How do I correctly charge traction batteries?
Without even realizing it, you are surrounded by traction batteries. They are present in several places, such as supermarkets, hotels, companies, stores, airports, etc.
Traction batteries serve as a kind of “fuel” for several electric vehicles, such as forklifts, pallet trucks, electric lift platforms, distribution carts, among others.
These batteries are much stronger than ordinary batteries as they have a much higher cyclic capacity.
Its boards and internal components influence their use, as they work with a deep discharge regime and can provide up to 5 to 8 hours of equipment usage.
How to charge traction batteries
Care in how to charge the battery greatly affects its performance and lifespan.
The process of charging traction batteries is quite simple, just carefully follow all the information provided by the manufacturer. Nowadays, high-frequency electric chargers are the most suitable for charging your battery, as they can achieve better performance.
At 20% charge, it is now possible to connect the battery to the charger and then wait until its charge is completely complete. Normally most chargers automatically shut down when charging is complete.
But it is important to emphasize that you should not charge ahead of time: Just as it is not advisable to let the traction battery run out, it is important that it is not charged too soon. Charging the battery while it still has enough charge to function properly will overcharge it, causing its lifespan to be drastically shortened.
Machines that are used a lot, like forklifts for example, usually need a daily load. Machines that are used for a short period of time can be changed every 2 days. In these cases, it is also important to be watching the red stripe, which signals the need for energy charges.
Some tips that can make this process much easier:
– Handle the battery with care, avoiding impacts;
– Keep the battery clean and away from rain and moisture, and do not place any metal product on it, avoiding a short circuit, and if it occurs, immediately observe the situation of the components before putting the battery back into service. If your measuring equipment (voltmeter, hydrometer, thermometer) is not calibrated, the battery may suffer irreversible damage. And in case of doubt, request assistance from a qualified professional.
– Never disconnect by pulling the cable and be very careful when connecting and disconnecting. Check if the equipment is compatible with the battery;
-Follow the instruction manual. Several batteries have their life capacity drastically reduced, even before completing the first cycle, because the instructions were not followed properly according to the manual. It is essential to check the operating conditions of the charger before charging the batteries. You can make a checklist yourself before charging the battery, noting the contacts and connections and the basic electrical characteristics of the charger.
It is not advisable for the battery to be left unused for a long time. This impairs its useful life and its autonomy.
Important care:
– Make sure the charger is turned off before connecting the battery;
– Observe possible bad contacts in the connectors;
– Pay attention if the battery has a temperature higher than 38°. If this is the case, let it rest for at least 1 hour;
– The charge must be carried out in a ventilated place and there must be no sparks in the place because, at the time of charging, gases that could be explosive are expelled;
–ALWAYS after charging, check the solution level, adding deionized water if necessary. It is very important that the operator observes the correct level avoiding overflow.
It is also important to always keep the batteries clean and free from moisture. If the electrolyte is expelled, immediately neutralize it in a solution based on sodium bicarbonate and water. With the valve caps in place, just use a cleaning brush to clean all connectors. After that, remove all bicarbonate residue. Remember: Wear all your personal protective equipment such as goggles, masks,s and rubber gloves.
An electric forklift battery, for example, can be charged around 1500 times in its lifetime. The duration will depend on some factors, such as the brand of equipment, the form of use by the operator, and the care that the person responsible for the equipment will have.
It is essential to perform preventive maintenance periodically. The end of the year is a great period for these maintenances, taking advantage of the recess period, thus preventing your equipment from being stopped and thus hindering production.
Wisdom Power specializes in sales and maintenance of traction batteries, providing quality and excellent service so that your machine's battery lasts much longer and performs well.
To contact us and make a free quote, just send an email to inquiry@bullsbattery.com or call (0752) 2819-469.
