Quote:
Originally Posted by Kevin Sevcik
Vent position only matters when you're charging, though. At high overcharging currents, electrolysis produces oxygen and hydrogen which can build pressure and requires venting. There's no gas production or need for venting at any other time. Those datasheet are just assuming you're using them in a standard application, where a battery is semi-permanently installed and is discharged and charged in place. As long as he isn't charging his battery on the robot, he'll be fine.
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I can't argue with you on theoretical grounds, and my
guess is you're right about the datasheet assumption.
Nonetheless, I'd follow the manufacturer's recommendation. There might be other reasons for it. To pick one example: Does the vent ever operate during large swings in battery temperature and barometric pressure? (and could that ever cause some sort of acid leakage?) Can any battery gurus comment on this (or other reasons)?