[Elecraft] Sulfated Lead Acid Batteries

[James Hammons]

<Would appreciate any ideas out there on how to restore a sulfated
LAB>


The method used to restore capacity in the large battery banks on
sailboats is called equalizing.  It is intended as maintenance to
bring a battery up to normal capacity not restore a dead battery.
There are chargers for boats that have a equalizing cycle built in.

The battery must be a wet cell, deep-cycle battery.  The battery
should be fully charged. and near ambient temperature.

The charging should be done in a well ventilated area away from any
open flame.  The caps should be left off and the electrolyte should be
above the plates. Charging should be terminated if the battery begins
to spit electrolyte.

The charge voltage is about 2.7v per cell, about 16 volts for a 12volt
battery.  The charge current should be kept low about 10amp for a
200amp/hour battery.  The battery is charged 4 to 8 hours.  The
vigorous overcharge forces the sulphate to recombine with the
electrolyte or fall to the bottom of the battery.

As you can see this may not be practical unless you have access to a
fairly sophisticated charger,  however you asked.

James AI4CQ