FAQ

Here are some methods to try to recover permanently sulfated batteries:

• Light Sulfation
  • Equalize the battery.
  • Apply a constant current at 10% of the Amp Hour capacity rating for 48 to 120 hours, depending on the electrolyte temperature and capacity of the battery, at 14.4 VDC or more, depending on the battery type. Cycle (discharge to 50% and recharge) the battery a couple of times and test its capacity. You might have to increase the voltage in order to break down the hard lead sulfate crystals. If the battery gets above 45° C then stop charging and allow the battery to cool before continuing.
• Heavy Sulfation
  • Replace the old electrolyte with distilled, deionized or demineralized water, let stand for one hour, apply a constant current at 10% of the Amp Hour capacity rating at 14.4 VDC until there is no additional rise in specific gravity, remove the electrolyte, wash the sediment out, replace with fresh electrolyte (battery acid), and recharge. If the specific gravity exceeds 1.300, then remove the new electrolyte, wash the sediment out, and start over from the beginning with distilled water. You might have to increase the voltage in order to break down the hard lead sulfate crystals. If the battery gets above 45° C then stop charging and allow the battery to cool down before continuing. Cycle (discharge to 50% and recharge) the battery a couple of times and test capacity. The sulfate crystals are more soluble in water than in electrolyte. As these crystals are dissolved, the sulfate is converted back into sulfuric acid and the specific gravity rises. This procedure will only work with some batteries.

Do not locate batteries in place exposed to direct sun light, rain dust and adverse environments. Such exposure will cause damage to plastic components and may reduce battery life drastically. If the battery is not to be installed upon receipt, storage indoors is recommended. The batteries should be stored at a temperature of 15˚C-30˚C, in a clean, dry environment and provided with a freshening charge at intervals mentioned in point no.14. To prevent damage, do not stack wooden crates or battery packing cases one above the other,

Luminous batteries have expected shelf life as indicated in the table below . During the storage interval (i.e. between date of shipment and date of installation),For batteries stored at 270C, a freshening charge should be given once in every six(6) months. Storage at elevated temperatures will result in accelerated self-discharge as indicated below.

Storage beyond these periods without charge will result in excessive sulphation of plates and degrade battery performance and life.

The most important consideration in increasing the overall service life of a lead-acid battery is preventive maintenance.

• Protecting your battery from high temperatures with a heat shield or case, keeping it full charged at all times, and maintaining it are the easiest ways to extend it's life. In hot climates and during summer, the electrolyte levels need to be checked more frequently. For every increase of 18° F (10° C) above 77° F (25° C), positive grid corrosion or self-discharge rate is doubled.
• Periodically check the State-of-Charge of batteries. Based on charging systems sometimes it will undercharge the battery causing an accumulation of lead sulfate known as sulfation. This sulfation reduces the capacity of the battery. If the battery is not fully charged, recharge it periodically with an external battery charger matched to the battery type.
• Reducing the average DoD (Depth-of-Discharge) and the number of discharge/charge cycles, by proper deep cycle battery or battery bank sizing will significantly increase a deep cycle battery service life.
• If required, give periodic equalizing charge. Equalizing can also prevent electrolyte stratification, which can cause sulfation.
• In cold climates, increasing the diameter of the battery cables will reduce the voltage loss.
• Never discharge any 12-volt lead-acid battery below 10.5 volts because it can damage the battery.

Provide adequate ventilation. High ambient temperatures above 80° F (or 26.7° C) will shorten battery life because it increases positive grid corrosion, growth and VRLA "thermal runaway".

A deep cycle battery is designed with the capability of being discharged and charged hundreds of times. Many of these batteries may be totally discharged before they are ever recharged.

A gel cell or gelled electrolyte is a sealed battery containing semi-solid electrolyte and may also be identified as a sealed lead acid, AGM (absorbed glass mat) or VRLA type battery. AGM batteries are sometimes referred to as starved electrolyte because the fiberglass mat contained within the cell is saturated only 95% with acid and there is no excess liquid. Nearly all AGM batteries are VRLA or valve regulated. VRLA batteries are designed with a valve that allows the battery to keep a slight positive pressure.

The low voltage alarm will sound when the DC source falls below a certain level and the automatic shutdown will power off the inverter. This is done to save your batteries; you can restart your inverter once grid power is available