Battery chargers and charging methods

The charging method is the process that dictates the method by

which energy returned to the battery. If the energy is not returned to
the battery in a way that it is compatible with the chemistry, the
recharge can have detrimental effects on the battery. In the worst
case, incorrect recharging can cause safety event (damage to
equipment, personnel injury and environmental contamination).
There are several generic charging methods, each of which is
discussed below.
Constant Current Charging
Constant current charging is the simplest method of charging
employing single low level current to the discharged battery. The
current is set at a fixed rate that is usually selected at ten percent of
the maximum rated capacity of the battery. Constant current
charging is best suited for use on nickel cadmium (sealed) and
nickel metal hydride batteries. The typical charge characteristics
of a NiCd/NiMH cell can be seen in Figure 1. The type of charger
is usually small and relatively inexpensive. The only disadvantage
of this charging method is that, if the battery is overcharged,
gassing and overheating of the battery may occur. This results in
shorter performance and frequent battery replacement.

Figure 1 Charge characteristics of a NiCd/NiM H cell

Typical terminations methods (algorithms) for NiCd/NiMH cells as

presented in Figure 2

Figure 2 Comparison of charge termination methods:

TCO, 'T/'t, and -'V

It was found that the cycle life and the capacity of sealed NiCd/NiMH
batteries is strongly depends on charge termination method as described
in Figure 3

Figure 3 Cycle life and capacity as a function of charge

termination method for sealed NiCd/NiM H
batteries.

Constant Potential Charging

Constant potential charging allows the maximum current of the
charger to flow into the battery until its voltage reaches a preset
voltage limit. This system allows for higher charging currents, thus
returning the battery to a full state of charge quicker. Once the
voltage limit is reached, the current starts to taper to a minimum
value see Figure 4

Figure 4 Charge stages of lead acid cell. A multi-stage charger applies

constant-current charge, toping charge and float charge.

As the current tapers to minimum, the maximum energy has been

transferred into the battery. At third point the battery can be left on
the charger until needed in what is referred to as a " Float Charge"
which compensates for the normal self-discharge that occurs in any
battery. This system works well especially with batteries that
exhibit a voltage rise at the end of charge, such as the lead acid
battery and NiCd pocket plate batteries. Constant potential
charging is detrimental to NiCd sealed batteries, which exhibit a
drop in voltage when the battery goes into overcharge and begins to
heat up, causing the voltage to drop. Some other chemistry,
especially Li-ion, are not able to absorb additional energy once
fully charged and must be removed from the charger.
Constant Current/ Constant Potential Charging
Constant Current/ Constant Potential Charging is a combination of
the two methods above. The system is designed to limit the
maximum charger current until the battery voltage reaches the set
limit. Then, the voltage control takes over, allowing the current to
taper to a minimum value as the battery voltage nears full charge.
The combination of Constant Current/ Constant Potential allows
for fast charging without the problems of gassing and overheating

due to charging at high rates. This method is especially useful for

sealed lead acid and pocket type NiCd batteries.
2.4.4 Smart Charging
Smart charging (Figure 5) adjusts the voltage and current supplied
to the battery based on the monitoring of critical battery parameters
(temperature, cell balancing). Battery charger operation can be
optimized by using a micro controller to carefully monitor and
adjust the charging rate, the time, and, in some cases, the voltage.
This optimization is used to increase charging efficiency, reduce
charging time, or extend cell life. Use of smart charging is critical
to charging rechargeable lithium chemistries to prevent the
activation of the battery's internal safety features, which, if activated,
render the battery useless. The charge rates and times are optimized
to the specific battery chemistry and internal conditions during
charging.

Figure 5 Charge stages of Li-ion, Li-polymer batteries.

Increasing the charge current on a Li-ion charger does not shorten the charge time
by much. Although the voltage peak is reached quicker with high current, the
topping charge will take longer.