Regulate DC Voltage to Charge 12V Battery

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the challenge of regulating a variable DC voltage source to charge a 12V battery effectively. Participants explore methods to ensure the voltage does not exceed 12 volts while also considering the charging requirements of the battery.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes a variable DC voltage source with a range of 9 to 18 volts and seeks assistance in charging a 12V battery continuously until full.
  • Another participant suggests looking into battery charger ICs from various manufacturers as a potential solution.
  • A different participant proposes setting the current limit to 3 amps and the voltage to 13.6 volts to charge a lead-acid battery, stating that this would stop charging once the battery reaches that voltage.
  • Another participant challenges the feasibility of limiting the voltage to 12 volts, arguing that this would prevent the battery from ever being charged.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the appropriate voltage limit for charging the battery, with some advocating for a higher voltage to ensure charging occurs, while others emphasize the need to keep the voltage at or below 12 volts. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the optimal approach.

Contextual Notes

There are assumptions regarding the type of battery being charged, particularly whether it is lead-acid, which may affect the charging voltage requirements. Additionally, the implications of setting the voltage limit at 12 volts are not fully explored.

Rev_1911
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Ok, so I have a variable DC voltage source that changes as due to outside factors. The voltage ranges between 9 and 18 volts with a current between 1 and 3 amps. I want the voltage source to charge a 12 volt battery continuously until it is full. Whent he battery is full, the circuit should shut off delivering the voltage from the voltage source to ground. The input to the battery can be below 12 volts, however, I don't want the voltage to ever reach a value larger than that. Can someone please help me?
 
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You should be able to do that with just the power supply.

Set the current limit to 3 amps and the voltage to 13.6 volts.

The supply will then deliver 3 amps to the battery until it charges to 13.6 volts when it will stop charging.

Assuming the battery is lead-acid, the voltage when it is fully charged will be 13.6 volts.
 
VK6KRO is right. But to limit at to 12 volts as you originally intended the battery will never be charged.
 

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