Type
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Transformer. The design of such devices is based on a transformer with a rectifier, operating on the principle of electromagnetic induction. It converts alternating current from the mains into a small amount of direct current to charge the battery. Transformer chargers are characterized by increased reliability, simple design and low cost. At the same time, they are large and heavy.
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Pulse (inverter). Pulse (inverter) chargers act on the battery by supplying high-frequency current pulses of small magnitude. With the help of impulse chargers, both direct and alternating current can be supplied; sometimes they are used for mixed or combined battery charging. The vast majority of these chargers work offline with automatic control of parameters. Also, pulse memory is many times more compact and lighter than transformer counterparts, but they are more expensive.
Battery compatibility
The parameter determines
compatibility with batteries, that is, with what types of batteries a charger or start-charger or a car booster can be used. Incorrect charger operation mode promises overcharging of the battery, its swelling and failure.
WET / EFB (Lead-Acid). The abbreviation WET is used to designate traditional lead-acid batteries with a liquid electrolyte. EFB (Enhanced Flooded Battery) is their improved subtype with thicker pure lead plates and a positive electrode in a special microfiber envelope. Both transformer devices and most impulse batteries are suitable for charging acid batteries.
AGM. In the design of AGM batteries, the electrolyte is in an absorbed state: the compartments of such a battery are filled with porous fiberglass material, which contains acid. This type of battery is particularly sensitive to overcharging - it is necessary to select a suitable charger with a certain set of automatic functions for it.
gel. In gel batteries, the electrolyte is brought to a jelly-like state with the help of special thickeners. The key to choosing the right GEL battery charger is the ability to vary the amount of charging current depending on how badly the battery is discharged.
LifePO4. Lithium iron phosphate batteries are charged with constant voltage an
...d current. As the voltage in the battery approaches the maximum value, the charge current should decrease, and after the end of the charging process, its supply should stop completely. To keep LiFePO4 batteries in good shape, devices with appropriate automatic functions are suitable.
Li-Ion. Lithium-ion Li-Ion batteries are charged in the same way as lithium-iron-phosphate counterparts. For them, you will need to pick up an automatic device with the ability to supply constant voltage and current.Battery capacity 12V
The capacity of batteries with an operating voltage of 12 V, for which a starter charger can be used. As a rule, modern units are not designed for one specific value, but for a range of capacities, which greatly facilitates the search filter according to the required parameters.
Note that although the discrepancy between the rechargeable battery in terms of capacity is not as critical as in terms of current or voltage, this does not mean that this parameter should not be paid attention to. Both too capacious and too “small” a battery will cause the charger to work in an off-design mode, which is harmful to both the “charger” and the battery, and can even lead to accidents.
Wire length
The length of the power wires supplied with the starter charger.
In this case, most often they mean cables designed to connect the unit to the battery terminals (or to the on-board socket of the car being charged, see "Power — from the cigarette lighter"). The longer they are, the greater the "radius" of this model, the lower the likelihood that the wire is not enough to reach the contacts. On the other hand, excess length can create some discomfort.
