Loadingcharging

Loadingcharging is a term used in electrical engineering to describe the scenario in which energy storage is charged while a load continues to draw power. The concept covers both the practical operation of charging a battery under load and the architectural designs that allow concurrent charging and power delivery. The term is not universally standardized; it is often described with phrases such as charging under load or pass-through charging.

Operation and design considerations include the need for a power path that can accommodate both charging current and load current. This may require a multi-path or pass-through topology, or a charger with sufficient headroom and a robust battery management system (BMS). Controllers may implement dynamic voltage and current regulation to ensure the charging profile remains within safe limits while the load is served. Additional components such as decoupling capacitors and isolation devices help manage transients and prevent interference between charging and load regulation.

Safety and performance considerations focus on the impact of load on charging voltage, temperature, and cycle life. Under heavy load, charging may slow or shift to protect the cell, and thermal management becomes critical. Safety features include overcurrent protection, temperature monitoring, and proper sequencing of charge and discharge paths.

Applications include pass-through charging in mobile devices and power banks, where a device can charge a battery while powering connected peripherals; electric vehicles and energy storage systems that provide services while charging; and laboratory or test equipment used to study charger performance under load.

See also: battery charging, load management, pass-through charging, power management, energy storage.