General Characteristics .
3.1 Charging
3.2.1 Charging Methods
Correct charging is one of the most important factor to consider when using valve regulated lead acid batteries. Battery performance and service life will be directly affected by the charging methods.
There are four major methods of charging.
- Constant voltage charging.
- Constant current charging.
- Two stage constant voltage charging.
- Taper current charging.
3.2.1.1 Constant Voltage Charging
This is the recommended method of charging for VRLA batteries. It is necessary to closely control the actual voltage to ensure that it is with the limits advised.
Standby service: 2.23-2.30 vpc at 25oC/77oF
Cycle service: 2.40-2.50 vpc at 25oC/77oF
It is suggested that the initial current be set within 0.3CAmps. Frigure 5 and 6 indicate the time taken to fully recharge the battery. It is also seen that the charging current is decreased to approx 0.5-4mA/Ah under charging voltage 2.30 vpc, and 3-10mA/Ah under charging voltage 2.40vpc when the battery is fully charged at 25oC/77oF.
Note: it is necessary to ensure that the voltage is correctly set. The charging voltage set too high will increase the corrosion of the positive plates causing loss of capacity and ultimately shortening the life of the battery.
3.2.1.2 Constant Current Charging
This method of charging is generally not recommended for VRLA batteries. It is necessary to understand that if the batteries are not removed from the charger as soon as possible after reaching a state of full charge. Considerable damage will occur to the batteries due to over charging. The required recharged capacity is 1.07 to 1.15 times discharged capacity.
3.2.1.3 Two Stages Constant Voltage Charging
This method should not be used where the battery and load are corrected in parallel, however, if this method is to be used, it is suggested that the FirstPower technical department is contacted.
3.2.1.4 Taper Current Charging
This method is not recommended for VRLA batteries, however, if this method is to be used it is suggested that the First Power technical department is contacted.
Effect of Temperature on Charging Voltage
As temperature rises, electrochemical activity in the battery increases. Similarly, as temperature falls, electrochemical activity decreases. Therefore, as temperature rises, charging voltage should be reduced to prevent overcharge, as temperature falls, charging voltage should be increate to avoid undercharge. In general, to assure optimum service life, use of a temperature compensated charger is recommended. The recommend compensation factor for FirstPower VRLA batteries is ¡À3mV/oC Cell (standby use) and¡À4mV/oC cell(cyclic use). The standard centre point for temperature compensation is 20oC/68oF. Figure7 shows the relationship between temperatures and charging voltages in both cyclic and standby applications.
3.2.3 Charging Time
The time required to complete each charge depends on the discharge condition of battery, caracteristics of charge used, or the temperature during charge. For cyclic use, using constant voltage charging, this time can be estimated by the following expression at 25oC/77oF.
(1)Discharge current: Larger than 0.25CA
Tch =Cdis/i + 3 ~5
(2)Discharge current: Less than 0.25CA
Tch = Cdis/I+ 6 ~10
Tch: time required for charge (hours)
Cdis: ampere-hour discharged before charge started(Ah)
I : initial charging current(A).
Complete charge time for float service will be slightly more than 24 hours.
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