Battery charger apparatus

Claim 1

Apparatus for charging a battery from a multiphase power line, comprising: (A) an isolation transformer having a plurality of primary windings connected to said multiphase power line, and including a plurality of secondary windings; (B) a multiphase power converter; (C) converter control means for governing operation of said converter; (D) a plurality of current conducting lines respectively connecting said secondary windings to said converter; (E) synch signal generating means operable to provide an output synch signal indicative of the angle of voltage provided by said power line; (F) current sensor means positioned to obtain an indication of the current in said current conducting lines and provide output signals indicative thereof; (G) battery charger control means responsive to predetermined battery parameters for providing an indication of a desired battery charge current profile; (H) processor means responsive to said charge current profile for generating a corresponding reference signal; and (I) said converter control means being connected to receive (i) said output signals from said current sensor means, (ii) said synch signal and (iii) said reference signal, to generate and apply control signals to said converter to control said current in each said current conducting line to be substantially in phase with the voltage at the secondary to which said line is connected, and to provide a charging current in accordance with said profile.