Terry.Norris@p0.f7.n3803.z1.fidonet.org (Terry Norris) (06/28/91)
Index Number: 16476
AB> How do the batteries not in use at any particular time hold up?
AB> Is there any effect on the life of the battery from not being
AB> used for any length of time?
Batteries that sit idle for long periods of time (monts), will
discharge to some degree, but it can be minimized in several ways.
(1) keep the batteries clean - dirt is normally conductive to some extent
although not a good conductor like a wire - but will cause some stray currents
to pass between the batteries poles thus discharging. (2) store the batteries
on a poor contuctive surface (wood, plastic, etc). To store on a grounded
metal surface will cause discharge at a higher rate. As far as the GEL
cell is concerned, it still should be deeply discharged prior to re-charging
regardless of how it was discharged (through use of storage).
If I know I will need my cart tomorrow, and want to charge the batteries
just prior to it's use, I will hook an auto headlight (or any other 12/24
volt load) onto the batteries to drain them down prior to discharge. I have
installed a head light on my scooter, not so much as to be able to see where
I am going at night, but to provide a convenient way of discharging it without
having to to a lot of hookup work when I WANT to run it down.
With the lead acid cells this is not necessary, but when buying a lead acid
battery, be sure to specify a "deep-cycle" battery for use on your wheelchair
as it will give much longer performance. Deep Cycle Marine batteries I have
found to be the best for my needs.
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