Smart Chargers have a pre-set charging cycle such as 3, 4 or 8 stages. The charging voltage and current is optimised in each stage to suit the type of battery being charged, this ensure maximum operating efficiency and battery life. Below are some common charging states:
- DESULPHATION:Â Pulsing current and voltage, removes sulphate from the lead plates in sulphate batteries.
- SOFT START:Â Charging starts with reduced current until battery voltage reaches a normal condition for charge.
- BULK MODE:Â During this stage the battery is charged to up to 80% capacity, which is the majority of its charge.
- ABSORPTION MODE:Â Completes the charge up to (or close to) 100% at a slower charge rate in order to protect the batteries working life.
- RECONDITION MODE:Â This mode charges at higher voltage to recondition the sulphate and increase battery life.
- ANALYSIS:Â Tests the condition of the battery. If is unable to hold charge it needs to be replaced.
- FLOAT:Â When battery is fully charged, this state maintains a trickle, minimal charge current, to ensure the battery remains fully charged.
- PULSE MODE:Â Maintaining the battery at 95-100% capacity. The charger monitors the battery voltage and injects a pulse to maintain the battery charge.
Most battery manufacturers recommend sizing the charger at about 25% of the battery capacity (ah = amp hour capacity). Thus, a 100ah battery would take about a 25amp charger (or less). It is important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on charging procedures and voltages, or a quality microprocessor controlled charger to maintain battery capacity and service life.
Larger capacity charger may be used to decrease charge time, but if not properly applied this may lead to decrease battery life.