I. Daily Maintenance: Keep it clean and connected
1. Clean the surface: Wipe the battery casing and terminals with a clean, damp cloth to remove dust and electrolyte residue. If there are white crystals (lead sulfate), gently wipe them with a cotton swab dipped in diluted baking soda solution, then wipe with clean water and dry thoroughly.
2. Check and tighten: Regularly check that the battery terminals and connector clamps are secure and free from looseness or corrosion. If loose, tighten appropriately with a wrench; if corroded, lightly sand them off with sandpaper, then apply petroleum jelly or a special protective agent to prevent further oxidation.
3. Maintain ventilation: Ensure the battery vents are unobstructed to prevent excessive internal pressure during charging, which could lead to bulging or explosion.
II. Charging Management: Prevent overcharging and over-discharging
1. Charge promptly: Charge immediately after discharging to avoid prolonged periods of low charge. Charging time depends on the battery capacity and charger current, generally not exceeding 12 hours. 2. Avoid overcharging: Use a smart charger or a charger with overcharge protection. The electrolyte temperature should not exceed 45℃ during charging. Disconnect the power supply immediately after charging is complete.
3. Avoid over-discharging: Do not discharge to excessive depth; retain 20%-30% of the charge. For long-term storage, fully charge before storage and recharge periodically (e.g., every 4-6 weeks).
III. In-depth maintenance and performance testing (recommended quarterly or semi-annually)
1. Equalizing charging: For systems using multiple batteries in series, perform equalizing charging periodically to ensure consistent voltage across individual cells and prevent overcharging or undercharging of individual cells.
2. Capacity testing: Evaluate the battery's actual capacity through a discharge test. If the capacity is below 80% of the rated value, replacement should be considered.
3. Internal resistance testing: Regularly measure the battery's internal resistance. An abnormally high internal resistance usually indicates a decline in battery performance.
IV. Storage and Safety Precautions
1. Storage Environment: Batteries should be stored in a well-ventilated, dry, and cool place, with the temperature maintained between 5℃ and 30℃. Avoid direct sunlight and high-temperature environments.
2. Safe Operation: When maintaining batteries, always wear safety goggles, insulated gloves, and insulated tools to avoid electrolyte corrosion or short circuit hazards. Never allow metal tools to simultaneously contact the positive and negative terminals.
3. Winter Maintenance: In low-temperature environments, battery capacity will decrease, and charging efficiency will also decrease. In winter, batteries should be moved indoors for storage. Do not charge batteries if they freeze.
V. Common Problem Handling
1. Leakage: If battery leakage is detected, stop using the battery immediately, neutralize and clean the leaked electrolyte with baking soda solution, and replace with a new battery.
2. Bulging: A bulging battery casing is usually caused by excessive internal pressure or overcharging. The battery needs to be replaced immediately.
3. Unable to Charge: Check if the connecting wires are loose or if the terminals are corroded. If wiring issues are ruled out, the problem may be an internal battery malfunction, requiring professional testing or replacement.
