Hi,
I noticed an article by Home Power www.mrsharkey.com/nife2.pdf explaining
that CO2 gradually carbonates the KOH Potassium Hydroxide and electrolyte
needs to be replaced in the 5-15 year time frame. They show adding a
special mineral oil 1/8-3/16" on top "Chevron utility oil 22".
Is this necessary for flooded ni-cads like my STM5-180 Saft's? They show
replacing the electrolyte with the battery in a fully charged condition and
available from Pacific West Supply in oregon for $55 for 4 gallons (and you
return the used KOH to them).
What is the failure mode of Ni-Cads after say 2k -3k cycles? Do the plates
disintegrate like lead? Is it worth trying an electrolyte replacement when
they appear dead if at the speced end of life? I assume that would be it,
not to bother if they die at 2-3k. Home Power noted that 2K cycles is
typical (for me 40k miles) not the advertised 3k cycles or 60k miles.
Have a renewable energy day,
Mark
_________________________________________________________________
Messenger Café — open for fun 24/7. Hot games, cool activities served daily.
Visit now. http://cafemessenger.com?ocid=TXT_TAGHM_AugHMtagline
I noticed an article by Home Power www.mrsharkey.com/nife2.pdf explaining
that CO2 gradually carbonates the KOH Potassium Hydroxide and electrolyte
needs to be replaced in the 5-15 year time frame. They show adding a
special mineral oil 1/8-3/16" on top "Chevron utility oil 22".
Is this necessary for flooded ni-cads like my STM5-180 Saft's? They show
replacing the electrolyte with the battery in a fully charged condition and
available from Pacific West Supply in oregon for $55 for 4 gallons (and you
return the used KOH to them).
What is the failure mode of Ni-Cads after say 2k -3k cycles? Do the plates
disintegrate like lead? Is it worth trying an electrolyte replacement when
they appear dead if at the speced end of life? I assume that would be it,
not to bother if they die at 2-3k. Home Power noted that 2K cycles is
typical (for me 40k miles) not the advertised 3k cycles or 60k miles.
Have a renewable energy day,
Mark
_________________________________________________________________
Messenger Café — open for fun 24/7. Hot games, cool activities served daily.
Visit now. http://cafemessenger.com?ocid=TXT_TAGHM_AugHMtagline