Extending Traction/Motive/Deep Cycle Battery Life
Batteries have reached the end of their useful life when they no longer hold a proper charge for a sustained period or when output voltage cannot be raised above 85% of the original rating.
Maintain a Full Charge
One of the most important ways to extend battery life is to maintain an adequate charge.
| Depth of Discharge | The life of a battery will be severely shortened if the battery is frequently drawn down below 80% of its rated voltage. |
| Age | The acid within the battery causes slow deterioration of the battery plates. The life of batteries can be prolonged by maintaining them at full charge. |
| Sulfation | When batteries are not fully charged, a layer of lead sulfate will form on the plates that will inhibit the chemical reaction between the lead and the sulfuric acid. |
| Watering | Battery cells must be properly watered and documented on a regular basis. |
Understand Battery Construction
Batteries with thicker plates and more durable separators will last longer.
Identify & Repair Defective Cells
Not all battery cells produce equal voltage output. Each cell in a battery has a life of its own. As the battery discharges, some cells will lose their charge faster than others. One or more defective cells can cause the total output voltage to drop much faster than normal. This will shorten run times between charges and reduce the total service life of batteries.
It is very possible that any battery can have one or more faulty cells. An MCBA analyzer can identify these cells. Defective cells can then be replaced and the battery restored to service.
Identify & Clean Weak Cells
Weak cells can be the result of manufacturing defects, plate sulfation, poor charging or watering practices, and lack of cool-down time after charging. Individual weak cells will over-stress the good cells and result in poor overall battery performance.
Weak batteries can sometimes be partially improved. Accumulated sludge together with sulfation can sometimes be removed to restore cells to near normal activity. Deep discharging/recharging cycles may also aid in restoring cell performance.
