The content of the article:
- Varieties of chargers and their features
- What is important to consider when choosing
A modern car is equipped with an increasing number of devices that are powered by the on-board network. The role of the battery is to provide additional energy in situations where the generator cannot handle the loads. And rechargeable batteries, as a rule, run out at the most inopportune moment. Especially in the winter. And unlike batteries of other electrical appliances, batteries for a car are not equipped with a charger; you have to buy it separately.
Varieties of chargers and their features
Z / y have several classifications and, depending on their type, are endowed with certain qualities.
By charging method devices are divided into 3 categories:
Fixed current method
Such devices charge the battery to the limit and rather quickly. However, at the end of the procedure, the electrolyte tends to heat up excessively, and this reduces the battery life, provoking accelerated aging.
Constant voltage method
In this case, the electrolyte maintains the required temperature and there is no need to control the charging process, since with this scheme the device maintains a given voltage level. The disadvantages include a decrease in voltage at the end of the process. This prevents the battery from being charged as much as possible.
Combined method
It combines the two options described above - at the beginning, the process goes at a fixed value of the current, and in the end it switches to voltage stabilization. This tandem makes this type of device the most effective and in demand.
By charging method s / s are divided into 2 categories:
Transformer type devices
In everyday life, they are unlikely to meet, since they have impressive dimensions and an equally impressive weight. Their purpose is to convert 220V current into direct current (12V).
Impulse
The principle of operation is similar to the previous version, but this version is compact and lightweight. Therefore, they are ideal for home use.
Depending on the model, impulse devices can have:
- end of charge indicator;
- indicator of incorrect connection (polarity reversal);
- short-circuit protection function,
- automatic charging function;
- reverse polarity protection function, etc.
Unlike transformer ones, pulsed ones are recharged using small pulses, and not a constant current. This is their feature.
Transformer models are cheaper, but in addition to the disadvantages described above, they also require control during operation. Therefore, the impulse option is preferable.
Depending on the power source, s / y are divided into 3 categories.
Powered by the electrical network
If the car is in a garage where electricity is supplied, then this option is the simplest, most convenient and reliable. In this case, the battery can be recharged while the machine is not in use.
Cigarette lighter
The disadvantages include the fact that with prolonged and / or intensive (in some models, the speed is regulated) recharge, there is a risk of overloading the on-board network.
But on the other hand, in case of unforeseen situations, you can charge the battery at any time and anywhere.
Solar powered
They are rarely used, since high-quality products are expensive, and cheap ones, as a rule, are ineffective and short-lived.
And of course, they need sunlight to work. The solar model can be useful as an auxiliary option. For example, for those who have a network charger, but often find themselves “far from the outlet”. For example, a fisherman, a lover of outdoor recreation or a hunter will probably need such a device.
According to the purpose, s / y are subdivided into 2 types.
Charging-starting (or starting-charging)
They perform the function of not only recharging, but also starting the engine - they work in two modes: automatic and maximum current output mode.
Some models are universal, with their help you can restore the operation of the internal combustion engine, charge your phone, laptop and other devices. You just need to have a set of plugs of the right size.
It is important to follow the rules of operation and use the device for its intended purpose only after the terminals are disconnected from the on-board network.
Charging and prestarting
They are used only for charging the battery, they cannot start the engine with their help. This is due to the fact that the devices are characterized by a small value of the operating current. The plus is that when using them, there is no need to disconnect from the onboard network.
What to consider when choosing
Before proceeding with the purchase of spare parts, you should carefully study the documents for a specific battery and car (in particular, the parameters of the onboard network). This will allow you to avoid many difficulties and make your requests more specific. In fact, the information specified in the instructions is enough to find the right device. However, there are some minor nuances that should be considered when choosing.
Counterfeit
There are few products that can win the competition with chargers in terms of the number of counterfeits. Therefore, it is best to buy devices from authorized dealers, or at least from reputable retail outlets.
If you have decided on a specific brand, you should search the Internet for information about the features of the brand and its copies. It may not be possible to determine a high-quality fake in this way, but it is quite possible to rid yourself of low-grade Asian consumer goods.
Capabilities
It is better to get a charger with a small (just a small one, you shouldn't be too zealous) current supply. Such an acquisition has two advantages: the device does not have to work at the limit of its capabilities, and if the battery is replaced with a model with a larger capacity, it will not need to change the charger.
Indication
It happens LED and instrument. LED does not differ with such accuracy, but it is quite enough for domestic use.
Auto mode
If possible, preference should be given to the automated option. This will save the owner from the need to control the operation of the device and the possible consequences.
Producing country
Many domestic products are not inferior in their characteristics to foreign counterparts, so it is worth taking a closer look at Russian products. It not only gains in price, but the risk of buying a fake is practically zero. But even a domestic device inferior in quality is better than a fake prestigious brand.
Transmission
For a car with automatic transmission, the best option would be a charging and pre-starting device, since it does not need to necessarily disconnect the power source from the onboard network.
Maintenance-free batteries
For this type of battery, it is recommended to use a constant voltage charger. It is better to stop the choice on a pulse device.
Wrong connection protection
In the case of the so-called polarity reversal, the function will help not only prevent damage to the battery, but also the charger itself.
Desulfation function
Allows the recovery of a battery with lead sulphate formations on the plates.
Rated charge current
The rated current is the current that is 10% of the battery capacity.Having information about the battery (can be found in the documents or on the case of the product), it will not be difficult to calculate the required power of the charger.
For example, a 6A charger will fit most 60-70Ah batteries in cars. But for a truck or jeep, you will have to look for a more powerful device.
Battery type
If you have a lead-acid battery (WET), it will need a special device. For batteries of other varieties, any charger is suitable, however, their features should be taken into account.
Gel batteries (GEL) and electrolyte-impregnated batteries (AGM) are sensitive to temperature extremes and overheating. They need a charger with a current adjustment function and an extended temperature range.
But it's best not to experiment and get a charger recommended by the manufacturer.
Conclusion
Some motorists rely on the alternator, considering the condition of the battery to be a minor issue. However, the presence of a charger can greatly facilitate the life of the driver, because you never know how soon the help of the battery will be needed and when it will be completely discharged. And for this, sometimes it is enough to leave the side lights on at night or park the car at the entrance for a while with the alarm on.
