Without a drive and an additional source of energy, none of the modern mechanisms, gadgets, radiotelephones will work. In all types of vehicles - in cars, diesel locomotives, airplanes - they serve to start engines and support the functions of electrical appliances. Deer, of course, are better, but they cannot go further than the tundra ...
The structure and principle of operation of the battery
Can I charge a car battery? Traditional energy storage devices consist of several compartments (cans), united by one strong plastic case. Each jar filled with diluted sulfuric acid (electrolyte) contains lead plates. All departments are sequentially interconnected into a single system. As a result of the interaction of metal and electrolyte, electricity is released. Then everything is simple:
- current through the wires goes to the starter;
- then to the spark plugs;
- gasoline vapors flash in the cylinders;
- engine starts;
- the generator begins to generate electricity, which accumulates in the electrolyte.
Ideally, everything should be so, but in some cases it is impossible to start the car - the battery "sat down".
How to fix the situation
The reason for the battery discharge may be a change in the density of the electrolyte or a general drop in capacity. Sometimes, especially after a long period of inactivity, lead plates crumble inside the cans. Can I charge a charged battery? If you want to reduce the life of the device, you can do this constantly. If you approach the process responsibly, it is better to avoid such situations, since when the components overheat, there is a strong evolution of gas. The amount of liquid decreases, the proportions are violated, the reaction occurs incorrectly, and the battery performance drops.
If you control the level and density of the electrolyte, observe the modes of operation of the mechanism in the process of inaction, you do not need to answer the question "is it possible". Charging a charged battery is permissible only with a phone or laptop. And then within one and a half hours after the readings are full on the indicator.
Can I recharge lithium batteries and how to do it right?
For the effective operation of mobile electronic devices, powerful autonomous power sources are now required. Careful use and correct recharging will extend the life of lithium-ion drives. The rules are as follows:
- Do not allow the moment of “empty battery”;
- every 3-4 months it is necessary to do prophylactic full zeroing;
- store an unused source with a value of 35-50% power;
- use special devices to recharge;
- do not keep in the sun;
- alternate cycles of full and incomplete filling of the battery.
These measures will extend the life of lithium-ion energy storage devices.
On diesel locomotives and motor ships
In industry, in railway transport and in shipping, one cannot do without larger and more powerful electrical systems. Alkaline and acid batteries work on the same principle, but differ in size. Is it possible to charge a charged battery of such modifications? The basic recommendations are true for all types of batteries. Regardless of the appearance, body materials, and composition of the electrolytic filler, the schemes of the chemical reactions that occur are identical.
The main advantages include the ability to work and store at very low temperatures, fast speed of power gain.
Can I charge an alkaline battery? Of course, the answer is yes. It is important to observe the regime and avoid overheating, in which the internal pressure increases, gaseous oxygen is released and the current coefficient drops.
Existing methods of revitalizing the "heart" of the mechanism
Is it possible to charge a gel battery under a slow voltage? We name the types and methods used:
- “Slow” - the safest, but the longest is considered the impact of a discharge current of 0.1-0.2 C. In time it takes from 8 to 15 hours.
- “Fast” - a stronger current (1/3 C), 3-5 hours.
- “Delta V” or “Accelerated” - at which the initial voltage supply is equal to the value of the storage capacity. For an hour and a half, the battery is fully charged. Rather risky way, which can lead to overheating or destruction of the battery.
- "Reversible" - the most effective for alkaline devices with a "memory effect". The process occurs with alternation of short discharge periods and long charge periods.
In fact, for each type of battery there is a special device that delivers currents of the required strength and provides a suitable pulse and voltage. Indicators are automatically built into the digital technology that automatically turn off the flow of electricity when the device enters the nominal capacity. For energy sources used in cars, locomotives, airplanes and other vehicles, there are special devices to restore their performance.
The importance of quantity and quality of electrolyte
A frequent problem for motorists is battery failure due to a violation of the chemical reaction in banks. Why is this happening? There are only two reasons, and they are associated with a violation of the composition or amount of electrolyte:
- change in density due to boiling of water with frequent overheating;
- fluid leakage due to damage to the body or strong inclinations of the vehicle.
In improperly operated devices, the plates themselves can be scattered, contact links between banks are destroyed, or a short circuit occurs.
The density of the electrolyte is regulated by adding distilled water to each compartment. Topping up the catholytic fluid with the desired composition restores battery performance with the entire case.
Features of the latest batteries
The system of lead-calcium energy sources is arranged in such a way that during operation in them the process of gas evolution and, consequently, water loss are reduced to minimum values. This allows you to extend the shelf life of the electrolyte to 15-25 months. One of the important operating conditions is to adjust the generator output voltage to a reading of 14.4 V.
Can I charge a maintenance-free battery? The shell of the device has no covers and holes for pouring liquids, it is hermetically sealed. The voltage level is indicated by an indicator placed inside one of the cans. The changes in its color determine the state of the battery:
- the peephole glows green - it means everything is in order;
- color darkens or blackens - it's time to increase the current level;
- the indicator has turned yellow or colorless - the device has become completely unusable, it remains only to throw it away.
It becomes clear that any device requires careful and careful handling. And the question “is it possible to charge a maintenance-free battery” will be answered with the word “necessary”, and on time. Otherwise, you have to spend money on buying a new device.
Differences between gel batteries and liquid
The main advantage of the modified acid device is called the thick electrolyte enveloping the plates inside the cans. With any inclinations of the vehicle (except for shifters), such a battery continues to work. The case is damaged, a crack from the impact appeared - it does not matter, you can just glue the hole. This does not affect the condition and amount of such catholyte, since a thick substance does not leak. This feature is a great advantage in the process of using batteries in extreme conditions. Gel batteries equip military aircraft, scooters, modern cars.
Despite the slow return of current, the battery from time to time requires recharge through a special device. Can I charge the gel battery? The incoming voltage must have an acceptable value. Exceeding the threshold readings is fraught with peeling of the electrolyte substance from lead plates and failure of the apparatus. With proper use and fulfillment of the conditions of recharging, the battery is able to withstand up to 1000 cycles, having served for up to 10 years.
How not to act
- Connect the charger contacts to the opposite values of the battery terminals.
- First, connect the memory to the network, and only then connect it to the battery.
- Upon completion of the process, first disconnect the positive terminal.
- Do not pay attention to indicators of devices and indicators.
Can I charge a charged battery? It seems that after reading all the recommendations this question will become redundant, as the answer suggests itself.