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 the 12 V that the battery should have, it will not be possible to fully charge it, 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Modern models have replaced outdated devices with manual control.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 car battery chargers 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 a 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.
If such devices had appeared on stage forty years ago, they would have been booed. Because everyone knew: a real charger is a heavy box with a huge transformer inside, various kinds of twisters, a voltmeter and an ammeter outside. Everything else is not serious.
A modern charger is, as a rule, a rather nice automatic box with a minimum of controls. Or even without them at all. At the same time, for some reason many are very similar to each other. But are they the same at work?
We tested eight devices taken for testing at two temperatures: -10 and +20 ºС. Let us say right away that you should not believe the statements of individual manufacturers regarding performance in severe frosts. Firstly, the intensity of the charging process in the cold drops very much: at -25 ºС, the charging current of the 55th battery will be only 4–6% of the value at plus twenty-five. And attempts to increase the charge voltage are fraught with destruction of the active mass and corrosion of down conductors. Secondly, at lower temperatures the insulation of the power wires of the presented devices hardens and breaks. Thirdly... However, two reasons are quite enough.
We compiled kilograms, millimeters and volts with amperes into a table, and supplemented the photo gallery with comments for each instance. In general, we can say that the devices honestly issue the stated charging programs. The reasons for quibbling were the fuses instead of electronic protection, the lack of clear inscriptions on the body and the overpriced compared to “colleagues” with approximately equal talents.
8th place
Sweden
Approximate price, rub. 4950 It looks very nice. Everything is intuitively clear, except for the term RECOND: you can’t figure it out without instructions. However, you can do without this mode to restore discharged batteries. There are no complaints about automation and circuitry. In general, everything is excellent, except for the price. Well, no way!7th place
Denmark
Approximate price, rub. 4200 Let's immediately blame the lack of inscriptions in Russian. But there is an LED to illuminate the space. The entire process is automatic and does not require intervention. Charging is provided through the cigarette lighter socket. By the way, the product can be hung on the wall if desired. Overall not bad, but the price ruined everything.6th place
Taiwan
Again they offended the Russian language: all the inscriptions on the device are not ours. However, there is nothing to read: I connected it and forgot it. There is protection against polarity reversal, sparking, overcharging and short circuit. But its authors should be ashamed of the shameful unit of measurement of capacity “A/h” in the instructions. That's right: Ah!5th place
, China
Approximate price, rub. 3000 There is a heavy transformer inside. Just don’t believe the inscription on the box: the device is not a launcher at all. Look at the thin wires with “crocodiles” - what a start with them! It’s not for nothing that it is sold on the Internet as a regular charger. It works fine, but I'm not happy with the fuse. And it looks like someone adapted a suitable case for a different filling.4th place
, Russia
Approximate price, rub. 1070 The product is the simplest in appearance and technically uncomplicated. A fuse as protection against incorrect connection is not the most user-friendly solution. There is no recharging mode during storage. But, based on the principle “it couldn’t be simpler,” many will be attracted by the complete lack of bells and whistles. The price, which is several times lower than others, is also an important factor.3rd place
, China
Approximate price, rub. 3220 Perhaps the most presentable look. At least put it under the tree! The pictograms are clear and do not require translation. Works with 6- and 12-volt batteries. “Crocodiles” without wires look funny: the consumer must screw them on himself. There is a “hanger” on the wall for ease of use. But the fuse as “foolproof” is outdated and inconvenient.2nd place
Universal charger device "SOROKIN" 12.94, “made for Russia”
Approximate price, rub. 2000 The cute, foolproof device can work with both 12- and 6-volt batteries. The charge is carried out cyclically, in several stages, and a “desulfation” mode is provided for almost dead batteries. The kit includes various connecting wires, including those for plugging into the cigarette lighter socket. In general, not bad.1 place
Berkut Smart Power SP-8N, China
Approximate price, rub. 2650 The Chinese "Berkut" has become quite comfortable in Russia: even the inscriptions are in Cyrillic. It's simple: turn it on and use it. There is protection, the current is solid, the automation works, there are modes to choose from, the price is average, the appearance is modern. No comments, everything is fine.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.