Charging 4x 12v 7.2amp in serious 48v

[markymark2406]

I have 4x 12v 7.2 batteries which I'm going to put into serious = 48volts to run a electric wheel on a bike, I'm wondering what amps I should be putting into them I don't want to destroy them ?

 

[bernardgreen]

The charging current will depend on what type of battery they are. Best is to look at the manufacturer's data sheet for recommended charging currents / durations.

It would not be a good idea to series charge 4 batteries unless they are all the same type and have had similar histories of charge and dis-charge cycles.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

I must admit that when I saw the topic title in the list I thought "what on earth does 'serious 48V' mean?

It would not be a good idea to series charge 4 batteries unless they are all the same type and have had similar histories of charge and dis-charge cycles.

It might not be a good idea to do it at all.

http://www.battcon.com/papersfinal2004/symonspaper2004.pdf

 

[JohnW2]

It would not be a good idea to series charge 4 batteries unless they are all the same type and have had similar histories of charge and dis-charge cycles.

It might not be a good idea to do it at all. http://www.battcon.com/papersfinal2004/symonspaper2004.pdf

I don't doubt that everything that article says is true, but one mustn't forget that if one charges a 12V lead-acid battery, one is charging 6 lead-acid cells in series - with all the problems that potentially results in if one or more of the cells has 'become different' from the rest.

Kind Regards, John

 

[ban-all-sheds]

I didn't closely read all of the article, but I think the point is that 24 cells in series might be a DKOF to 6....

 

[markymark2406]

They are all lead acid battery's sealed all the same age,sorry about the spelling mistake

 

[JohnW2]

I didn't closely read all of the article, but I think the point is that 24 cells in series might be a DKOF to 6....

I haven't read it very fully, either, but I think what you say is true. However, my point was that there is still a potential problem (which many of us have experienced) even with just 6 cells in series.

Kind Regards, John

 

[JohnW2]

They are all lead acid battery's sealed all the same age...

They may all be the same age, but that does not guarantee that they are all in the same 'condition'.

Kind Regards, John

 

[ban-all-sheds]

And maybe with a 12V battery there is a much better guarantee that each of the 6 cells will be in the same condition?

 

[markymark2406]

Tbe can I have an answer to the original question ?

 

[ban-all-sheds]

You did get an answer in the very first reply.

 

[JohnW2]

And maybe with a 12V battery there is a much better guarantee that each of the 6 cells will be in the same condition?

Certainly no "guarantee" but possibly/probably a higher probability.

Kind Regards, John

 

[ban-all-sheds]

And "better guarantee" is not equivalent to "more likely", or "a higher probability", why, exactly?

 

[JohnW2]

And "better guarantee" is not equivalent to "more likely", or "a higher probability", why, exactly?

Well, apart from the fact that they are different parts of speech, because the latter two are quantitative, whereas the former is dichotomous. Just as one is either pregnant or not, one can either "guarantee" something or not - the concept of "to better guarantee" is a contradiction in terms. If one has already 'guaranteed' something, how can that be 'bettered'?

Kind Regards, John

 

[oldbutnotdead]

Given up on the 3 pole 48v charging lead then? Another one for you to think about- if your '12v' batteries are lead-acid then they are actually 13.8 volt. If they're always discharging in series then yes you can charge them in series, sensible maximum current is going to be about 5 amps but any decent charger is going to self-limit. Where you are going to find a 55.2 volt charger I have no idea- try golf buggy suppliers? Or even the manufacturer of your mobility scooter thing.