Lead-acid batteries are a common type of battery, widely used in automobiles, electric vehicles, UPS power supplies and other fields. In order to ensure that lead-acid batteries can operate stably for a long time and prolong their service life, the correct charging method is crucial. The charging method of lead-acid batteries will be described in detail below.
Accord Battery believes that understanding the working principle of lead-acid batteries is the basis for proper charging. Lead-acid batteries produce electrical energy through a chemical reaction between the internal anode (PbO2) and cathode (Pb) and an electrolyte (dilute sulfuric acid). The charging process is the reverse of this chemical reaction, i.e., an external power source provides electrical energy to the battery, restoring the active substances at the anode and cathode to their original state.
Next, regarding the charging of lead-acid batteries, we need to pay attention to the following key aspects:
Timing of charging: the best time to charge a lead-acid battery is usually when the charge is depleted to about one-third of its remaining capacity. This ensures that the battery is not over-discharged, which can affect its service life. It is also important to avoid charging the battery after it has been completely depleted, as this may cause damage to the battery.
Charging environment: The charging environment should be kept dry and tidy to avoid moisture and dust causing damage to the battery and charger. In addition, the charger should avoid being wrapped in a plastic bag or bottle, as the lack of air permeability may cause the charger to overheat or even burn out.
Charging method: It is recommended to use a standard charger for charging and follow the correct charging procedure. Firstly, plug the connected battery into the charger and then switch on the AC power. When charging is complete, disconnect the AC power supply and then unplug the plug connected to the battery. This ensures a safe and effective charging process.
Charging voltage and current: The charging voltage and charging current of the charger should be consistent with the parameters of the battery being charged to ensure charging effectiveness and battery safety. Too high a voltage or current may cause damage to the battery, while too low a voltage or current may result in undercharging or too long a charging time.
Avoid fast charging: Although fast charging technology can charge the battery with a large amount of electricity in a short period of time, frequent use of fast charging may cause damage to the lead-acid battery. Therefore, it is recommended that fast charging be avoided except when necessary and no more than twice in a month.
Regular maintenance: Lead-acid batteries require regular maintenance, including checking the electrolyte level and cleaning the battery surface. If the battery is not used for a long period of time, supplemental charging should be performed at regular intervals to prevent the battery from self-discharging and leading to depletion of power.
There are also some considerations about charging lead-acid batteries:
Lead-acid batteries do not have special requirements for initial charging time and charging volume, and can be charged and discharged at any time, which will not lead to the pole plate memory effect.
Overcharging and overdischarging should be avoided. Overcharging will lead to thinning of the metal layer of the plate grid, which is easy to fracture; over-discharge will lead to sulfation of the electrode plate, failure of the active sponge organisation and shorten the service life of the battery.
When using lead-acid batteries, the specific gravity of the electrolyte and the height of the liquid level of the battery should be checked regularly to ensure that the electrolyte is not missing.
In summary, the charging method of lead-acid batteries involves many aspects, including charging timing, charging environment, charging method, charging voltage and current, avoiding fast charging and regular maintenance. Only by correctly mastering these charging methods can we ensure the normal operation and prolong the service life of lead-acid batteries. At the same time, we also need to pay attention to the safety of the battery, to avoid improper operation leading to battery damage or safety accidents.
Finally, it should be emphasised that although this article describes the charging methods of lead-acid batteries in detail, the actual operation may vary depending on the specific equipment and conditions of use. Therefore, in the actual charging process, it is recommended to refer to the instructions of the battery and charger, and follow the manufacturer's recommendations for operation. In addition, it is recommended to consult a professional or seek technical support if you encounter any problems or concerns during use.
