Battery charger regulator
Submitted: Monday, Jun 28, 2004 at 08:22
ThreadID:
14198
Views:
2224
Replies:
7
FollowUps:
7
This Thread has been Archived
Baz (NSW)
Hi all, i've done a search on both archive and active, as
well as a google search and didn't find what i wanted, a regulated battery charger for leaving on the battery and keeping it topped up when it is not being used and for keeping in topped when it is being used as
well. we don't run a fridge off the battery, only 3 12w
nelson energy saving lights 1 to 3ah max and a water pump once or twice a day which runs off the car to have a shower. What i want to do is run an inverter off the battery to run a charger for this, i have been told it can be done but the charger needs to be regulated so as not to
cook the battery, is there a charger that does this or is the regulator a seperate item that is attached to the battery and charger to regulate the the charge going to the battery. we have looked at solar panels but it is out of our price range at this time.
Baz.
Reply By: Flash - Monday, Jun 28, 2004 at 08:37
Monday, Jun 28, 2004 at 08:37
Are you trying to run an inverter/ charger off one battery to charge another??
Very confusing post.
You CAN get regulated chargers, to run off
inverters, to charge a separate battery, but the drain on your first battery would be relatively large due to the inefficiency of the inverter and charger.
(I assume you are not trying to charge the battery you are running the inverter from... No Can Do! There is no such thing as free energy- it has to come from somewhere.)
AnswerID:
65464
Follow Up By: Baz (NSW) - Monday, Jun 28, 2004 at 09:20
Monday, Jun 28, 2004 at 09:20
I think i posted too much info maybe, no you assumed right thats what i wanted too do, this is what i have told that is was possible, not being electrically minded only believe what i'm told. Thanks for the advice, would you what brand these chargers are or where i could get one.
Baz.
FollowupID:
326407
Follow Up By: steve - Monday, Jun 28, 2004 at 12:42
Monday, Jun 28, 2004 at 12:42
As Flash said, not possible to charge a battery from itself no matter what system u use. Never ending free electricity, that would be nice!
Steve.
FollowupID:
326438
Reply By: Member - JohnR (Vic) - Monday, Jun 28, 2004 at 09:01
Monday, Jun 28, 2004 at 09:01
Baz,
Shall look at the one I have permanently connected to our standby generator battery. It keeps anything charged that I need and the generator ready to go provided there is a batter connected. LOL
AnswerID:
65468
Follow Up By: Baz (NSW) - Monday, Jun 28, 2004 at 09:08
Monday, Jun 28, 2004 at 09:08
Hey
John thanks, i have been told that you can use the battery you want charged to power a charger to charge it, if that makes sence or have i misunderstood what was said and you need another power sorce to charge it, (ie) another batt or 240v outlet
FollowupID:
326406
Follow Up By: Member - JohnR (Vic) - Monday, Jun 28, 2004 at 11:11
Monday, Jun 28, 2004 at 11:11
Baz,
Have an Arlec Automatic set up on the generator. It is supplied by 240v and just switches to charge when it is needed to top up the battery. We also clip other batteries on to the sub-system when we need to charge them for a day or two and it will monitor and charge them as required, or at least that is my understanding of the process.
If Bonz' colleagues can't keep up the supply then the generator is ready to switch in.
We got it from our local garage which also specialises in auto electrical. Got a vere smart guy there. They are also
well into 4bys too.
FollowupID:
326421
Reply By: Baz (NSW) - Monday, Jun 28, 2004 at 10:27
Monday, Jun 28, 2004 at 10:27
NEW
PIC
AnswerID:
65480
Follow Up By: Member - JohnR (Vic) - Monday, Jun 28, 2004 at 11:29
Monday, Jun 28, 2004 at 11:29
The new
pic brought up a
server error actually Baz.
Don't run an inverter to run a charger unless it is for different voltages as it will be inefficient.
FollowupID:
326425
Follow Up By: Baz (NSW) - Monday, Jun 28, 2004 at 11:32
Monday, Jun 28, 2004 at 11:32
Yeah the
pic is the one you email me it is the wrong format, need to be jpg/gif/png/bmp for it to work.
Baz.
FollowupID:
326426
Reply By: AT4WD ADVENTURES - Monday, Jun 28, 2004 at 10:37
Monday, Jun 28, 2004 at 10:37
Baz,
Not sure about what you are after but would offer the following as way of straightening out your thinking:
1. Think of a battery as a storage device for energy.
2. Charging sources for a 12 volt DC battery are solar via regulator, car alternator via regulator, 240 volts thru a 12 volt dc battery charger or an approriate generator.
3. So you need one of the products in item 2 above to place stored energy into item 1 above.
4. Although charging one battery from another in theory could be down but I can't see the reason for doing so as it would be most inefficent.
5. A battery that self charges from itself doesn't exist and if it did someone would be a rich person.
6. Basically to create stored electrical energy (battery) there needs to be a charging source and except for solar all involve some kind of mechanical motor connected to a generator or alternator (even the large power station which provides electrical energy to you house.)
Hope this irons out your thinking.
Stuart
AnswerID:
65481
Follow Up By: Baz (NSW) - Monday, Jun 28, 2004 at 11:01
Monday, Jun 28, 2004 at 11:01
Wishfull thinking, thanks Stuart we have to get a new charger anyway SWMBO killed my one trying to put a regulator on it.
Baz.
Thanks everyone for your help.
FollowupID:
326420
Reply By: Mick - Monday, Jun 28, 2004 at 12:33
Monday, Jun 28, 2004 at 12:33
How about an Outback Battery Charger, which has the voltage regulator inbuilt!
AnswerID:
65492
Reply By: Sand Man (SA) - Tuesday, Jun 29, 2004 at 01:30
Reply By: ianmc - Tuesday, Jun 29, 2004 at 13:11
Tuesday, Jun 29, 2004 at 13:11
Still not sure what U want however U can buy for about $40 a 240v 2.5 amp charger which is regulated & when the battery is charged it cuts out to maintenance charge only so no overcharges.
Also for about $20 there is a car to car (or car to battery) device which transfers charge from one 12v battery to another via cig light type sockets & I have used one & carry it most times just in case.
AnswerID:
65652