308 | Section 8 Electrical System ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------- Monarch SE 2004
Batteries come in different sizes, types, amp hours, voltages and chemistries.
There are nearly as many descriptions of battery types and how they should be
used as there are people willing to offer advice on them. Although it is not possible
to cover batteries in their entirety, there are guidelines that can be followed to
ensure that the batteries are well maintained.
The operation of the battery is based on a chemical reaction. The battery is a
container of lead plates, insulators and a solution of distilled water and sulfuric
acid. The solution, when mixed together, is known as “electrolyte.”
The 12 Volt battery is actually six batteries in one case. When charged, each
cell has a voltage of 2.1 Volts. When six cells are hooked together this makes a
12.6 Volt battery (fully charged).
Electrons are stored on the negative plates. When a load (eg. a light bulb) is put
between the positive and negative terminals, the electrons move from the negative
plate to the positive plate through the “load” and then back to the ground terminal.
At this time the sulfuric acid leaves the water and adheres onto the plates of the
battery. The electrolyte solution keeps the electrons from flowing while the battery
is in the “at rest” position.
Charging the battery moves the sulfuric acid back into solution with the
distilled water. A battery left in a low or discharged state will cause the acid to
“sulfate.” In attempting to recharge the battery, the acid has become hardened and
no longer will leave the plates and enter into the liquid solution with the distilled
water. The lowered acid to water ratio has a direct affect on the battery’s ability to
release the stored electrons (power output) and the length of time it can perform
(reserve capacity). Batteries left in a discharged condition will readily freeze. This
can crack the case allowing the solution to spill, it can also warp the plates. The
acid acts like an “antifreeze” for the battery. This is why batteries should not be
left or stored in a “discharged” condition.
Starting Batteries:
Starting batteries are designed for high output cranking power, but not for deep
cycling like the house batteries are designed to do. Starting batteries will not last
long in deep cycle application. The way they are rated should give a good indication
of their intended use. “Cold Cranking Ampere” is a measurement of amperage
output that can be sustained for 30 seconds. Starting batteries use thin plates to
maximize the surface area of the battery. This allows a very high starting current
but lets the plates warp when the battery is deep cycled (discharged).
Battery Types
BATTERY -
How It Works
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