Seastar Battery, a distinguished lithium battery manufacturer in Shenzhen, China, seeks to provide valuable insights to international buyers and importers regarding the recharging process of lead-acid batteries.
HOW DOES A BATTERY RECHARGE?
The recharging process for lead-acid batteries, including flooded, gel, and AGM types, follows a consistent pattern.
During discharge, the material on both plates of the battery is converted into lead sulphate (PbSO4). When a charging voltage is applied, the opposite reactions occur, reversing the discharge process.
Charge flow takes place as electrons move within the metal components, while ions and water molecules move within the electrolyte.
Chemical reactions transpire at the positive and negative plates, converting the discharged material back into charged material. The positive plates are transformed back into lead dioxide (PbO2), while the negative plates are converted back into lead (Pb) during the charging process.
Sulfuric acid is generated at both plates, and water is consumed at the positive plate. If the voltage exceeds the optimal level, additional reactions occur: Oxygen is separated from water molecules at the positive plates and released as a gas, while hydrogen gas is released at the negative plates. However, if oxygen gas can reach the negative plates first, it recombines into water (H2O). Battery “gassing” occurs near the end of the charge when the charging rate becomes too high for the battery to handle.
To mitigate excessive gassing, a temperature-compensating voltage-regulating charger is employed. This charger automatically reduces the charge rate as the battery nears its fully charged state. Charging batteries for extended periods at high rates that cause excessive gassing should be avoided. In sealed valve-regulated batteries, water cannot be replaced, making it crucial to prevent overcharging, even at low rates commonly referred to as “trickle charges.”
In a fully charged battery, the majority of the sulphate exists as sulfuric acid. As the battery discharges, some of the sulphates begin to form on the plates as lead sulphate (PbSO4). Consequently, the acid becomes diluted, leading to a drop in specific gravity as water replaces more sulfuric acid. A battery that remains in a discharged state or is continually undercharged will experience premature failure. This condition is commonly known as sulfation.
Seastar Battery remains committed to manufacturing high-quality lead-acid batteries, ensuring optimal performance and longevity for various applications