Types of chargers: description of existing types and recommendations for selection

Many modern devices do not operate on an electrical network, but on a battery that stores energy. Cars, mobile phones, players, etc. are arranged according to this principle. For maintenance, technicians use different types of chargers. They can be used for industrial purposes, as well as for servicing home portable devices.

Main types

There are different classifications of battery chargers. They are all based on different parameters and properties of the devices. Depending on how they work, there are 2 types:

1. Transformer. Includes transformer and rectifier. Such devices are distinguished by significant dimensions and weight. Most often they look like stationary installations. They are used in industrial plants or service stations.
2. Pulse. They are compact. The device includes an inverter for converting electric current and a mechanism for emergency shutdown in the event of a short circuit. Such models are more often used for domestic purposes to charge batteries for cars and household appliances.

In addition, chargers are usually subdivided according to their operating speed.. Taking this criterion into account, the following types are distinguished:

1. Accelerated, charging in 1-3 hours. It should be noted that not every battery can be charged with this type of device. Accelerated models are most suitable for nickel-cadmium batteries, while lead-acid batteries take longer to fully charge. In this type of device, it is fundamentally important to determine the end time of charging.
2. Slow devices take 14 to 24 hours to fully charge. Such devices may turn out to be less efficient, since part of the energy during charging is converted into heat and dissipated. For slow devices, it is not so important to determine the charging time, since an extra 1-2 hours at low current will not entail serious consequences.
3. Air conditioning models are the preferred type because they can significantly increase the life of nickel-cadmium batteries.

Pulse devices

These devices are designed to charge small household appliances. They are equipped with an electronic timer that can operate for 4 hours in quick charge mode. During this period, almost any discharged battery gains its capacity.

After this time, the device goes into pulse charging mode. Energy is supplied to the terminal elements of the device to maintain the charge level.

The advantages of such models are as follows:

1. Low cost.
2. Technical simplicity.
3. Ease of use.

Typically, manufacturers set the timer based on the fact that the battery is completely discharged. If it was partially discharged, then there is a risk of damage to the battery by excessive current. This feature does not apply to branded batteries for mobile phones, tablets and other digital equipment, unless they are charged using universal devices.

The most advanced in their line are the types of chargers with microprocessors. They do not allow recharging the battery, so they can be used to work with any devices, even if they are not completely discharged, but partially. The disadvantages of such models include a very high price.

It is highly undesirable to replace a branded device from a phone or PDA with a universal one, since they may have differences in the structure of electrical connectors. When connecting to the charging of any household appliance, the charger itself is first connected to the network, and then a phone or other device is connected to it.

Car attachments

All devices for charging car batteries are usually divided into several groups. Based on the existing classification, there are:

1. Conventional appliances powered by a 220 volt electrical network. These models have wires with terminals at the ends. There is no need to remove the battery from the vehicle to use such a device. Such a device has only one function - filling the battery with an electric charge.
2. Launchers to make a low battery run after a long period of inactivity. Such a device includes a step-down transformer and an electric current rectifier. With the help of a transformer, the mains voltage is reduced to operating indicators. A discharge is applied to the terminals of the car battery, after which the car starts and the device should be turned off. Such starting devices do not perform the charging function; this is done by the car itself during the operation of the generator.
3. The charger-starting device performs both functions simultaneously - it recharges the battery and starts the engine when the battery is dead.

Selection recommendations

When choosing a charger for cars, you should take into account some of the features of its operation. If possible, then it is better to give preference to the charging and starting option. With such a device and an electrical outlet at hand, you can always start the carwithout waiting for the battery to be fully charged.

When buying a charger, it is better to choose a model that exceeds the battery requirements by about 10%. For those who are not strong in electrical engineering, the automatic model is more suitable - although it costs a little more, it will help to avoid unnecessary difficulties.

It is better to buy a device in trusted stores, preferring reliable manufacturers. Before using the device, be sure to read the instructions.