PJi offers a full line of aircraft battery chargers, dischargers, and analyzers from various manufacturers to service your aircraft batteries.
Aircraft Battery Chargers
Aircraft battery chargers are designed to ensure that aircraft batteries are maintained in the most precise way possible. Most aircraft chargers have microprocessor-based systems to make sure that the aircraft battery is charged to its fullest capacity.
Aircraft Battery Analyzers
Aircraft battery analyzers allow aircraft maintenance technicians to evaluate the chemistry of the battery during charging. Often combined with a battery charger, this device is also known as an aircraft battery charger/analyzer.
Aircraft Battery Dischargers
Aircraft battery dischargers are used to analyze the discharge characteristics of the battery. The discharger function will “pass” or “fail” the battery depending on its ability to maintain a specified minimum cutoff voltage for the duration of the test.
While aviation battery chargers are similar to the ones used to charge automotive batteries, there are a few important differences.
Aircraft batteries are engineered to provide high power for short periods. By contrast, car batteries provide lower power for longer periods.
Since lead-acid batteries – like the ones used in many smaller aircraft – must be charged at a lower voltage than automotive batteries, aviation battery chargers have a lower-output voltage.
Airplane batteries must be charged more slowly, so aviation battery chargers also have a lower-output amperage.
Often, an airplane battery charger is also equipped with a built-in timer so that the charging process can be automated. This is critical because overcharging can cause damage to the battery or even the aircraft itself.
Aircraft battery charger analyzers are designed to charge and analyze vented nickel-cadmium, sealed lead-acid, and other types of rechargeable batteries.
An aircraft battery discharger measures the true capacity of an airplane's battery by completing a full charge and discharge cycle. Once the aircraft battery is hooked to the discharger, the battery is automatically charged, discharged to check capacity, and (if found to be satisfactory) recharged.