From cell phones to camcorders
to portable computers, batteries are powering the electronic revolution. We
carry a complete line of batteries, rechargeable and non-rechargeable, from
the smallest single cell batteries to large industrial, multi-set battery systems.
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| Cyclic Applications | Standby (Trickle) Applications |
| Portable Video Tape Recorders (Camcorders) | Emergency Lights and Guide Lights |
| Power Tools (Rechargeable Drills, Sanders) | Security and Burglar Alarm Systems |
| Portable Measuring Instruments | Disaster Prevention Systems |
| Cell Phones and Portable 2 Way Radios | Telephone and Telecommunications Equipment |
| Fish Detectors> | Automatic Fire Alarm Systems |
| Material Testing Machines | Gas Leak Alarm Facilities |
| Portable Televisions | UPS Systems |
| Models and Toys (i.e. remote control cars) | Portable Cleaners (i.e. Dustbuster) |
| Rechargeable Flashlights | ... and more ... |
Proper and adequate charging is the single most important factor in obtaining optimum life from a battery, be it float or cyclic applications. Either continuous over or undercharging are the single worst enemies of a battery. In order to prolong battery life, insure that the charger is disconnected after cycle charging, or that the charger float voltage is set correctly.
Batteries should never be stored in a discharged state. Batteries will self-discharge over time therefore it is imperative that they be charged according to the manufacturers recommendations, otherwise permanent loss of capacity will likely occur. To prolong shelf life without charging, store batteries at 50of (10oC) or less.
Heat is killer of batteries. Ideally batteries should be thermally isolated from any source of excessive heat, such as a charger transformer.. High temperatures cause an heightening in the electrochemical activity within the cell, thereby shortening the life of the battery.
I have a battery that has been stored for a long time and it doesn't seem to take a charge?
If a battery has been discharged for some time it may not readily take a charge. To overcome this, leave the charger connected and the battery may eventually begin to accept charge. If it still fails to charge then the battery needs replacing.
How will temperature effect the performance of a battery?
A rule of thumb is that for every 7oC to 10oC rise in battery ambient temperature above 25oC, the expected life of the battery is reduced by 50%. Thus, a battery rated at 8 years on float at 25oC is only a 4 year battery at an ambient temperature of 32oC to 35°C. Conversely, every 10oC drop in the ambient temperature below 25oC will result in a 10% loss in battery capacity.
G.A. Sibley Insider's Tip |
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| A nearly dead battery can be temporarily restored by placing it in a refrigerator overnight. For example a flashlight that has gone out because of dead batteries can be put into a standard kitchen fridge overnight and the next day will light again. |
Is there anything I can do to offset the effects of high temperatures?
The charging voltage can be compensated. As the temperature rises, the charge should be lowered and conversely as the ambient temperature decreases the charge should be increased. However, rapid fluctuations in the ambient temperature do not call for this compensation since time must be allowed for the battery to reach thermal equilibrium with its environment. In such a case the charge voltage should be set for an average temperature. All of these alterations will only partially offset the damage of temperature.
What kind of enclosures do I require for my batteries?
Make sure your batteries are located in a dry, cool environment, preferably in a dedicated room. Modern recombination batteries normally will not emit gases however standard "wet batteries" will release gases which will require some type of venting. If your just storing batteries seasonally make sure you place them where no metallic objects could come into contact with them, possibly causing a short.
G.A. Sibley Insider's Tip #2 |
| Don't store your marine, motorcycle or RV batteries directly on a concrete floor. The plastic cases are semi-permeable and over several months can find a ground. Place your batteries on a rubber mat, blocks of wood or some other insulator. |
What kind of chargers are there?
Chargers at their most basic form break down into three types. Various manufacturers may call their chargers everything from rapid chargers to custom rectifiers but they all follow one of the principal types listed below.
A charger which attempts to maintain a specific voltage value in the cell or batteries which it is supporting. The further the battery voltage is from the charger's preset value, the greater the current used to charge. As the voltage in the batteries returns to the charger's target voltage, the charge current drops accordingly. That is why this type of charger is often called a taper charger.
A charger that maintains a specified preset charge current throughout the charging process. The charger is typically modified such that the charge will continue to an end point voltage at which time the charger will shut off until the battery falls below a low point voltage, thereby restarting the charge.
This type of charger begins with a constant current charge until a certain battery terminal voltage is reached, at which point the charger switches to a constant voltage mode to complete the charge.
No, in the valve regulated cell, the battery will still form gases, the release of which is regulated by a one way valve. This greatly reduces the requirement for the addition of water to the cells (as opposed to an open cell design). In its simplest explanation, a recombination cell or battery recombines the gases produced during charging and converts them back into the battery components and forms water. However, there is a non return (control or safety) valve which allows for the escape of gas if the internal pressure exceeds a predetermined value.