Float voltage
Float voltage is the voltage at which a battery is maintained after being fully charged to maintain that capacity by compensating for self-discharge of the battery.[1] The voltage could be held constant for the entire duration of the cell's operation (such as in an automotive battery) or could be held for a particular phase of charging by the charger.[2] The appropriate float voltage varies significantly with the chemistry and construction of the battery, and ambient temperature.[3]
With the appropriate voltage for the battery type and with proper temperature compensation, a float charger may be kept connected indefinitely without damaging the battery.
Lead-acid batteries
Accepted average float voltages for lead-acid batteries at 25 °C can be found in following table:[citation needed]
| Lead-acid battery type | single cell (2V) | 3 cell (6V) | 6 cell (12V) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gel battery | 2.18 | 6.53 | 13.05 |
| Flooded lead–acid cell | 2.23 | 6.7 | 13.4 |
| Absorbent glass mat | 2.27 | 6.8 | 13.6 |
- Temperature compensation
Compensation per cell of approximately −3.9 mV per °C (respectively -2.17 mV per Fahrenheit) of temperature rise is necessary.[4]
- Example 1
A 12 V (6 cell) battery at 30°C (86°F) (+5 °C change):
(-3.9 mV/°C) × (6 cells) × (5 °C change) = -117 mV
13.4 V (flooded battery float) + (−117 mV) = 13.28 V
- Example 2
A 12 V (6 cell) battery at 20°C (68°F) (−5 °C change):
(-3.9 mV/°C) × (6 cells) × (-5 °C change) = +117 mV
(13.4 V flooded battery float) + (117 mV) = 13.52 V
Not compensating for temperature will shorten battery life by over or under charging.
See also
References
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