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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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