Deep-cycle golf car battery technology has improved over the years, enough to send you a message on your mobile device when they need to be recharged and to indicate when they require maintenance. While they don’t yet have their own Instagram account, they do have a profile of sorts.
In the same way different battery designs can vary in capacity and performance, charging the battery can also be as unique as the battery itself. Knowing that a battery’s performance, as well as how it is discharged and maintained, is a result of its work environment can be used to determine the charging profile used. Knowing which charge profile or charge algorithm works best for your application can greatly affect their overall performance and longevity.
Charger manufacturers like Delta-Q work closely with battery manufacturers like US Battery Manufacturing to develop various charging algorithms for their particular battery designs. The best “charge quality” depends on the charging algorithm used by the battery charger. According to Delta-Q engineers, there are more than 50 charge algorithms on hand for various batteries that are loaded into specific types of battery chargers.
To understand which charge algorithm is best for your golf car batteries, it’s important to understand what a charge algorithm is. Most golf car battery chargers recharge the battery in three stages. The first is a Bulk Charge Stage where it uses constant current at full charger output to return the battery to approximately 80 percent state of charge. The second stage is Absorption Charge, where the charger uses constant voltage to return approximately 100 percent of the ampere-hours removed during the previous recharge. In the absorption charge stage, the charger allows the battery to determine the charge rate. The third stage is the Finish Charge where the charger uses a lower constant current charge to deliver a controlled overcharge, usually determined by the condition of the battery. This controlled overcharge is used to overcome charging inefficiencies, to balance all cells in the battery pack, and assure enough gassing to properly mix the electrolyte to prevent electrolyte stratification.
Battery and charger manufacturers know that not one profile fits every type of battery and how they are ultimately used. Therefore, specific charge profiles are designed in collaboration with battery manufacturers to provide the best results for overall performance and life. These are also typically called Custom Charge profiles and are often accompanied with the golf car’s original equipment and information packets.
To optimize battery performance and life in their vehicles, OEM’s often use a specific type and size of battery and require a Custom charge profile to maximize the battery performance over life. Depending on the battery type and its use, the charge time and current applied during the three stages we mentioned earlier can vary to provide the best possible balance between runtime, cycle life vs depth of discharge and overall battery life.
A Generic charge profile is typically designed for a variety of battery types within an amp-hour range. A generic charge profile applies to a specific battery chemistry but allows for a wider variation in battery types within an amp-hour range. You can find this information from the battery manufacturer.
Specific battery chemistries such as a Flooded Lead-Acid or AGM each require a different charge profile and amount of overcharge during the three stages of charging. According to Delta-Q engineers, generic charge profiles specific to battery chemistry will provide a reasonable compromise between battery makes and models while being flexible enough to accommodate differences in battery design. This is handy for the times when the owner decides to shop for a different brand of battery than what came with the golf car from the manufacturer. It is important for programmable chargers to determine the best charge algorithm for the batteries being used by contacting the battery manufacturer or charger manufacturer.
Finally, some “universal” chargers provide for a selection among battery chemistries using a selector switch for SLI, Deep Cycle FLA or VRLA (AGM or GEL). This gives the end user the most flexibility on battery choices and acceptable performance with a wide range of aftermarket batteries.
The best way to get the most out of your charger, and ultimately your batteries, is to consult with the battery manufacturer and look up the charge profile they have on your specific battery. The battery charger should have that specific charge profile, allowing you to get the most out of your batteries and ultimately your equipment. For more information on batteries and charging profiles, visit www.usbattery.com or www.delta-q.com.
