How to make battery equalization charge?

What is equalizing Charge?

Battery equalization charge refers to moderate overcharging. Regular maintenance of lead-acid batteries requires equalizing charge, increasing the charging voltage by 10%, which is 2.5V per battery. The more battery cycles, the higher the frequency need of battery equalization charge. Reasonable equalized charge enables all batteries to recover to a similar level, prolonging battery life and reducing costs:

1. Eliminate acid stratification, avoid the acid concentration at the bottom of the battery being higher than that at the top;
2. Eliminate sulfation. During the process of using lead-acid batteries, the electrode plates will gradually accumulate sulfate crystals over time, and excessive accumulation will cause the battery’s capacity to decrease or even become unusable.

If you need a maintenance-free battery, the NPP lead-acid battery and lithium battery are recommended.

Read more: TOP Lead Acid Battery Manufacturers in China

How to make battery equalization charge?

Flooded lead-acid battery

It is recommended to charge the battery evenly based on its condition, once or twice a year, or even more frequently once a month. Before equalizing charging, it is necessary to observe the specific gravity (SG) readings of each battery. When the electrolyte reading changes by 0.030 under full charge, equalizing charging can be carried out. During charging, keep observing whether the specific gravity reading reaches 1.265 ± 0.005. Stop charging immediately until the reading cannot be further increased, otherwise it may harm the battery.

Sealed Lead-acid battery

If it is SLA batteries, it is necessary to determine when to perform equalization charging based on the manufacturer’s instructions, combined with the frequency and duration of battery use. Some participants suggest conducting several hours of equalization charging every month, and controlling the time to avoid excessive exhaust. Otherwise, excessive exhaust can lead to low water levels, electrolytes drying up, and battery failure.

Equalizing Charge Cautions

• Before equalization charge, the battery must be fully charged;
• During equalize charge, it is necessary to maintain a cool ambient temperature, observe and avoid overheating, and the temperature should not exceed 115 degrees Fahrenheit;
• This process is quite tedious and the temperature is unpleasant. Maintaining good ventilation and discharging a small amount of gas from the battery is normal, but it is necessary to avoid hydrogen gas reaching 4% indoors, otherwise there is a risk of explosion;
• If your charger does not have the function of battery equalization charge, you need to use a dedicated device for operation. Not all chargers have the function of equalize charging;
• During equalized charging, the voltage of each battery can reach 2.65V, controlled within a difference of+/-0.05V;
• Do not equalize charge Gel batteries and AGM batteries, as acid stratification and sulfation are usually issues with liquid-rich lead-acid batteries;

Read more: How to equalization charge Lithium ion battery pack?