How long can a battery be discharged?

Maximum 30-sec Discharge Pulse Current –The maximum current at which the battery can be discharged for pulses of up to 30 seconds. This limit is usually defined by the battery manufacturer in order to prevent excessive discharge rates that would damage the battery or reduce its capacity.

What determines the discharge capacity of a battery?

The size of the cells determines the discharge capacity (current capacity) of the entire battery. Each cell has its own vent cap designed to relieve excess pressure and allow gases to escape. It also keeps the dust and dirt out of cells and contains electrolyte solution inside the battery cell.

What happens when a battery is discharged?

During discharge or use: The oxygen and hydrogen released combine to form water, which dilutes the electrolyte. As the battery is discharged, or used, the acid concentration decreases and becomes weaker (dilute) until the battery cannot produce an electrical current.

What is a C-rate in a battery?

C- and E- rates – In describing batteries, discharge current is often expressed as a C-rate in order to normalize against battery capacity, which is often very different between batteries. A C-rate is a measure of the rate at which a battery is discharged relative to its maximum capacity.

What is the difference between deep discharge and terminal voltage?

Depth of Discharge (DOD) (%) – The percentage of battery capacity that has been discharged expressed as a percentage of maximum capacity. A discharge to at least 80 % DOD is referred to as a deep discharge. Terminal Voltage (V) – The voltage between the battery terminals with load applied.

What is a 'empty state' of a battery?

It is this voltage that generally defines the “empty” state of the battery. Capacity or Nominal Capacity (Ah for a specific C-rate) – The coulometric capacity, the total Amp-hours available when the battery is discharged at a certain discharge current (specified as a C-rate) from 100 percent state-of-charge to the cut-off voltage.