Lithium-Polymer Peak Charger

Posted on Feb 6, 2014

This circuit was developed to charge the Lithium-Polymer cells used in a model aircraft. Lithium-Polymer cells are incredibly lightweight compared to Ni-cad battery packs of the same voltage and amp-hour rating. Their only drawback is that they require a rigid charge and discharge regime to achieve maximum life. The most important points of note a

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re as follows: They should be charged using a constant-current, constant-voltage method, which stops the charge once the current has dropped to about the C/10 rate. For example, for an 800mAh pack, charging should be terminated once the current falls to approximately 80mA. To initiate charging, the momentary "Start" button (switch S1) is pressed, closing the relay contacts and connecting the battery pack to the output of REG1. The circuit will then charge two 800mAh cells in series at a constant current of 600mAh until they reach a peak terminal voltage of 4. 2V per cell (nominal terminal voltage for these cells is 3. 7V). REG1 and transistor Q2 form a current-limited voltage regulator. When the charge current exceeds about 600mA, the voltage developed across R7 turns on Q2, which in turn pulls the adjust terminal of REG1 towards ground. This shunts the voltage adjustment resistance chain formed by VR2 and R3, thereby limiting the output to 600mA. When the battery voltage reaches about 8. 4V, the regulator limits any further voltage increase, as set by VR2. The charge current will then slowly decrease as the cells reach full capacity. As a result, the voltage across R7 also falls, until the bias voltage on the base of Q1 is too small to keep it in conduction. When Q1 turns off, the relay also turns off, isolating the fully charged battery. Place an ammeter in series with the battery to be charged and press the "Start"...

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