There are various types of battery chargers like mobile battery charger, car battery charger etcThe duty of all the chargers is the same, that is, to basically charge a batteryWith many types of chargers out in the market, it is essential to find out which would suit ones' requirement and necessity, so that the chargers can be of maximum use to the userA few common types of charging are explained in this article.

Switch mode regulator: Also called as a Switcher, these regulators use the modulation of pulse width for controlling the voltageThe power wastage is also comparatively less in this type of chargingThe size of the whole component can be reduced with the help of using high switch frequency.

Series regulator or Linear regulator: This type of charging is less complex but the power wastage is more hereHere the load current moves through the regulating transistor, which is usually a device of high powerDue to the unavailability of switching, the current produced is pure DC type and so there is no need of an output filterIt is very suitable for low noise producing devices.

Shunt regulators: They are common photo-voltaic systems as they are quite inexpensive to build and easy to designThis type of charging does not allow over-charging, as the PV output is shunted when the voltage reaches the correct level, and hence the name.

Buck Regulator: This is a switching type of charger that uses a step-down DC-DC converterHere the heat loss is very less and the efficiency is also very highAlso these types of chargers can handle high current-outputs.

Pulsed Charging: These types of chargers make use of a series transistor, which has the facility of being switched as wellPart of the cycle it acts as a switch regulator and so less wastage of power and heat is maintainedWhen the charger is at rest, the polarisation is reduced as wellThese types of chargers require current limiting in its input sources, for safety features and reasons.

Inductive charging: This usually refers to the design of the chargerThis type of charger charges the battery, without connecting to the mains and also without revealing any contacts, which can lead to an electric shock.

Chargers are of various forms and different types have different uses as wellDepending on our needs and necessities, the correct type of battery charger is to be used so as to benefit to the maximum level.

Sources : Focus On Accessories