On 21 Jun 1997, Zink wrote:
> Batteries tend to
> sulfate if they don't have a chance to discharge and then fully
> recharge.
I think you might be mixing the characteristics of lead-acid batteries
(as found on cars) with nickel-cadmium batteries (as found on mobile
phones etc).
You are correct in stating that lead-acid batteries will significantly
loose their capacity if left standing with a low charge for too long. This
is due to a buildup of a sulphate-layer on the plates.
Since the battery will gradually self-discharge, even a fully charged
battery will be affected if left standing for too long time. The cure is
to regularily recharge the battery, or to leave it permanently connected
to a battery maintainer of some sort. (Also note that leaving the
battery permamently connected to a conventional charger will permamently
destroy it due to overcharging in a matter of days).
There is no point in letting lead-acid batteries go through a discharge-
recharge cycle. On the contrary, starter batteries are not built to be
fully discharged. Each deep discharge they go through will in fact damage
them to a certain extent. The more expensive lead-acid "traction"
batteries will tolerate deep discharges, but these will only be relevant
for those who want to convert their Triumph to electrical drive.
Egil
--
Email: egilk@sn.no Voice: +47 22523641, 92022780 Fax: +47 22525899
Snail: Egil Kvaleberg, Husebybakken 14A, 0379 Oslo, Norway
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