Method and apparatus for charging a valve-regulated lead acid battery

摘要

A charging method and a charging apparatus which can be used particularly for charging a valve-regulated lead acid battery using a Pb-Sb alloy grid as a positive electrode grid. Primary constant-current charging is performed with a predetermined current value. The primary constant-current charging is further continued for an extension time t_a after the battery voltage reaches a change-over voltage Vc. After the extension time has passed, the charging is changed over to secondary constant-current charging using a current value smaller than that of the primary constant-current charging. The extension time for continuing the primary constant-current charging is preferably set so as to be shorter as the battery temperature is higher. Also a secondary charging time for executing the secondary constant-current charging is preferably set so as to be shorter as the battery temperature is higher.