DrkAngel
1 GW
SLA (Sealed Lead Acid batteries) deteriorate due to a process called Sulfation.
They are constructed with lead plates surrounded by electrolyte (Sulfuric Acid).
Sulfation is the sedimentation of sulfur, from the sulfuric acid, onto the lead plates, (lead sulfate).
This is a normal and constant process, all Lead Acid batteries succumb to it, eventually.
Keeping the battery at full charge delays this, most effectively.
Letting the battery sit, discharged, speeds up the process.
The deeper the discharge, the faster the process.
What does this do to a battery?
The sulfur, coating the lead plates, blocks efficient electron transfer.
This is why the battery shows full voltage, but voltage drops sharply when drain is applied, then voltage recovers when drain is removed.
Sulfur coating reduces the contact area of electrolyte to lead.
"Plate", accumulated electrons, discharge quickly, but can, only replenish slowly.
The other half of the sulfation process is that, without sulfur, sulfuric acid is, basically, water ... water is a very poor electrolyte, (electron storage media)!
So ... a double whammy!
Reduced rate and reduced capacity!
How else can you destroy your battery?
High rate of charge, or discharge.
Overvoltage charging, producing heat.
Either, will cause lead plates to heat and warp, possibly shorting, or evaporating electrolyte, allowing severe heat.
Some types of shorts will cause loss of a 2V cell, leaving a 10V battery, charge it as a 12V and worse damage will quickly occur.
Recommended charging rates are 8 hours, for full charge.
"Rated" Ah, on a SLA battery is, typically, when battery is discharged over a 20 hour period, some at 5 hr.
Discharging at a 1 hour rate will only output, about 60% of rated.
Oh! ... Using a standard "automobile" battery charger can easily destroy your SLA.
Voltage is, and amperage, can be, way too high, for SLA!
SLA are capable, but not ideal, for either rapid, or deep, discharges.
They are a mid 20th century technology, surviving as a cheap alternative to the "better", more expensive, alternatives.
Keys to prolonging life?
Charge, immediately after use!
Do not deeply discharge!
Charge at recommended rate, 8 hour.
What good are SLA, for eBikes?
Cheap, very affordable, intro to eBikes.
Helps you determine actual need-want, before making a big buck battery buy.
Might last years, but only with gentle use, and proper care ...
They are constructed with lead plates surrounded by electrolyte (Sulfuric Acid).
Sulfation is the sedimentation of sulfur, from the sulfuric acid, onto the lead plates, (lead sulfate).
This is a normal and constant process, all Lead Acid batteries succumb to it, eventually.
Keeping the battery at full charge delays this, most effectively.
Letting the battery sit, discharged, speeds up the process.
The deeper the discharge, the faster the process.
What does this do to a battery?
The sulfur, coating the lead plates, blocks efficient electron transfer.
This is why the battery shows full voltage, but voltage drops sharply when drain is applied, then voltage recovers when drain is removed.
Sulfur coating reduces the contact area of electrolyte to lead.
"Plate", accumulated electrons, discharge quickly, but can, only replenish slowly.
The other half of the sulfation process is that, without sulfur, sulfuric acid is, basically, water ... water is a very poor electrolyte, (electron storage media)!
So ... a double whammy!
Reduced rate and reduced capacity!
How else can you destroy your battery?
High rate of charge, or discharge.
Overvoltage charging, producing heat.
Either, will cause lead plates to heat and warp, possibly shorting, or evaporating electrolyte, allowing severe heat.
Some types of shorts will cause loss of a 2V cell, leaving a 10V battery, charge it as a 12V and worse damage will quickly occur.
Recommended charging rates are 8 hours, for full charge.
"Rated" Ah, on a SLA battery is, typically, when battery is discharged over a 20 hour period, some at 5 hr.
Discharging at a 1 hour rate will only output, about 60% of rated.
Oh! ... Using a standard "automobile" battery charger can easily destroy your SLA.
Voltage is, and amperage, can be, way too high, for SLA!
SLA are capable, but not ideal, for either rapid, or deep, discharges.
They are a mid 20th century technology, surviving as a cheap alternative to the "better", more expensive, alternatives.
Keys to prolonging life?
Charge, immediately after use!
Do not deeply discharge!
Charge at recommended rate, 8 hour.
What good are SLA, for eBikes?
Cheap, very affordable, intro to eBikes.
Helps you determine actual need-want, before making a big buck battery buy.
Might last years, but only with gentle use, and proper care ...