Fantom Voltage
Hey Beau388
Completely Agree.
This is what us engineers call “Fantom Voltage”. It is a function of charge that travels outside the realm of the “Resting State EMF” of a lead acid battery. Basically, it’s a ghost that once exposed to a load will dissipate very quickly.
The only true way to determine the State of Charge (SOC) of a lead acid battery is to measure the Specific Gravity (SG) using a hygrometer. A hydrometer is a simple gauge based on the principles of Archimedes.
Basically, it measures the buoyancy of an object in the liquid in which it floats.
Why is this useful with batteries? Well, as you discharge a lead acid battery, water is produced and dilutes the electrolyte. Consequently, the specific gravity of the liquid (electrolyte) drops (a discharge battery will usually show a SG of ~1.17). However, as you charge a lead acid battery, the specific gravity will rise (a full charged battery will usually show a SG of ~1.250).
Great conversation BTW.
This is a great thread.
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