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21.3 Rechargeable batteries
21.3.1 Lead acid batteries
Lead acid batteries, whether of free electrolyte or low-maintenance
sealed construction, have a nominal terminal voltage on load of 2.0 V
per cell. This voltage falls on load in a gradual curve, shown in
Figure 21.2, until the discharged voltage of between 1.75 and 1.85 volts
per cell is reached.
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1.7
1.8
1.9
2.0
Cell
voltage
Discharge time (hours)
Figure 21.2 Typical lead acid cell discharge characteristics
A discharged battery will, because of its inefficiencies, require
a recharge equal to the amperes × hours discharged +11%,e.g.a
cell discharged at 5 amps for 10 hours will require a recharge ...