What are the implications of high temperatures on battery operation and how can I avoid them?
While the capacity of a traction battery is increased somewhat at higher temperatures, heat also has other adverse effects and all practical means should be employed to keep the battery temperature normal. Higher temperatures also increase the charging current and may result in a considerable overcharge. This means increased water usage, greater ‘formation’ (corrosion) of the positive plate spines and a shorter battery life. Any tendency for battery temperatures to rise above 45 o C due to operating conditions, should be minimised by: – avoiding over-discharge – charging in a cool location – supplying ample ventilation during charge by opening the battery compartment and circulating air by fans if necessary. Note: For every 10 °C rise in average battery temperature, the service life of lead acid batteries is reduced by approximately 50%.
