Prolonging the life of motive power batteries
- KW Powersource, Inc., Ooltewah, TN (United States)
Most industrial equipment begins to decline in its capacity to perform work the day it is placed in service. However, the lead-acid battery -- the type used to power fork lift trucks -- undergoes a normal life cycle comparable to that of a human being. Physical work capacity increases from infancy through youth, after which there is a gradual decline in vigor up to the inevitable end of life. A life of neglect or abuse, however, shortens the life cycle. Most lift truck batteries are delivered with the ability to function at about 90% of rated capacity. For the first three to six months of operation, capacity gradually grows until it reaches 100%. From that point on, every battery naturally loses capacity. This slow, natural capacity loss continues until the battery inevitably reaches the end of its service life. But in the manner of human life, premature demise can occur from unnatural causes. This article discusses criteria affecting capacity, factors contributing to loss of capacity, and factors resulting in loss of capacity.
- OSTI ID:
- 160801
- Journal Information:
- Plant Engineering (Chicago), Vol. 49, Issue 14; Other Information: PBD: 6 Nov 1995
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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