High frequency battery charger and method of operating same

Abstract

A high frequency charger includes a charge circuit for charging a depleted battery and a boost circuit for jump-starting a vehicle. Two separate high frequency transformers are provided for the charge and boost circuits. A selector switch selectively activates at least one of the charging circuit and the boost circuit.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 270,391 filed Oct. 15, 2002, now allowed, which in turn claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 60 / 350,897 filed Jan. 25, 2002 and 60 / 363,302 filed Mar. 11, 2002. The contents of all three priority applications are incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates to a battery charger or booster and in particular to a high frequency charger.[0004]2. Technical Background[0005]Dual-mode battery chargers currently exist. When operated in a first mode, the battery charger delivers a high current output for a short duration of time. This short duration, high current can be used to jump-start a vehicle with a dead battery. In a second mode, the battery charger provides a low current output that is used to charge the battery back to its full charge. Known dual-mode battery chargers typical...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The high-frequency charger system provides a lightweight, efficient, and safe dual-mode charging solution that prevents overheating and arcing, effectively removes chemical deposits, and ensures reliable battery charging and starting capabilities.

Problems solved by technology

However, this approach also has several disadvantages.

One of the disadvantages is that known single transformer battery chargers are very large and cumbersome.

Standard linear transformers require iron for their cores, adding to the weight of the battery charger.

They also require orders of magnitude more wire to form their windings than do high frequency chargers, again adding to the weight of the battery charger.

Additionally, although the linear transformer can provide a high current output, the high current output can only be provided for a very short period of time.

As the transformer operates in high current mode, it generates an excessive amount of heat.

In fact, so much heat may be generated that the transformer actually melts down.

Linear transformers are also very lossy in terms of magnetic losses and eddy current losses, resulting in inefficiency.

Further, to charge an automobile battery that is of insufficient electric power by providing power from another power source, like a battery charger, the power source and the battery must be connected through a pair of electric wires, typically having clamps at their ends for connection to the battery.

Making this connection can be very dangerous if there is a problem with the connection.

For example, it is well known that sparking or arcing often occurs when a connection is being attempted between a battery charger and a battery.

Additionally, sparking or arcing may occur when the clamps are connected to the battery with a reverse polarity.

The sparking or arcing may occur due to corroded or poor terminal connections.

However, it does not prevent any sparking that occurs as a result of poor or corroded connections, the existence of which can only be determined after current flow begins.

Sparking or arcing may result in damage to the battery, and under certain circumstances, an explosion, fire and damage to the vehicle or to a person may result.

Low current recharging is inadequate in that it can not, as such, sufficiently remove such deposits that with the passage of time crystallize and choke the battery plates by interfering with electrolyte movement.

When this occurs a battery may still appear to have taken a charge and even the electrolyte may check as being correct, but the battery does not hold the charge because the plates are effectively shorted.

Batteries using other electrolytes also face reclaiming, maintenance and charging problems that need to be successfully addressed.

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