
4. Digital display
5. Availability of charge indicator

Disadvantages of the device:

1. High price tag.

The best manual chargers

These devices have manual control. Suitable for resuscitation of zero batteries.

Charger KOLNER KBCH 4

The charger is capable of recharging batteries at 12 volts. There is a built-in unit that protects against short circuits. Charging is detected through special indicators. Using such a charger, you will have to constantly monitor the current and make sure that the electrolyte does not boil away.

The advantages of such a car battery:

1. Implemented short circuit protection.
2. Reliable and durable.
3. The charger is made in a convenient case.

Flaw:

1. You will have to constantly monitor how the battery is charging.

This device has a modern filling in a nineties body. The model is very simple to use. It has two modes for 12 A and 6 A. Charging follows a standard cycle: fast charge, current equalization to standard values. Next comes a transition to buffer mode, and then voltage stabilization occurs.

Advantages:

1. High starting current.
2. Small dimensions.
3. Automatic charging, but with parameters that need to be performed manually.

Couldn't find any cons.

This is a transformer starting charger, manually adjustable. Maximum charging current 13 amperes. Starting current – ​​140 A. Ordinary drivers rarely use such a monster. It is usually used in large offices.

Advantage:

1. High power.
2. Simple controls.
3. Acceptable price.

1. Lack of short circuit protection.

How to choose a car charger?

1. Determine what parameters the power source has. Especially voltage and rated current. Be careful, the new charger should provide a current 12-15% more than the rated current of the battery. The output voltage should be 12 V.
2. Select a price range. How much are you willing to pay?
3. If the car will leave the garage in the cold season, it is better to take a starting charger.
4. Check for a BOOST button. The button makes it possible to start the car engine after just a few minutes of charging. This mode is especially in demand in winter.
5. If you plan to charge frequently, it is better to purchase a charger from any popular brand.

How to check a car battery charger?

In some cases, you might think that the charger is acting up. But it is not always the case. Some chargers are simply not designed to charge zero batteries. Residual stress is required here.

A couple of things to pay attention to:

1. Make sure that the charger is capable of charging not only a medium-sized battery, but also a completely discharged one.
2. Check the fuses if possible.
3. If the charger voltage is below 13 volts or it jumps strongly, this means that it is broken.
4. Connect any 12-volt device, such as a light bulb, to the charger terminals. If it is on, then the charger is working, if not, then it is broken.
5. Check the integrity of the wires and their fastening. If no current flows through the wire, then this is the reason.

You can check your charger using these tips. If you are not good with electronics, then it is best to take the device to a technician at a service center.

How does a car battery charger work?

The process of charging a car battery is as follows. The charger converts the mains voltage of 220 volts into what is needed to charge the batteries. Next, a constant voltage is supplied to the battery terminals through wires coming from a powerful charger. It can be pulsating or smooth and exceeds the potential difference between the electrodes.

Due to this, current flows inside the battery in the direction opposite to the discharge. Particles of the oxygen molecule are “squeezed out” of the cadmium and penetrate through the electrolyte layer to their original place. This allows you to restore capacity.

The chemical composition of the plates changes during charge and discharge. An electrolyte is a medium where cations and anions pass through. The speed at which current flows inside the battery affects the rate of restoration of the properties of the plates and the charging speed.

The processes proceed quickly, this causes strong gas release and heating. This can damage valuable plates.

Low charging current prolongs the process of capacity restoration. Frequent use of a slow charge increases plate sulfation and reduces. In this regard, it is necessary to take into account the power of the charger and the load supplied to the battery.

Conditions for charging a car battery

Do not use the charger in a damp place or in an unventilated area. The vapors released during the charging process are harmful to the body.

How to charge a car battery with a charger?

How to use a car battery charger?

Using any charger, whether automatic or manual, comes down to 5 main things:

1. Connecting wires to the battery.
2. Turn on the memory.
3. Setting certain modes.
4. And turn on the switch to start charging.
5. Disconnecting the charger.

How to connect the charger to the battery?

Charging algorithm for a car battery:

1. Please read the operating instructions first.
2. Find a well-ventilated area.
3. Make sure there are no sources of fire entering the room.
4. If you are going to charge the battery outside the car, disconnect the wires.
5. Remove the battery.
6. Use the special handles to carry the battery to the prepared location.
7. Clean the stamps using baking soda and water.
8. Do not touch the white residue; it is frozen sulfuric acid.
9. Unscrew the plugs on the battery.
10. Pour distilled water into each hole to the desired level. This should be done if the battery is not serviceable.
11. Close the plugs; if the battery is not equipped with flame arresters, place a wet cloth on the plugs. If the lids are sealed, do not touch them.
12. Place the charger as far as possible from the battery.
13. Set the output voltage switch of the charger to the voltage transfer position. If the charger has a regulator, set it to the minimum level.
14. Connect the charger wires to the battery in accordance with.
15. Connect the device to the network.
16. After charging, unplug the plug from the outlet.
17. Disconnect the wires from the power source.
18. Place the battery back in the car.
19. Connect the vehicle wires.

Cable for car battery chargers

Traditionally, chargers use two cables with a cross-section of at least 1 mm. The wire colors are usually red "+" and black "-". In fact, you can take wires of any color, the main thing is to follow.

For convenience, an alligator clip should be attached to the end of the cable. This will allow the wire to hold securely and touch the battery contacts.

Rules for using chargers

Rules for operating chargers for car batteries:

1. Use the charger away from open flames, burning cigarettes, etc.
2. Protect the charger from moisture and dampness
3. Charge the battery in a ventilated area
4. Only charge whole batteries
5. Do not remove the clips from the power source while charging.
6. Avoid stamps touching each other
7. Before charging, make sure the wires are not damaged
8. No need to shorten or lengthen wires to connect the charger
9. When working with batteries, wear gloves and special glasses.
10. Do not give chargers and batteries to children
11. If there is a strong smell of electrolyte, an explosion may occur. Be careful. Do not try to unhook the clamps from the battery, there is a risk of a spark. Ventilate the room. Then disconnect the wires.