Thread: Kits
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Old 01-29-10 | 05:32 PM
  #12  
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nwmtnbkr
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Originally Posted by bburrito
When you guys say that the SLA batteries need to be charged after use, if I ride 3 miles to work and then work for 8 hours and then go 3 miles back before putting it on the charger... is that 8 hours going to hurt the battery?
It would be best to recharge at work rather than wait until you get home. SLA, in addition to being very heavy, have the shortest life span of batteries used for EV applications. Here's their basic description from batteryuniversity.com:
The sealed lead-acid battery is designed with a low over-voltage potential to prohibit the battery from reaching its gas-generating state during charge. This prevents water depletion of the sealed system. Consequently, these batteries will never get fully charged and some sulfation will develop over time.

Here are their guidelines for handling SLAs.

Simple Guidelines

* Always store lead-acid in a charged condition. Never allow the open cell voltage to drop much below 2.10V. Apply a topping charge every six months or when recommended.
* Avoid repeated deep discharges. Charge more often. Use a larger battery to reduce the depth of discharge.
* Prevent sulfation and grid corrosion by choosing the correct charge and float voltages. If possible, allow a fully saturated charge of 14h.
* To reverse sulfation, raise the charge voltage above 2.40V/cell for a few hours.
* Avoid operating lead-acid at elevated ambient temperatures.


www.batteryuniversity.com
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