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Location: 31 |
Thiis was posted on January 18, 2013 by Darren_Somerville on lead-acid batteries, just thought we should kick it around some here.
Although lead-acid batteries have many disadvantages when compared to other types of batteries, these types of batteries are among the most common batteries on the planet. One of the major reasons for the prevalence of lead-acid batteries is their ability to be recharged multiple times. The internal reaction that creates electricity is reversible, allowing a spent battery to be restored to a functional state over and over.
Over time, however, lead-acid batteries lose their ability to hold a charge. This gradual loss of charging capacity is due to a process called sulfation. While discharging, the lead dioxide plates within the battery react with the sulfuric acid electrolyte, causing lead sulfate to build up on the plates. As lead sulfate builds up within the battery, it loses its ability to provide electricity. When the battery charges, the voltage of the charging mechanism causes the lead sulfate to return to its original state. Over repeated charges, however, some of these lead sulfate deposits crystallize and harden, making them hard to remove. These crystallized deposits interfere with the battery's operation, making the battery harder to charge. Eventually, the sulfate deposits overwhelm the battery's ability to hold a charge.
Battery Desulfation
battery desulfation Rejuvenate Old Batteries
However, a new technology called battery desulfation promises to help extend the life of lead-acid batteries. This technology uses specialized equipment to send periodic frequency based pulses and/or pulses of high- voltage electricity through the battery, helping to break up these hardened sulfate crystals over the course of many days. By breaking up the sulfate crystals, battery desulfation allows the lead dioxide plates to regain their full functionality, increasing the potential current that can be generated within the battery. When used correctly, this desulfating technology can restore functionality to worn-out batteries and extend the useful lifespan of fresh batteries.
Although the best way to ensure long battery life is a proper charging and maintenance schedule, battery desulfation can help to extend battery life even further. This desulfating technology is also useful for those who have purchased used batteries. The previous owner of a used battery may not have maintained it properly, so battery desulfation may be necessary to repair the damage caused by a negligent owner and rejuvenate the "tired" old battery.
By extending battery life, desulfation can also help reduce battery waste. Most SLA batteries last between 36 and 48 months, but this technology can extend battery life by up to 3x when used properly. Desulfation is particularly important for applications, such as solar arrays or electric wheelchairs, that don't often allow for a complete charging cycle. The interrupted charging cycles common in these applications can lead to extensive sulfation within the battery, causing premature battery death.
Battery desulfation is a promising technology with a bright future. With further refinement and better techniques, desulfation may eventually allow lead-acid batteries to last for 10 years or more.
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Posts: 1901
Location: MN | Check out a product called Thermoil that addresses exactly that issue. I've got 2 years only on the new batteries that I tried this on so probably at least a couple years away from coming to any conclusions, but the chemistry all sounds right. | |
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Location: 31 | Sounds good, I just bought one of these 5 amp chargers for $65 on Ebay for the crank battery because my old one croaked, so I guess I bought into the technology. This unit does not mount in the boat, but it does come with a plug in lead that attaches directly to the battery so the charger can be easily removed/hooked back up. This charger is only for maintaining my crank battery when parked/stored, I have a 36 V charger mounted for trolling motor batteries.
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Xtreme Charge is well suited to both AGM and other Maintenance free batteries. The Combination of Patented Pulse technology and the patented charging algorithm will typically allow it to more completely charge all regular and high performance batteries, while also maintaining an excellent charge profile suitable for other types of Flooded or standard batteries.
Pulse Tech’s unique technology will increase the duty and life cycle of all sizes or types of 12 volt lead acid batteries by minimizing the size and amount of sulphation on the lead plates, therefore allowing the battery to accept as much charge as possible.
The XC 100-P patented pulse will help new batteries stay in as new condition, as well as improve older batteries’ charge capacity back up to as new standards. You can expect duty cycles to be extended 3-5 times over similar batteries charged on a standard charger.
This charger is suitable for all flooded, Gel, AGM and other maintenance free batteries.
Xtreme Charge is more than a battery charger and maintainer. During the maintenance cycle, PulseTech’s patented, optimized frequency pulsing constantly works to minimize and reduce naturally occurring battery sulfation – the main cause of battery failures. By reducing the size and number of lead sulfate deposits on the battery plates that negatively affect your battery’s ability to accept, store and release energy, your battery will charge deeper, maintain greater reserve capacity and last longer – up to five times longer.
The quick disconnect feature allows you to permanently attach lugs to the battery and easily switch between lugs and clamps. The status light column shows you when the unit power is on, pulsing and charging. The battery light column indicates the percentage of the battery’s state of charge – 25%, 50%, 75% or 100%.
· Charges and maintains 12-Volt lead-acid VRLA, AGM and flooded batteries
· Extends battery life with desulfating pulses
· Fully-automatic microprocessor controlled technology
· Cannot overheat or overcharge the battery
· Reverse battery protection and indication
· Sparkless operation
· Includes both heavy-duty clamps and lugs
· Fuse protected cables
· Rugged plastic protective case
· Five-Year Limited Warranty
Edited by Jerry Newman 5/20/2013 7:15 PM
Attachments
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 charger.JPG (86KB - 151 downloads)
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