Battery: Where did we go wrong?

[the_42nd_parado]

Originally Posted by mrmummert

I've read that it can be caused by being over charged but the charger we use is supposed to prevent that.

I'm wondering if it might have something to do with the batteries having been used laying on their side while in the robot. None of our 2015 batteries did it, but a 2014 one did and i think a 2012 battery might have been the other one.

The charger we use is also designed to prevent overcharging as well. As for the batteries being laid on there sides, I do not not think so, the rest of our batteries have laid on there sides and have not done anything like this.

Originally Posted by ebarker

That battery needs to be sent to be recycled. It is bad. Either a cell shorted out or it was charged with the wrong high rate charger.

Make sure the max charge rate is 6 amps, 2 is better. Microprocessor controlled 3 or 4 stage charging is best and make sure it is compatible with AGM / GEL batteries. Liquid cells like in auto batteries have a different charge profile.

We have had maybe 3 or 4 failures in 12 years ? We keep 14 batteries in service, so altogether we have not had a real problem.

Ok one of our mentors is taking the battery to a hazardous waste recycling center. Also when I get back into our shop I'll try to find out weather the charger is 6 or 2 amp, also if it is Microprocessor controlled. However I am fairly certain it is 3 amp.

Originally Posted by MrForbes

If you want help figuring out what went wrong, you might need to provide some clues. Like, what was done to the battery? was it just sitting in a nice dark cool room all by itself? was it connected to a charger? was it exposed to temperature extremes? was it shorted out? How old is it?

I know we were charging the battery in preparation for a demo tomorrow. Though our charger is designed (as stated before) to prevent overcharging. As for possible temperature shifts there is a high possibility as our shop is not air conditioned. Shorted out I do not think so, the connectors were fine. If there was a short it would be in our charger. Also as stated before the battery was given to us in 2010 for frc. I guess it may have run its life.

Well thanks everyone for your replies.
The_42nd_Paradox