Battery System Maintenance & Repair

摘要

For flooded lead-acid (FLA) batteries, it is critical to check the electrolyte level on a regular basis. As batteries charge, some water in the electrolyte is converted to hydrogen and oxygen gas, and released through the vent caps. The electrolyte needs to be replenished to the proper level by adding distilled water. In cool climates such as Washington State, a system with a moderate C/10 charge rate should be checked every one to two months. In hot climates like Haiti, the electrolyte level needs to be checked at least twice a month. Recording the date and the amount of water added to the battery allows you to identify usage trends and spot potential problems. Batteries in hotter climates will use more water than ones in cooler climates, as will systems with heavy discharging and higher charging rates. When a battery starts requiring more water, it is typically a sign that it is failing-or that something has dramatically changed in the charging or load profile. Keeping track of the changes in water consumption will help determine when it's time to replace the battery or investigate other problems.