From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
The correct acid level and storage procedures for batteries.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 180\M2\M2.3\ img015 | |
| Date | 10th March 1920 | |
| Contd. -4- (5) LEVEL OF ACID. It is not considered undesirable for the acid level to be so high as to flood the connecting bars of each block of plates since the positive and negative bars are far enough apart to minimise the electrolytic action. On the contrary it is considered that an advantage is gained by ensuring that the acid level is more nearly always above the tops of the plates. (6) BATTERY OUT OF SERVICE. The Chloride Company do not consider the distilled water method of putting a battery out of action for a long period to be desirable. They much prefer to keep the battery filled with acid in a charged condition and give it a freshening every two months. They consider, however, that the best method, if it can be carried out, of keeping a number of batteries in a charged condition in stock and always ready for immediate use, is to give them continuously what they call a "trickling" charge, i.e. a current of about 1/40 of their normal charging rate, maintained through the batteries continuously. This they say is such a small rate that it cannot possibly have the effect of time overcharging at the normal rate, but will always keep the batteries in absolutely tip top condition. They only recommend placing the battery out of action by the distilled water method if it is absolutely essential. Contd. | ||