AUTOMOTIVE BATTERIES AT LOW TEMPERATURES

Batteries are one of the most common sources of problems for equipment operators in cold regions. Some failures, such as frozen electrolyte, are unique to cold areas, while others, such as vibration damage, are also experienced in temperate conditions but are intensified at extremely low temperatures. Twelve-volt lead-acid batteries are almost universally used for electrical storage in automotive and construction vehicles in all areas. They are relatively inexpensive and widely available in innumerable sizes and configurations. However, their performance depends strongly on temperature. This digest deals primarily with this type of battery. It discusses their gross anatomy, terminology, low-temperature problems, charging, overcharging, undercharging, care and maintenance, and storage. Also discussed are nickel-cadmium batteries.

• Corporate Authors:

  U.S. Army Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory

  72 Lyme Road
  Hanover, NH  United States  03755-1290
• Authors:
  • Diemand, D
• Publication Date: 1991-5

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Serial:
  • COLD REGIONS TECHNICAL DIGEST
  • Issue Number: 91-4
  • Publisher: U.S. Army Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Automobiles; Definitions; Design; Frigid regions; Handling and storage; Lead acid batteries; Low temperature; Maintenance; Nickel cadmium batteries; Storage facilities
• Old TRIS Terms: Charging
• Subject Areas: Design; Freight Transportation; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; Terminals and Facilities; Vehicles and Equipment; I90: Vehicles;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00611866
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Aug 31 1991 12:00AM