The automatic control of lead-acid-battery charging equipment

The scope of the paper is restricted to charging equipments which derive their power from the supply mains or from stationary generators. After an examination of the general methods of battery charging, the paper deals with load-levelling schemes. The automatic control of stand-by batteries is discussed in which trickle-charge or floating methods are normally employed. The floating schemes can be controlled by constant-voltage rectifiers, saturated chokes or voltage relays. The question of voltage regulation with batteries is outlined. Reference is made to the long life of batteries under trickle-charge control, and the importance of routine testing of all automatic gear is emphasized.