How to charge a lead acid battery ?

Generally we have 4 major methods to charge lead acid battery ,Correct charging is very important factor to consider when using valve regulated lead acid batteries , or front terminal batteries,  gel batteries , deep cycle batteries and so on . Battery performance and service life will be directly affected by the charging methods . There are four major methods of charging : Constant voltage charging , constant current charging , two stages constant voltage charging , taper current charging.

Table of Contents

1. Constant voltage charging

This is the recommended method of charging for VRLA batteries . It is necessary to closely control the actual voltage to ensure that it is with the limits advised.

Standby service : 2.23-2.30 vpc at 20 (68) to 25 (77)

Cycle service : 2.40-2.50 vpc at 20 (68) to 25 (77)

It is suggested that the initial current be set within 0.3CAmps.

Figure 1 and 2 indicate the time taken to fully recharge the battery. It is also seen that the charging current is decreased to approx. 0.5-4mA/Ah under charging voltage 2.30 vpc, and 3-10mA/Ah under charging voltage 2.4 vpc when the battery is fully charged at 20 (68) to 25 (77)

Note: it is necessary to ensure that the voltage is correctly set. The charging voltage sets too high will increase the corrosion of the positive plates causing loss of capacity and ultimately shortening the life of the battery.

 

time to fully recharge the battery
time to recharge lead acid battery

Figure 1 : Charge 0.2C APM Limit & 2.30V/C Following Full Discharge

Figure 2 : Charge 0.2C APM Limit & 2.40V/C Following Full Discharge

2. Constant Current Charging

This method of charging is generally not recommended for VRLA batteries. It is necessary to understand that if the batteries are not removed from the charger as soon as possible after reaching a state of full charge. Considerable damage will occur to the batteries due to over charging. The required recharged capacity is 1.07 to 1.15 times as discharged capacity.

3. Two Stages Constant Voltage Charging

This method should not be used where the battery and load are corrected in parallel, however, if this method is to be used, we suggest to contact Egber technical department if any help you need .

4. Taper Current Charging

This method is not recommended for VRLA batteries, however, if this method is to be used, we suggest to contact Egber technical department if any help you need .