Charging Batteries
Discussion
I've built an electic car for my grandson, which is powered by a pair of 12v mobility scooter batteries wired in series to give 24v to the motors. My charger is a standard car type 12v, which until now I've used to charge each battery individually. If I connect it to the pair of batteries will it charge slowly, or not at all?
In my experience you can generally charge more than one battery in parallel successfully. Lead acid batteries are pretty forgiving.
The previous poster is quite correct, there could be differing levels discharge, but in practice I have charged three and four batteries on Boats and electric cars without any problems at all. And they all charged up in a few hours. This should work.
Be aware that hydrogen will be emitted during charging. Good ventilation and no naked flames or cigarettes essential. Be very very careful connecting and disconnecting during charging as this can produce a spark. This is particularly true if the batteries are in a confined space such as a hold, or battery container.
With Sulphuric acid and Hydrogen about this is a very wise precaution.
The previous poster is quite correct, there could be differing levels discharge, but in practice I have charged three and four batteries on Boats and electric cars without any problems at all. And they all charged up in a few hours. This should work.
Be aware that hydrogen will be emitted during charging. Good ventilation and no naked flames or cigarettes essential. Be very very careful connecting and disconnecting during charging as this can produce a spark. This is particularly true if the batteries are in a confined space such as a hold, or battery container.
With Sulphuric acid and Hydrogen about this is a very wise precaution.
Are the batterries SLA's or GEL type? there is a difference in the molecular structure that requires a suited charger, for technical advice give these guys a look we use them all the time and they will be cheaper than retail outlets, http://www.flexelmobility.com/batteries-chargers-a...
HTH
Dave.
HTH
Dave.
Well you have choices then.
If there are three batteries (12v) you need a 36 volt charger. Some lorry chargers will allow different voltages. Direct charging should work just the same with 36 volts. Two in series 24 volt and so on.
Alternatively you could disconnect the batteries reconnect for charging in parallel with suitable jump leads and recharge in parallel with a 12 volt charger.
Should still work remember the hydrogen take care to ventilate and care when reconnecting.
If there are three batteries (12v) you need a 36 volt charger. Some lorry chargers will allow different voltages. Direct charging should work just the same with 36 volts. Two in series 24 volt and so on.
Alternatively you could disconnect the batteries reconnect for charging in parallel with suitable jump leads and recharge in parallel with a 12 volt charger.
Should still work remember the hydrogen take care to ventilate and care when reconnecting.
Gassing Station | Homes, Gardens and DIY | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff