Development of Robust and Easily Maintainable Grid-Connected Battery Charger for Developing Countries

Abstract

This paper presents a development of robust and easily maintainable grid-connected battery charger for developing Countries. It is built by the combination of Utility supply, line frequency transformer, power electronics transistor switches, H-bridge rectifier, regulator, resistors, inductor and capacitors. The over-voltage protection and monitoring were realized by Zener-Resistance-Transistor battery control scheme. Unlike other charging systems in developing countries it is easier to maintain due to the simplicity and codeless nature of the whole system. It possesses the following characteristics: (i) rugged and robust to withstand voltage stresses. (ii) Highly isolated and relatively free from leakage currents due to the presence of line frequency transformer, (iii) reliable in over-voltage regulation as a result of Zener-Resistance-Transistor battery control scheme being present. The system has the capacity of 350W.