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OptiMate’s 24-7 battery maintenance program found in every OptiMate battery charger is designed to prolong the life and maximise the strength of a stored battery. The battery can be safely left connected for months or years as the program adjusts according to the battery’s needs, periodically delivering just the right amount to keep the battery optimally charged, but never overcharging.<\/p>\n
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The need for battery maintenance depends on two variables – 1) Battery type – Lead-acid & Lithium-Ion batteries differ in how they generate electricity and therefore need different maintenance charging when stored. 2) How fast charge is lost through self-discharge and parisitic draw.<\/p>\n
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A lead-acid battery actively generates electricity; different chemicals within react to each other and fuse together, in the process creating ‘waste’ chemicals that must be recycled during charging, with lead-sulphate (PbSO4) the most critical. It is essential that lead-sulphate is recycled soon after discharge (link: WHY?). In fully charged lead-acid battery there should be no lead-sulphate present.<\/p>\n
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A Lithium battery passively generates electricity; Li-Ions flow from the anode (-) to the cathode (+) of a cell and that causes static electricity. When receiving charge the Li-ion flow is reversed, Li-Ions are returned to the anode. It is essential that a balance is maintained and there are sufficient Li-Ions at the anode and cathode after discharge or recharge. (link: WHY?).<\/p>\n
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Deep discharge below the battery’s safe voltage level weakens any battery. Even if recovered, the battery is not as strong as it used to be, subsequently the battery works harder which causes more stress, resulting in a shortened lifespan.<\/p>\n
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All batteries self-discharge when stored, even if not connected to electrical circuitry, using their own stored energy to maintain their voltage. A lead-acid battery discharges at 4% per month where-as a Lithium battery discharges at 1% per month.<\/p>\n
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Parasitic current draw from connected circuitry (such as ‘always on’ electronics in a stored vehicle) add to the battery\u2019s self-discharge current; the battery discharges faster. The storage capacity (in Ah) of the battery determines how long the battery remains within its safe operating range, a smaller battery with a lower Ah rating will reach its minimum safe voltage level quicker. As an example, a typical 10 milli-amp draw from connected circuitry causes loss of 1.7 Ah every 7 days.<\/p>\n
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Lead-acid batteries require maintenance charging more frequently, to ensure that all ‘waste’ chemicals created during charging, are promptly and completely recycled. The most urgent is the ‘waste’ chemical lead-sulphate (PbSO4), it will crystallize if left dormant for too long, even when the battery voltage still appears to be sufficient. (Learn more here – Pb). OptiMate\u2019s 24-7 maintenance program checks charge level hourly and delivers sufficient charge to keep the battery at 100%, with a continuous \u2018desulphation\u2019 pulse breaking up any remaining crystallized lead-sulphate. A lead-acid battery kept at full charge remains strong for longer.<\/p>\n
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Lithium batteries have the easiest maintenance routine, the battery remains healthy if kept above its minimum recommended voltage \/ State Of Charge. It might only need charge occasionally.
\nOptiMate 24-7 battery maintenance program checks charge level hourly and will deliver charge when necessary, keeping the battery within a 70-90% state of charge. A Lithium battery kept at the right charge remains strong for longer.<\/p>\n
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