Many have experienced the problems that come when they return to their homes and their systems will not start.

The following is a list of things to do to help you prevent that malady:

1. On the days before leaving do a thorough clean up of connections and batteries.

A mechanical inspection will help you to identify what terminals need replacement and maximize the recharge rate.

2. Fully charge your battery systems.

If possible use your chargers in a low amperage mode. It will take longer in fully charge the batteries but will do a much better job.

Batteries are recharge at higher amperage rates mostly for practical reasons but if you are not using the systems you can take your time recharging the batteries.

3. Once you have fully charged your batteries, disconnect them from each other.

That will reduce the discharge rate.

4. Store your system away from the elements like rain and snow.

Discharged batteries can more easily freeze, destroying plates, leaving them useless.

5. If you live in an area where extreme freezing tends to happen, an insulated storage is recommended.

6. If you are nearby or have a person taking care of your place during the winter, recharge your systems at least once every month.

7. If you own a Battery Life Saver™ electronic device you do not need to disconnect the batteries from each other. You can leave the BLS connected and with a timer program your charger to go on and off on weekly basis.

Do not leave the BLS connected if you are not programming the system to be recharged.

8. When you are back reconnect the batteries and recharged them as usual.

If your charger do not recognize them and will not charge. You can use a regular charger that is not smart and recharge them.

Again recharge in a low amperage mode is the best to get your batteries going.

9. If you own a BLS, reconnect it while recharging. This will dissolve the lead sulfate crystals that are reducing your battery life and extend the life of your batteries.

If you own several 12volts pieces of equipment you can use the BLS 12/24 B and rotate it on the different systems while charging.

10. For more information and tips about battery maintenance visit: www.batterylifesaver.com

Lead-Acid Batteries

(Commonly used in cars, trucks, boats, golf carts, forklifts, RV’s, solar/wind systems and many other applications)

Voltage of a battery
Lead-acid batteries include AGM, VRLA, Gel Cell and Flooded batteries.  Lead acid batteries are composed of battery cells.

Each battery cell is approximately  2 volts.  In most batteries, you can determine the voltage by counting the battery cells.

In flooded batteries, each filler cap is a battery cell.  In sealed batteries, the caps are sealed.  A battery with 3 caps is a 6 volt battery.

Examples:

6 volt Golf Cart Battery The 3 filling caps are circled	12 volt Sealed Gel Cell Battery The 6 sealed caps are circled

Voltage of a battery system

Now that we know the voltage of the batteries, we can now determine the voltage of the system.

Golf Carts: Count the number of batteries and multiply by the voltage. 6 x 6 volt batteries is a 36 volt system.

Other systems: To determine the total voltage of a battery system, you first must determine how the system is connected.  Battery systems are either connected in series or in parallel.  First, observe the connections between the batteries.

Series connected battery systems are connected from the positive (+) terminal of one battery to the negative (-) terminal of the next battery, or vice-versa.  To get the total voltage of a series connected battery system, multiply the number of batteries by the voltage.

3 x 12 volt batteries connected in series is a 36 volt system.

Parallel connected battery systems are connected from the positive (+) terminal of one battery to the positive (+) terminal of the next battery as well as the negative (-) terminal of the same battery to the

negative (-) terminal of the next battery.  The total voltage of a parallel connected battery system is the voltage of one battery. 3 x 12 volt batteries connected in parallel is a 12 volt battery system.

But the cost of battery replacement can be painful.

Just like a car, golf cart batteries need to be properly cared for to get maximum battery life.

Here are a few tips to get the most out of your batteries.

1. Charge after every use: Golf cart batteries are not like cell phones, they need to be charged after every use, even short drives.
2. Water Regularly: Use only distilled water. Be careful not to overfill, battery acid is very harmful and corrosive. The water level should be about 1/4 of an inch above the plates.
3. Keep terminals and connections clean: A wire brush or terminal cleaner will do the trick. If the batteries are covered with acid, sprinkle baking soda over the top and wash away with water.
4. Use a desulfator to prevent sulfation: Desulfators handle the problem of lead sulfate build-up that causes 80% of batteries to fail prematurely. They will also maintain short charge times and long drive times.
5. Store properly: Storage of batteries is crucial. In cool climates , improper storage can cause batteries to crack, making them unusable. In warm climates, sulfation can drastically shorten the life.

Here are some basic tips on storage depending on your climate.

• Winter Storage: The best option is to fully charge and store in warm space.

If stored outside, it’s important to fully charge and disconnect any accessories. Good Practice: Charge the batteries once every month.

• Summer Storage: It is best to store in a cool space.

Check the water levels periodically. Good Practice: Charge the batteries once every month.

How will golf cart batteries last?

There are many factors when estimating how long golf cart batteries last. The quality of the battery, climate, usage, and maintenance all play a huge factor in battery life.  The use of a good battery desulfator will greatly improve battery life as well.

Here is a chart with the average life expectancy of golf cart batteries:

Questions? Please give us a call at 727-446-8400.

Todos nos beneficiamos de usar baterías de plomo- acido.

Nuestros carros y carros de golf pararían de funcionar sin ellas. Muchos de los lujos de la civilización no se podrían mantener estando desconectados del sistema eléctrico de la ciudad. Cosas como los refrigeradores, televisores y aire acondicionado en nuestros vehículos recreacionales no funcionarían sin baterías. Los sistemas solares y de viento dependen de bancos de baterías para acumular la energía producida. Reemplazar esas baterías es bastante costoso y en general su vida útil es mucho más corta de lo que se supone debería ser.

¿Cómo sacarle el mejor provecho a mis baterías?

Para tener una mejor comprensión acerca de qué hacer, necesitamos responder un par de preguntas:

a. ¿Qué es una batería? Una batería es un dispositivo en el que energía química es transformada en energía eléctrica. Esta energía puede ser usada en forma controlada.

b. ¿Cómo funciona una batería? Podemos decir que una batería corriente tiene tres elementos básicos: Una platina hecha de plomo, la solución de acido sulfúrico y otra platina hecha de oxido de plomo. Cuando la batería está siendo descargada la solución de acido sulfúrico reacciona con el plomo y el oxido de plomo, liberando electrones que generan el flujo eléctrico. El producto de esta reacción es sulfato de plomo y deja una solución de acido sulfúrico menos concentrado y una reducción en el grosor de las platinas. Cuando la batería está completamente descargada lo único que queda es una larga acumulación de sulfato de plomo sobre las platinas y una solución muy diluida del acido sulfúrico que es mayormente agua.

Cando se comienza a recargar la batería el sulfato de plomo se empieza a disolver debido a la corri ente de electrones que entra en el sistema.

Regresando el sistema a sus componentes originales: Plomo, solución de acido sulfúrico y oxido de plomo.

El problema

Cuando una batería no es cargada completamente hay fracciones de sulfato de plomo que no se disuelven quedando acumuladas en las platinas.

La próxima vez que la batería sea usada el sulfato de plomo que naturalmente se forma en la descarga se va a unir a esos cristales dejados sin disolver y ahora van a ser cristales más fuertes y más difíciles de disolver cuando se cargue la batería nuevamente. El problema es que una carga estándar no va a ser capaz de disolver esos cristales. Entonces vas a terminar acumulando mas y mas sulfatos de plomo que no se van a disolver.

Sus platinas se vuelven más delgadas y la solución de acido sulfú rico se vuelve menos fuerte.

Esto reduce gradualmente la vida de tus baterías.

¿Qué hacer?

Primero que todo debes estar seguro de cargar tus baterías completamente y regularmente aun si no estás usando tus baterías.

Puedes usar un buen desulfatador electrónico. El puede disolver los sulfatos que la carga normal no podría disolver. Esta acción extiende la vida de sus baterías.

Después de haber evaluado muchos polvos aditivos y líquidos en el mercado para eliminar sulfatos.

Yo no recomiendo usar ese tipo de sustancias.

Sobrecargar las baterías también llamado ecualización de baterías. Es otra acción que no recomiendo. A la larga esta acción va a terminar “matando” sus baterías. A pesar de cualquier mejora aparente.

Como mencione antes, reacciones químicas ocurren cuando se cargan y descargan las baterías de plomo-acido.

El calor acelera estas reacciones, causa que la carga se pierda más rápidamente aun sin estar usando la batería. Es importante prevenir que sus baterí as sean expuest as a altas temperaturas tanto como sea posible. Es mejor almacenarlas en un lugar fresco.

Estaciona tus carros en un lugar sombreado evitando la exposición directa al sol tanto como sea posible.

Si el calor puede reducir dramáticamente la vida de una batería, el frio la puede destruir completamente. Por favor no descuides tus baterías cuando el clima está demasiado frio (por debajo

del punto de congelación). Si vas a dejar tu carro o carro de golf por meses en lugares donde cae nieve o se enfrían por debajo del punto de congelación. Asegúrate de dejar tus baterías completamente cargadas antes de que las bajas temperaturas comiencen. Si te vas a ausentar por meses un cargador

de goteo te vendría muy bien para mantener tus baterías en buena condición. El riesgo de tener una batería descargada expuesta a temperaturas de congelamiento, es el agua que se forma cuando la batería se descarga, cuando congelada puede averiar tus baterías.

Hablando acerca de agua si tus baterías son del tipo no sellado asegúrate de agregar agua regularmente.

El peor enemigo de tus baterías es el abandono.

Baterías que son cuidadas correctamente duran 2 veces más que las que son descuidadas.

Que no hacer:

1. No sobrecargues o ecualices tus baterías

2. No almacenes tus baterías en lugares calientes o bajo exposición directa al sol

3. No uses ningún tipo de aditivos, líquidos o sólidos en sus baterías

4. No dejes de poner agua en tus baterías y solo use agua destilada.

Cualquier otra agua contiene minerales y otros elementos que son dañinos para su batería.

5. No dejes de cargar tus baterías regularmente

6. No exponga sus baterías a muy bajas temperaturas debido al riesgo de ruptura.

Que hacer:

1. Carga tus baterías regularmente. Déjelas cargarse totalmente antes desconectar el cargador.

2. Usa el dispositivo electrónico Salvavidas de Baterías que elimina los sulfatos difíciles de disolver

3. Almacena o estaciona tus carros en un lugar sombreado o por lo menos en un lugar donde no hay exposición directa al sol

4. Agrega agua regularmente cuando necesario si tienes baterías del tipo sin sellar, usando solamente agua destilada

5. Proteja tus baterí as de temperaturas debajo de congelamiento.

Estas reglas simples te ayudaran a sacar el mejor provecho de tus baterías.

The average life expectancy of a golf cart battery is three years, in cooler climates they average 4-5 years. Good quality golf cart batteries can cost between $120.00 and $200.00 a piece. Do the math: a cart with 6 batteries at $140 a piece = $840. Some carts have 8 batteries.

In six years, you’ll spend that twice.

Ouch!

But what makes batteries be so short lived? Answer: the buildup of lead sulfate on the battery plates.

If batteries sit in disuse, as they often do, the problem escalates. During the hot summer weather, while many users are up north, crystal build up can make batteries unserviceable in a matter of months.
Battery operated golf carts, as well, slow down over time.

They don’t go as far; they don’t hold as much charge.

Lead sulfate builds up on the battery plates.

In today’s energy saving communities, golf carts are to adults what bicycles are to kids.

They are used for errand running, shopping, visiting or simply getting around town. Just as golfers want their carts to last more than18 holes, moms, babysitters and shoppers want their carts to last 18 blocks and back.

Dead or weak batteries are no fun.

There is a simple, easy to use solution to extend battery life. It is called Battery Life Saver electronic device, BLS for short, that uses a square wave (a powerful, variable wave) that excites the lead sulfate crystals that form on the battery plates and causes them to dissolve.

You attach it to the battery or battery bank and forget it; it keeps lead sulfate from forming, thus extending the life of your batteries, and keeping them at top efficiency. It also can be used to restore “dead,” sulfate-ridden batteries to a like new condition.

The Ben Franklin maxim: “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” means dollars and cents today.

When he recited the famous vigil, he noticed how after a fire was seen and cried out, Philadelphia was full of men of different ages, professions and titles who applied themselves to the hard work of putting the fire out. So in 1736, he organized Philadelphia’s Union Fire Company, the first in the city.

In 1752, Franklin helped to found the Philadelphia Contribution for Insurance Against Loss by Fire, because victims of fires had been wiped out financially.

We can all make history today by thinking and acting ahead and preventing battery failure.

Find out more information about the BLS at www.batterylifesaver.com or call toll free 1-866-301-8835 for more info.

By Thomas Kelly

We like to drive our cars, golf cars, boats and RV’s. Companies and their warehouses depend on forklifts to move and restock products. All of these things move around because of batteries, replacing those batteries can be really expensive.

Batteries fail because they accumulate sulfates that do not go away by regular batteries recharge.

A company can spend between $2000 and $4000 to replace a sulfated forklift battery every four years.

An individual can spend between $700 and $1000 to replace their sulfated golf car batteries and between $200 and $600 to replace their sulfated marine batteries.

This expense can be devastating for a small business or an individual. There is more; we give up our old batteries thinking that they are going to be recycled.

A closer look discovers that batteries are sent abroad to countries like; South Korea, China, India and even our neighbor Mexico, where regulations for recycling are very lax and wages are low.

Australia, Japan and the UK similarly export battery waste and other lead scraps.

Lead and leftovers of sulfuric acid end up polluting water sources, the soil and the air. Entire populations get exposed and become sick.

Eventually, atmospheric elements will bring them back to our land.

There is good news on the horizon.

A newly patented product manufactured by a US company based on Clearwater, FL.

“Battery Solutions and Innovations Inc.” is doing some “miracles” with batteries. Their product is called: The Battery Life Saver™ electronic device or most commonly named “The BLS”. The Battery Life Saver electronic device eliminates the whole range of sulfates efficiently. At the same time

that sulfates are gradually eliminated, lead and lead oxide goes back to the plates, much like electroplating, and the sulfuric acid becomes stronger.

The BLS has already rejuvenated batteries and extended battery life for over 15,000 users.

Their cumulative savings can be calculated in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.

It is very popular with marine batteries, golf car batteries, off grid solar systems and wind systems. More important is how much it has helped to protect the environment.

“Every day I hear from companies and people who have bought our products telling me how batteries they thought lost are ‘brought back to life’”, says Thomas J. Kelly, VP for Sales and Marketing.

“It feels good to sell products that will save people money and help protect the environment at the same time. We believe that when you do good for someone else, you do good for yourself.”

Our cars and golf cars will go nowhere without them. Many niceties of civilization maintained outside electrical grid systems like a refrigerator or TV in our RV would not be possible without batteries. Of course, wind and solar systems depend on battery banks.

Those batteries can cost us a pretty penny to replace and most of the time last way below their supposed life expectancy.

How do I get the most out of my batteries?

To better understand what to do we will need to answer a couple questions:

a. What is a battery? A battery is a device in which chemical energy is transformed into electrical energy.

That energy can be used in a controlled manner.

b. How does a battery work? In a normal battery we have three basic elements: one plate made of lead, an electrolyte of sulfuric acid and another plate made of lead oxide. When the battery is discharged, the sulfuric acid in the electrolyte reacts with the lead and lead oxide releasing electricity, forming lead sulfate. This leaves a watery electrolyte solution. When a battery is completely discharged, what is left is lead sulfate and water. When you start recharging the battery, the lead sulfate is broken apart by the electric current. This returns the system to the original elements: lead and lead oxide on the plates and sulfuric acid in the electrolyte, for the most part.

We said for the most part because an incomplete recharge is going to leave behind some lead sulfate.

The next time you use the energy from the battery, the newly formed sulfate is going to attach to the left over sulfates making stronger sulfates. The problem is that a normal battery recharge is not going to be able to break them down completely.

So you will have more and more sulfates that now are not breaking up and gradually are shortening the life of your batteries.

What to do?

First make sure you recharge your batteries completely and regularly even if you do not use your vehicle.

You can use a good electronic desulfator. It can dissolve the otherwise hard to eliminate sulfates, extending the battery life.

After testing many powders and liquids sold to eliminate sulfates, I would not recommend using those kinds of substances.

Overcharging, also called equalizing is another action that is not recommended. It will end up killing your batteries in the long run despite any apparent immediate improvements.

As we mentioned earlier there are chemical reactions charging and discharging batteries.

Heat accelerates those reactions causing a battery to discharge faster. It is important to protect your batteries as much as possible from high temperatures. It is better to store in a cool place. Park your cars in a shadowy place and avoiding as much as possible the direct sun.

If heat can dramatically reduce the battery life, ice can destroy it completely. Do not ignore icy weather. If you are going to leave your car or golf car for months in a place that can be hit by extensive freezing temperatures or you expect a freeze, make sure to fully charge your batteries before the freezing temperatures start.

If you are going to leave for months at the time a trickle charger is very useful to maintain batteries in a good condition. The risk of a discharged battery hit by freezing temperatures is that the water formed by the discharge of the battery when frozen can crack the battery, destroying it.

Talking about water, if your batteries are the unsealed types make sure to regularly water them.

The worst enemy of your batteries is neglect.

Batteries well cared for last two times longer than neglected ones.

Don’ts

1. Do not equalize and/or overcharge your batteries.

2. Do not store your batteries in hot places or under direct sun exposure.

3. Do not use solid or liquid additives in your batteries.

4. Do not neglect to water and only use distilled water. Any other water contains minerals that are bad for your battery.

5. Do not neglect to charge regularly.

6. Do not expose directly your batteries to very low temperatures to prevent any risk of cracking.

Do’s

1. Regularly charge your batteries. Let them to get fully charged before disconnecting the charger.

2. Use a good electronic desulfator that will help to eliminate hard sulfates from the plates.

3. Store cars and batteries in cool places or at least away from direct sun exposure.

4. Water batteries regularly if they are the unsealed type using distilled water.

5. Protect batteries from being directly exposed to extreme cold weather.

These simple rules will help you to get the most out of your batteries.

Our answer is good news. The Battery Life Saver electronic device is suited to work on all types of lead-acid batteries.

Simple or complex, they follow the same basic principles. Whatever industry you are involved with, there is a BLS market in your area for other applications, a myriad of other potential customers.

We do not endorse any particular type of batteries. The statements in this article are intended only to give a general briefing about types of lead-acid batteries and possible applications where the BLS can be used.

Types of Lead-Acid Batteries

There are two types of lead-acid batteries. There are starter (or cranking) batteries that can generate a high amount of energy in a short period of time.

These batteries are commonly used in vehicles to start the engine.

There are also deep cycle batteries. A deep cycle battery can generate a smaller amount of energy for a longer period of time. Deep cycle batteries are constructed with thicker plates and can withst and a deeper discharge, making them more prone to sulfate build-up. These batteries are commonly used in golf carts, forklifts, RV’s (for the house batteries), off grid solar systems, Uninterrupted Power Source (UPS) and electric chairs.

Besides the 2 types of lead-acid batteries, there are also different versions where the lead is mixed w ith other metals or it is used in a purer form. This alters a bit how the charge or discharge of the battery happens. There are also hybrid batteries that have properties of starter and deep batteries. Despite all complexities that can be found to increase or modify performance, a lead-acid battery is a lead-acid battery.

Common Battery Technologies
No matter if batteries are starter or deep cycle, the two most common technologies are Flooded and VRLA (valve-regulated lead-acid), most commonly called Sealed lead-acid batteries, The VRLA is divided further into Gel and Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM).

Wet cells or flooded batteries are the most popular. They are used on cars, boats, golf cars, solar and wind banks.

The marine type is not sealed so users can refill any water that was lost while charging. Special care should be taken while operating any non sealed batteries; first to prevent getting burned with the acid solution inside the battery (follow the safety instructions and use safety gear) and second to prevent the battery from getting contaminated with external agents (sea water, rain water, soil etc). Non-sealed batteries are not the strongest, mechanically speaking.

They crack easier than others.

Make sure to fully charge them before a long winter. Even better, charge them at least once a month during the winter months, as you run the risk of battery cracking due to freezing.

We will cover winter battery maintenance in the next issue.

VRLA (valve-regulated lead-acid) You can not refill these batteries.

They are designed against spills.

Gel Cells: The electrolyte is mixed up with a jellifying non-reactive agent like fumed silica that immobilizes the electrolyte.

If for any reason the battery cracks, the cell will continue operating. You cannot use just any charger to charge gel cell batteries as you can ruin them easily by overcharging.

These kinds of batteries require lower charging voltages compared to flooded batteries. Read the instructions on charging to get the most of these batteries.

Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM): This kind of battery uses a glass mat to contain the electrolyte. They are basically spill-proof compared to the flooded type. Mechanically speaking, AGMs are the strongest batteries on the market. Although very similar to the charging voltages of the flooded batteries, you still need to be careful while charging, as overcharging can shorten their useful life dramatically.

The AGM offers a long list of advantages like shorter charging time, resistance to vibration, continuous operation even if the container cracks or breaks, lower self discharge than other types (around 3% per month vs. 1% per day on flooded cells), low energy conversion into heat (around 4% vs. 15 to 20% on flooded or 10 to 16% of the Gel cells) and minimal fume production.

On the other hand, they are 2 to 4 times more expensive than the flooded batteries.

VRLAs are favored by owners of boats, electric scooters, golf car and Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEV). AGMs are particularly favored with off grid solar and wind systems as well by RVs, aviation and jet skis.

There is one more emerging market to be aware of; truckers are starting to use deep batteries to power their small refrigerators, AC/heat units or ovens, due to the recent anti-idling legislation.

In summary, you can use The Battery Life Saver electronic device with all applications mentioned.

Contact your customer service agent for more information.

I get many questions about batteries, especially lead-acid batteries. I understand people’s curiosity, because with so many options out there, you can really get confused.

I decided to write a simple article about the subject.

I do not endorse any particular type of batteries. The statements in this article are intended only to give a general briefing about types of lead-acid batteries and their most common applications.

The simple lead-acid battery has evolved from the simple cell with plates and acid solution to complexly liaised multi-cells being adapted to hundreds of different applications. But it is good to know that, simple or complex, they follow the same basic principles.

Types of Lead-Acid Batteries.

You need to know that there are two types of lead-acid batteries:

1. Starter Batteries (cranking batteries): These are batteries that can generate a high amount of energy in a short period of time. They are commonly used in vehicles to start the engine.

2. Deep Cycle Batteries: A deep cycle battery can generate a smaller amount of energy for a longer period of time.

Deep cycle batteries are constructed with thicker plates and can withstand a deeper discharge. This makes them more prone to sulfate build-up. These batteries are commonly used in golf carts, fork-lifts, RV’s (for the house batteries), off grid solar and wind systems, Uninterrupted Power Source (UPS) and scooters and electric chairs, among others.

Beside the 2 types of lead-acid batteries, there are also different versions where the lead is mixed with other metals or it is used in a more pure form.

This alters a bit how the charge or discharge of the battery happens. There are the so-called hybrids that have properties of starter and deep cycle batteries.

Despite all complexities that can be found to increase or modify performance, a lead-acid battery is a lead-acid battery.

Common Battery Technologies

There is a second classification useful to know; no matter if batteries are starter or deep cycle.

The two most common technologies are Flooded and VRLA (valve-regulated lead-acid), most commonly called “Sealed lead-acid batteries,” The VRLA is divided further into Gel and Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM).

Wet cells or flooded batteries: They are the most popular because have been around longer, are less expensive and, in some cases, the easiest to regenerate. These batteries are used on cars, boats, golf cars, solar banks, wind banks and back up systems.

The marine type is not sealed so users can refill any water that was lost while charging.

Special care should be taken while operating any non sealed batteries; first to prevent getting burned with the acid solution inside the battery (follow the safety instructions and use safety gear) and second to prevent the battery from getting contaminated with external agents (sea water, rain water, soil etc). Non sealed batteries are not the strongest, mechanically speaking. They crack more easily than others. Make sure to fully charge them before a long winter. Even better, charge them at least once a month during the winter months, as you run the risk of battery cracking due to freezing. We will cover winter battery maintenance in the next issue.

VRLA (valve-regulated lead-acid): You can not refill these batteries. They are designed against spills.

As mentioned before they are divided in two types.

Gel Cells: The electrolyte is mixed up with a jellifying non-reactive agent like fumed silica that immobilizes the electrolyte. If for any reason the battery cracks, the cell will continue operating.

Do not use any charger to charge gel cell batteries as you can ruin them easily by overcharging. These kinds of batteries require lower charging voltages compared to flooded batteries. Read the instructions on charging to make the most of your batteries.

Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM): These kind of batteries use a glass mat to contain the electrolyte. They are basically spill-proof compared to the flooded type. Mechanically speaking, AGMs are the strongest batteries in the market. Although the charging voltages are very similar to the flooded ones, you still need to be careful while charging, as overcharging can shorten their useful life dramatically. The AGM offers a long list of advantages like shorter charging time, resistance to vibration, continuous operation even if the container cracks or breaks, lower self discharge than other types (around 3% per month vs.

1% per day on flooded cells), low energy conversion into heat (around 4% vs. 15 to 20% on flooded or 10 to 16% of the Gel cells) and minimal fume production. On the other hand, they are 2, 3 to 4 times more expensive than the flooded ones.

VRLAs are favored by owners of boats, electric scooters, golf car and Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEV). AGMs are particularly favored with off grid solar and wind systems as well by RVs, aviation and jet skis. There is one more emerging market; truckers are starting to use deep batteries to power their small refrigerators, AC/heat units or ovens.

Hopefully this clarified some of your confusions on lead-acid batteries. You can always contact me if you have more questions.

How a Battery Works
In a normal battery we have three basic elements: one plate made of lead, an electrolyte of sulfuric acid and another plate made of lead oxide. When the battery is discharged, the sulfuric acid in the electrolyte reacts with the lead and lead oxide releasing electricity, forming lead sulfate. This leaves a watery electrolyte solution. When a battery is completely discharged, what is left is lead sulfate and water. When you recharge the battery, the electrical current causes the lead sulfate to break apart, returning the system to the original elements of lead and lead oxide on the plates and sulfuric acid in the electrolyte, for the most part.

What’s the problem? Why do batteries fail?
When the battery is recharged, a small amount of lead sulfate maintains its sulfate configuration (sulfate crystal). These sulfates crystals cannot be reconverted using a regular electric current. Every time the battery is discharged then charged, more of these crystals are produced and the electrolyte solution becomes more watery. Like layers of snow on a garden, the crystals will continue to accumulate until you can no longer see the garden. These crystals interfere with the flow of electricity in and out of the battery. The battery will take longer to charge and a charge will last less time. A perfectly good battery will seem dead because lead sulfate has built up on the plates.
The BLS is the Solution
The BLS solves this problem by dissolving the buildup of lead sulfate crystals. The BLS sends a wave² through the battery or battery bank, targeting the lead sulfate crystals (even those that could not be dissolved by recharging), converting them back into lead and sulfuric acid. Each crystal is like a tiny radio receiver. In fact, when the radio was invented, a lead sulfate crystal was used for the receiver. The BLS action gradually restores the battery back to its original condition and allows the electrical charge to be drawn from the battery.

Other Desulfators
Electronic and chemical desulfators have been on the market for years. How is the BLS different? The biggest difference is the BLS’s ability to target the whole range of sulfates that accumulate on the lead plates. As discussed above, regular electric current does not have the ability to do this. Electronic desulfators (commonly known as pulsers) send a high amount of voltage for a short period of time throughout the battery to knock down the crystals (similar to overcharging). This technology is usually found in battery chargers. They are unable to dissolve all the different types of sulfates. You can get some initial apparent improvement but the continued use of the other desulfators that knock down crystals cause two negative effects on the battery:
1.) If you continue to use the pulser, the crystals will continue to accumulate at the bottom of the battery which can eventually cause a short cell.
2.) The plates will become thinner and the sulfuric acid will become weaker because any lead sulfate that falls to the bottom of the battery cannot be recovered. The Battery Life Saver electronic device dissolves the lead sulfate crystals that are covering the plates, converting them back into the original elements. It rejuvenates the sulfuric acid solution as well as the lead plates.