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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Battery charging circuit

Patent ·
OSTI ID:5526245
A circuit for use in charging a battery from a current source, such as a solar cell, includes a Zener diode, a current-limiting resistor in series with the Zener diode, and a switch that shunts the resistor. In periods of high current output from the solar cell, the resistor is shunted to allow the Zener diode to limit the charging current to the battery in order to prevent damage to it. In periods of low current output from the solar cell, the resistor limits the power consumption of the Zener diode to insure sufficient power delivery to the battery.
Assignee:
Triumph Werke Nurnberg, A.G.
Patent Number(s):
US 4164698
OSTI ID:
5526245
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English