6.3 The charger

Outcome 3 of 8 in domain 6 · Power, panels, packs, motors, converters

CC/CV, end of charge, proprietary protocols, charger-pack dialogue.

My targets

I declare:

Explain CC/CV charging: constant current then constant voltage, and read the end of charge on the current curve.
Measure a tool charger’s current and voltage during a full charge and find the two phases.
Explain why a charger refuses a pack too cold, too hot or too discharged, and what the pack’s extra contacts carry (thermistor, data).
Say what a proprietary protocol prevents (recharging a rebuilt pack, for instance) and what the thermistor or identity chip does there.
Charge a bare cell safely with a bench charger and say the limits not to exceed.
Explain three-stage lead-acid charging (bulk, absorption, float) and why it differs from lithium.
Diagnosis: a charger blinking "fault" on a healthy pack, thermistor, contact, or cell out of range; the measurement path.