METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CHARGING BATTERIES

摘要

A charger for charging a rechargeable battery. The charger comprises a circuit for producing a charging current having a variable level and a control circuit for controlling the charging current. During a first charging period the current is maintained at a level to rapidly charge the battery at a rate in amperes which is greater than the capacity of the battery in ampere-hours. The controller includes means for interrupting the charging current for a predetermined interruption interval. During the interruption interval, the charging current is maintained at a non-zero value. The controller also includes means for determining a resistance free voltage for the battery. During a subsequent charging period, the charging current is controlled in response to the value of the resistance free voltage.