The Basics:
The elements and principles of lead-acid batteries are relatively simple and haven't changed much since they were invented in the 1800's. While the certain new technologies have increased their performance, the same underlying chemical properties still provide the electricity you need. The following is a brief overview.
Batteries contain lead plates, each with a postive and negative side, and electrolyte consisting of sulfuric acid and water. These are put together with separators into cells, with each cell rated at about 2 volts each. This means that battery voltage can be figured by multiplying the number of cells by 2. Each cell is attached to the next by a connecting rod, and on each end to the posts, where you connect your electrical loads. This construction puts the electrical potential in series, meaning the total voltage is the sum of all cells. Deep-cycle batteries, (golf cart, marine, etc.) basically differ only in the size and durability of the plates, allowing for a deeper discharge before recharging.
When a load is placed on the battery, the sulfate (SO4) in the sulfuric acid (H2SO4) reacts with the lead plates, creating electricity. This sulfate will accumulate on the lead plates, reducing the sulfate content of the acid. This makes it much more water-like, or in "battery-speak", reduces the specific gravity. The resulting sulfate accumulation on the plates will return to the electrolyte when placed on charge as the water (H2O) is split, freeing the O2 molecule to return to the positive side of the lead plate and the H2 molecule to return to the sulfate, once again creating sulfuric acid. The process is ready to start all over again once the charge cycle is complete.
Problems:
Difficulties can arise with any lead-acid battery over time. These can be simplified to the following: mechanical and chemical.
Mechanical failures include shorting, damage, and other physical problems interrupting the flow of electricity or integrity of the battery. These generally cannot be repaired and replacement is required.
Chemical failures, previously irrepairable, now can be cured through the Battery Doctors system.
3 out of 4 batteries die prematurely due to this problem. As outlined above, lead sulfate accumulation on the lead plates is the normal result of discharging a battery. Over time, however, this crystalline substance will begin to accumulate and clog the pores on the lead plates, even after recharge, and slowly narrow the discharge and charge envelopes. This basically suffocates the battery, severly decreasing its performance. Furthermore, batteries will often succumb to corrosion on the internal structures, interrupting the efficient creation of electricity.
Solutions:
Your Peachtree City Battery Doctor has the expertise to reverse the chemical problems associated with lead-acid batteries. Golf cart batteries also present other problems that we are equipped to solve and prevent: corrosion and gassing. Your deep-cycle batteries will be treated with not only lead sulfate removing chemicals, but two others which will remove and prevent most corrosion, and one which will reduce the gassing and evaporation common to these types of batteries. Even your new batteries will succumb to these effects, significantly decreasing their life expectancy and contributing to corrosion in your battery compartment. Your Battery Doctor has the expertise to prevent and reduce these potentially catastrophic problems.
Links:
This is a very topical and simplified description of a battery. Your Peachtree City Battery Doctor will provide an information sheet with helpful hints to better maintain your batteries when delivering or performing installation. There are many sources of good technical information available on the internet if you care to peruse them. A quick search will provide more links than you care to study, but a couple I recommend are listed below. And of course, your Battery Doctor is able to provide answers to any questions you might have. Don't forget to visit our good friends at Peachtree City Golf Cars, Inc for all your golf cart service needs and the only dealer in town authorized to sell Battery Doctors reconditioned batteries!
www.batterycouncil.org/batteries.html
www.batteryuniversity.com/index.htm
www.ptcgolfcars.com
