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1. What does the
SPIRALCELL design do?
2. Does Optima ever gas?
3. Does Optima Deep Cycle have a
'memory'?
4. Why the low rate of
self-discharge?
5.
Can you trickle charge an Optima? Solar card charger?
6.
Will my high-output alternator damage the Optima?
7.
Will it discharge the battery if left sitting on concrete?
8.
Can I hook an Optima up in parallel with my other battery?
9. Can I use an isolator with
an Optima?
10. Why does the Optima last
longer?
11. What is the difference between deep cycle and starter battery?
12. What does deep cycle mean?
13. When should I consider a
deep cycle?
14. What is a Gel Cell Battery?
15. How does a Gel Cell compare
to your deep cycle?
1. What does the SPIRALCELL design do?
The unique design of the SPIRALCELL Technology provides many
features not available in ordinary batteries. The following is a
summary.
SPIRALCELL PROVIDES:
- MORE plate surface, closer plate spacing, ability to use high
purity lead. RESULTING IN: Low internal resistance. This low
resistance gives you more power in a smaller box, ability to
recharge much faster, higher, cleaner voltage characteristics during
discharge.
- IMMOBILIZED plates (locked in place). RESULTING IN: Improved
vibration resistance, no shedding of active paste material, no
gradual loss of power and capacity as the battery ages. This gives
you a battery that lasts longer and performs better throughout its
life.
2. Does Optima ever gas?
When used with a properly regulated constant voltage charging system
(such as an alternator) the Optima will usually not emit hydrogen
gas. However, gassing can occur when charging at higher voltage
levels or in extreme high temperature conditions. In automotive
applications this typically will not happen if the
alternator/regulator stay below 15 volts.
3. Does Optima Deep Cycle have a 'memory'?
Lead-Acid batteries do not suffer from memory effect. Many people
think they have a memory because they experience a reduction in
capacity or run-time as the battery ages. The active paste material
in a lead-acid battery is a consumable item, similar to tread on a
tire. Every time you cycle the battery some of the paste is used up.
As the battery ages, less of the active paste is available to charge
and discharge, resulting in a reduced operating time. This situation
can be more apparent in the case where a high power or SLI battery
is used in a deep cycle application. The plates of an SLI battery
are designed for high current, short duration discharges. Plates in
deep cycle batteries are better suited to repetitive deep discharge
applications.
4. Why the low rate of self-discharge?
Mostly this is due to the purity of the lead in the Optima plates.
Some of the alloys in conventional batteries are more prone to
electron transfer resulting in self discharge than the what is used
in the Optima.
5. Can you trickle charge an
Optima? Solar card charger?
Yes, you can use any charger on an Optima as long as the voltage is
regulated properly. If your charger will remain on indefinitely the
voltage should be at 13.8 volts maximum with a one amp maximum
current.
6. Will my high-output
alternator damage the Optima?
No, as long as the voltage is properly regulated. Because the Optima
has a very low internal resistance it will accept high current more
efficiently than conventional batteries.
7. Will it discharge the battery if left sitting on
concrete?
No, today's batteries utilized polypropylene plastic for the case
material. They will not be effected. When possible, always store a
battery in a cool dry location.
8. Can I hook an Optima up in
parallel with my other battery?
No, when hooking batteries together in parallel they should be of
identical make, model, and of similar age.
9. Can I use an isolator with an Optima?
Yes, most any type of battery separator or solenoid can be used with
an Optima. The important thing to remember is that the charging
voltage must be within Optima's suggested limits. If you are using
an Optima and a conventional battery, your system must charge each
battery independently. Remember, some isolators cause a voltage
drop, make sure your charging voltage AT THE BATTERY is sufficient.
Continua undercharging of a battery will lead to premature failure
and a drop in capacity.
10. Why does the Optima last longer?
The main reasons for Optima's longer life are:
- NO shedding of active paste material. The SPIRALCELL design
immobilizes the plates preventing the active past from working
loose, which can cause plate to plate shorting.
- High purity lead-tin grid. Optima's grid material is more
resistant to grid degradation. A type of internal corrosion that
affects the plates inside a battery as it ages.
- SEALED design prevents loss of water which can lead to plate dry
out and failure.
B
11. What is the difference between your deep cycle
and starter battery?
The Optima deep cycle battery utilizes a different chemistry for the
active paste material on the plates, and a slightly stronger acid.
This chemistry changes allows for a much longer life in cycling
applications, with only a slight reduction in power.
12. What does deep cycle mean?
Deep cycle means using the battery in an application that will
typically discharge 60% to 70% or more of the batter y capacity. An
automotive battery is an SLI (starting, lighting, ignition) battery.
It's plates are designed to deliver maximum power for a short
duration. Starting a car typically discharges an SLI battery only 1%
to 3%. When an SLI battery is used in a deep cycle application, or
in a vehicle with heavy accessory loads, the battery life will be
shortened proportionally to how deeply it is cycled on a regular
basis.
13. When should I consider a deep cycle?
Any time you need the battery to supply all the operating power for
a vehicle or other device. Additionally, deep cycle batteries should
be used in vehicles that have heavy accessory loads where the
alternator cannot maintain the battery in a fully charged condition.
14. What is a Gel Cell Battery?
A gel battery design is typically a modification of the standard
lead acid automotive or marine battery. A gelling agent is added to
the electrolyte to reduce movement inside the battery case. Many gel
batteries also use one way valves in place of open vents, this helps
the normal internal gasses to recombine back into water in the
battery, reducing gassing.
15. How does a Gel Cell compare to your deep cycle?
Most gel batteries have a much higher internal resistance, meaning
they will not be able to deliver and receive current as efficiently.
This is especially apparent at higher amperage levels. For example,
most gel batteries will not work successfully in engine starting
applications.
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