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Using Power Supply to Charge Battery: Enhancing Efficiency and Safety
Learn how using power supplies to charge batteries improves efficiency, safety, and performance across various applications from EVs to electronics.
4 Min Read
DC power supply connector. Dmytro Skrypnykov/iStock / Getty Images Plus
Charging batteries using power supplies is essential across various applications, from consumer electronics to electric vehicles (EVs). This process involves efficiently converting and regulating energy from an external source to charge batteries. While batteries and power supplies serve distinct functions, they work together in many systems to ensure optimal performance.
What is a power supply?
Power supplies regulate voltage and current, ensuring the output is safe and suitable for the connected devices. Additionally, do not confuse a power supply with a power source. A power source refers to the origin of the incoming electricity, such as an outlet, battery, or generator. In contrast, the power supply converts incoming power into the correct format and voltage required for the device.
Power supplies are also known as electric power converters. Monolithic Power Systems defines a power supply as “an electrical device that converts the electric current that comes in from a power source, such as the power mains, to the voltage and current values necessary for powering a load, such as a motor or electronic device.”
Power supplies are broadly categorized into two types: AC-to-DC and DC-to-DC converters. AC-to-DC power supplies convert alternating current (AC) from the wall outlet into direct current (DC), while DC-to-DC converters adjust DC voltages for different components in systems where DC is already available.
Common types of power supplies
The three most common types of power supplies are Linear Power Supplies (LPS), Switch-Mode Power Supplies (SMPS), and Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS):
LPS provides clean and stable DC output with low noise, commonly used in audio equipment and lab instruments. However, they are inefficient, bulky, and generate excess heat due to linear regulation.
SMPS are highly efficient, compact, and widely used in modern electronics like computers and TVs. They convert power using high-frequency switching regulators, making them ideal for applications requiring lightweight and space-saving designs. However, they can generate electrical noise, which is called electromagnetic interference (EMI).
UPS ensures continuous power during outages, making it crucial for critical systems like computer servers and medical equipment. It provides backup power from batteries and protects against power surges but requires maintenance and has a limited battery life.
Control panel on the UPS module displays important information about the power supply status. Courtesy of Andrey Zhuravlev/ iStock / Getty Images Plus.
How power supplies charge batteries
Charging a battery involves transferring electrical energy into the battery’s chemical cells, reversing the chemical reactions that occur during discharge. A power supply plays a critical role in this process by converting and regulating the incoming energy.
AC to DC conversion: Since most power from the grid is in AC (alternating current) form, the power supply converts this to DC (direct current), which is the form of electricity batteries use.
Voltage and current regulation: Power supplies adjust the voltage and current to match the battery’s charging requirements, ensuring safe and efficient charging.
Charging phases: The charging process usually involves constant current (CC) and constant voltage (CV) phases, ensuring the battery charges efficiently while preventing damage.
The role of DC/DC power supplies in charging batteries
DC/DC power supplies, also known as DC/DC converters, are essential when charging batteries in applications where the source and battery voltages differ. Unlike AC/DC power supplies that convert alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC), DC/DC power supplies adjust one DC voltage level to another, providing precise regulation for safe battery charging.
Types of DC/DC Converters:
Buck Converter: Steps down the input voltage, ideal for charging lower voltage batteries from a higher voltage source.
Boost Converter: Increases the input voltage, useful when the source voltage is lower than the battery’s requirements.
Buck-Boost Converter: Capable of both increasing and decreasing the input voltage, offering flexibility for various charging needs.
DC/DC converters are highly efficient, often exceeding 90%, making them suitable for applications like EVs and renewable energy systems. They also include safety features such as overvoltage protection, current limiting, and thermal shutdown.
Understanding the distinctions between power supplies and batteries and the importance of choosing the right power supply type ensures that batteries are charged safely and efficiently across various applications, from everyday electronics to complex industrial systems. As we look to the future, the role of power supplies in battery charging will only grow in importance.
The continuous evolution of power supply technologies, such as DC/DC converters, will enhance charging efficiency, reduce energy losses, and improve safety measures. With advancements on the horizon, power supplies will remain at the heart of our transition to more sustainable, electrified systems, driving the performance of next-generation batteries and enabling new applications that shape our world.
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