Lead-acid batteries continue to provide base load to the battery economy because of cost effectiveness and long life. We design our batteries to be best in class, and the longer they last the happier we are. We decided it was time to do a post about making lead-acid batteries last longer. Because we want our clients to know as much as possible about what causes their lives to shorten.
The Three Phases of Lead-Acid Battery Life
When a battery leaves the works in uncharged condition, the lead plates in the sulfuric acid electrolyte are still soft.
Charging the battery flexes their muscles as they enter their life cycle of formatting, peak performance, and gradual decline.
A lead-acid battery’s cycle life lasts longer when we manage these phases correctly. Notice the lead plates in position in this early battery on display in the Ajo Historical Museum in Arizona.
Formatting – The Key to Making Lead-Acid Batteries Last
Battery formatting, or calibration is a process whereby a battery sets the upper and lower limits of the power it can hold. Deep cycle batteries need 15 to 50 cycles to discover their full potential.
Just like athletes, they need to test their upper limits. When this phase is over, they are in their prime. With care, we can make their prime last longer. We provide some tips in this post.
Peak Battery Performance Leading to Gradual Decline
Deep cycle batteries thus prepared can deliver another 100 to 250 cycles of charging and recharging. At that point, they enter a period of decline when their capacity falls to 80%, and lower. Like athletes, there comes a time when their power begins to wane. Eventually, the time comes to recycle them in new lives.
Making Deep Cycle Lead-Acid Batteries Last Longer
The secret is how we manage the initial charge when we begin to set the limits that define the battery’s capacity. We suggest a full charge of 16 hours in well-ventilated space. After that, your lead acid batteries should last longer if you avoid deep discharges, and keep them away from extreme ambient temperatures.
Related
How to Extend Your Battery Life
Preview Image: Lead Acid Battery Schematic
