If only one or two batteries in a set of three are deformed, the following malfunctions are possible:
1. The inconsistency in battery capacity can cause some batteries to overcharge and deform during charging. The inconsistency may be due to a short circuit in a single cell, or it could be caused by the user performing experimental discharge or self-discharge.
2. Some batteries experience irreversible sulfation of the plates, leading to increased internal resistance, overheating, and deformation during charging.
3. Some batteries may deform due to reverse wiring during charging, causing overheating. For undeformed batteries, check their discharge capacity and self-discharge performance. If there are no abnormalities, the problem is not with the battery itself.
Solutions
1. Add as much liquid as possible without causing leakage, in order to prolong or prevent the occurrence of "thermal runaway".
2. Avoid internal short circuits or micro-short circuits, and avoid products with a tendency to have micro-short circuits.
3. During use, over-discharge should be prevented, and the device should be stored with full charge.
4. Thoroughly inspect the charger; there must be no serious overcharging.
When charging at high temperatures, it is essential to ensure good heat dissipation of the battery. Cooling measures should be taken or charging time shortened; otherwise, charging should be stopped. The phenomenon of a battery gradually losing charge when not in use is called self-discharge. Self-discharge cannot be completely avoided; it is generally considered normal for the battery to lose 1% to 2% of its capacity per day. Anything exceeding this value is considered abnormal self-discharge.
Causes of spontaneous discharge
1. Impurities in the plate material or electrolyte can create a potential difference between these impurities and the electrolyte, forming a closed "partial cell" that generates current and causes the battery to discharge.
2. The partition is broken, causing a local short circuit.
3. Electrolyte or water on the battery cover creates a circuit between the positive and negative terminals, causing discharge.
4. The active material falls off, causing a short circuit in the electrode plate and resulting in discharge.
5. When a battery is stored for a long time, the sulfuric acid in the electrolyte settles, resulting in a lower density at the top and a higher density at the bottom, which can cause self-discharge.
