Abstract:
A battery charging circuit for use in aircraft wherein a voltage-regulated alternator is employed to maintain a nickel cadmium battery charged. A temperature-dependent resistance element thermally coupled to the battery provides a reference voltage against which battery terminal voltage is compared. When the terminal voltage falls below the reference voltage application of sensing voltage to the alternator voltage regulator is interrupted, causing full charging current to be applied to the battery. When the terminal voltage exceeds the reference voltage, sensing voltage is reapplied to reduce charging current. The alternator switches between maximum and minimum charging efforts to maintain a voltage level dictated by the battery temperature.