Electronic – Current limiting required for float charge

chargecurrentlm317

I'm trying to make a simple float charge circuit for battery backup of an alarm.

The battery specifications state that a voltage of 13.8 is required for float charging and there is no limit on the current.

My power supply is rated at 13.8v and 2.5a. Presumably I need to regulate the charge current to ensure there is sufficient headroom to run everything else that is connected to the circuit (controllers sensors etc).

I've looked into using an LM317 as a current limiter but from what I've read it will cause a voltage drop and isn't particularly efficient?

Thanks

Best Answer

How much money and time are you willing to put into this? I had a similar problem and I solved it with a Deltran Battery Tender from Powerwerx.

Five amp charger: https://powerwerx.com/battery-tender-0220186gdlwh-power-battery-charger

A cheaper 3/4 amp charger: https://powerwerx.com/battery-tender-0220192-junior-battery-charger

Not a paid endorsement, just a happy customer. Just make sure that the charger is big enough to provide enough current for the load as well as have enough to top off the battery. I have both of the models I linked to above, the small one was insufficient to keep up with the load I had so I bought the bigger one. The small 3/4 amp charger I then used to replace a broken charger for my electric weed trimmer.