Optimal Rechargeable or Secondary Battery Charging

[saturation]

There are at least 3 major methods to recharge secondary batteries, and variations of these:

Constant current, or galvanostatic

Pulse charging

Burp or Reflex charging

http://corsair.flugmodellbau.de/files/elektron/NASA-II.PDF

I have always taken it for granted that its known which is better, but its seems the optimal charging scheme isn't settled.  If you built your own, how did you determine the frequency and pulse widths in both positive and discharge curves, if you use reflex.  Among pulse chargers I've sampled the pulse widths, and frequency all vary.


http://www.powerdesignersusa.com/pdf/Tech%20Brief%20Negative%20Pulse%20Charging%20Techniques%20Myths%20&%20Facts%20-%20Final.pdf

I am looking for experiences with charging methods readers find optimal and which charger you use.  Most commercial chargers are either constant current or pulse.

http://www.batterylifeplus.com/images/PDFs/Nguyen_2003.pdf

The few that support reflex charging are often costly, in the $300-400 range.

http://www.amainhobbies.com/product_info.php/products_id/145655/n/Bantam-E-Station-BC8DP-NiCad-NiMH-LiIo-LiPo-LiFe-Pb-AC-DC-Balancing-Charger

http://www.westbourne-model.co.uk/fusion-l702b-pro-emperor-dc-charger-10306-0.html

Is the extra expense worth it for reflex charging?

 
More on charging methods:

http://www.mpoweruk.com/chargers.htm#pulse

[TheWelly888]

An important reason to choose the charging method is the chemistry of the rechargable battery.

Lead acid batteries need constant voltage charging, Nickel Cadmium and Nickel Metal Hydride need constant current charging ( and that these currents MUST be reduced as soon as the batteries reach full voltage )

Lithium Ion batteries - I can't remember off hand if it is CV or CI charging but great care must be taken to avoid overcharging or deep discharging as permanent damage will be caused in either case.

Here is another useful website http://www.batteryuniversity.com/