5
Charging batteries
BATTERIES
2-3
2.2 CHARGING METHODS
Normal charging
-
Normal charging is carried out to return a
fully or partially discharged battery to 100%
capacity. In general, a charging current of
1/20 to 1/10 of the capacity is selected.
-
It is important that the charge current be
reduced during gas development, and that
the current be switched off, once the battery
is full.
Fast-charging
-
In this charging method, multiples of the
normal charge current (approx. 3 to
5 times) are used, in order to achieve an
acceptable charge condition, in the shortest
possible time.
-
Before fast-charging, remove the battery
leads, in order to avoid damage to the
electronic components.
-
Remove the cell sealing plugs, to permit the
gasses produced to better escape.
-
To prevent overcharging, switch to reduced
charge current upon reaching the gas
pressure (2,35 tot 2,4 volt/cell).
Note:
Try to avoid fast-charging. Only use it as a
last resort. The battery is overloaded during
fast-charging, thus reducing the battery’s
service life.
Buffer charging
-
In this option, the consumer and the
charger are both connected to the battery.
The charger delivers sufficient current to
ensure that the battery remains practically
full. The battery provides peak currents to
the consumer.
-
Buffer charging is best carried out at a
constant (stabilised) voltage.
Trickle charging
-
If the battery is full, but is not to be used
immediately, self-discharge occurs. This
can be between 0,1% and 1% per day.
Trickle charging compensates for this
self-discharge.
-
The charge current for trickle charging
should be approx. 0,1 A per 100 Ah.
4
ǹ 9711