Monaco Executive 2005, Руководство пользователя

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Section 8 --- Electrical Systems - House
The Executive 2005
364
BATTERY -
How It Works
Batteries come in different sizes, types, amp hours, voltages and chemistries. There are nearly as
many descriptions of battery types and how they should be used as there are people willing to offer
advice on them. Although it is not possible to cover batteries in their entirety, there are guidelines that
can be followed to ensure that the batteries are well maintained.
The operation of the battery is based on a chemical reaction. The battery is a container of lead
plates, insulators and a solution of distilled water and sulfuric acid known as “electrolyte.” The 12 Volt
DC battery is actually six batteries in one case. When charged, each cell has a voltage of 2.1 Volts DC.
When six cells are hooked together this makes a 12.6 Volt DC battery (fully charged).
Electrons are stored on the negative plates. When a load (eg. a light bulb) is placed between the
positive and negative terminals, the electrons move from the negative plate to the positive plate
through the “load” and then back to the ground terminal. At this time the sulfuric acid leaves the water
and adheres onto the plates of the battery. The electrolyte solution keeps the electrons from flowing
while the battery is in the “at rest” position.
Charging the battery moves the sulfuric acid back into solution with the distilled water. A bat-
tery left in a low or discharged state will cause the acid to “sulfate.” In attempting to recharge the bat-
tery, the acid has become hardened and no longer will leave the plates and enter into the liquid solution
with the distilled water. The lowered acid to water ratio has a direct affect on the battery’s ability to
release the stored electrons (power output) and the length of time it can perform (reserve capacity).
Batteries left in a discharged condition will readily freeze, causing the case to crack and allowing the solu-
tion to spill. The plates can also warp. This is why batteries should not be left or stored in a “dis-
charged” condition.
Starting Battery
Starting batteries are designed for high output cranking power, but not for deep cycle like the house
batteries are designed to do. Starting batteries will not last long in deep cycle application. “Cold
Cranking Ampere” is a measurement of amperage output that can be sustained for 30 seconds.
Starting batteries use thin plates to maximize the surface area of the battery. This allows a very high
starting current that will permit the plates to warp when the battery is deep cycled (discharged).
The starting batteries are located in the engine compartment. Periodically inspect the mount-
ing hardware and trays. Trays and hardware should be tight and clean with no corrosion.
Battery with cover.
Battery with cover removed. Cut plastic to remove cover.
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