Charging Traction Battery: Guide & Tips

Hello!
The used lifting device has a 12V 60Ah battery.
The battery is specifically designed for "traction, lighting, and solar" applications, features a reinforced grid, is cycle-resistant, and offers high discharge capacity.

The device has a built-in charger, a capacity indicator, and a shut-off mechanism that activates when the battery is depleted.

"The latter one has a malfunction/defect, and replacement parts are probably no longer available, and frankly, I'm not really happy with it. As far as I know, there have always been problems with the original chargers and batteries."

I would like to completely remove all the electronic components and charge the battery with my CTEK MXS-10. I want to install a charging socket and a different voltage indicator for the battery.

Long text, short question:
Is my Ctec charger suitable for this type of traction battery?

Yes.

It's definitely better than the built-in option.

Best regards.
Christian.

...so, according to Wikipedia, the following applies to a lead-acid traction battery (excerpt):

Quote:

Lead-acid batteries as traction batteries. Lead-acid battery systems have been the most commonly used type of traction battery in Germany to date. Despite their similar appearance, they differ from starter batteries in their design and application, as they are optimized for higher energy density and longer cycle life, while starter batteries are optimized for high power density (short-term high current output). To maximize lifespan, the load and depth of discharge should be kept low, which is often difficult to achieve from a design perspective (due to the ratio of capacity to required power). Generally, it is recommended to recharge traction lead-acid batteries promptly after each use with high currents and to avoid deep discharges (shallow cycles). A low depth of discharge of only 30% of the rated capacity can significantly extend the lifespan. Battery management systems are rarely available, and the only practical system known is the BADICHEQ system (Battery Diagnostic & Charge Equalizing). Charge balancing can be implemented between cell blocks using PowerCheq balancers, but not between individual cells. Operation at winter temperatures is hardly possible without heating. Charging a cold battery can only be done with lower currents and higher internal losses. Storage should be done in a fully charged state at low positive temperatures, and regular monitoring and recharging are necessary due to the high self-discharge rate.

Ich glaube, dein Lader kann vielleicht gerade zeitnah aufladen, aber mit hohen Strömen ??? Probably not...

Best regards, Styrian.

Hi!

What is meant by "high currents"?
The battery has a capacity of 60Ah, and the charger can provide 10A. Normally, the charging current should be C/10.

I don't really have much influence over the charger. I finished all the electrical work today, but the battery is currently fully charged.
I can only measure the charging current after some time, when the battery has discharged a bit.

"...I didn't think this little thing could handle 10 amps. The wiring in the pictures looked a bit delicate. But that's obviously misleading. According to the description I found online, it's actually a versatile device – at least, that's what the advertising claims. So, I think Chris11 was right with his statement. And yours is definitely better than something you'd find on a shelf at a hardware store."

Is there absolutely nothing on the old loader? No identifying information? What does Dr. Google say about this loader?

Best regards, Styrian.

Hello!

The device had a built-in charger. It wasn't an off-the-shelf component; it looks like it was custom-designed for the purpose. It's definitely a small-batch production, without a casing. It features a robust transformer and proper electronics.

According to a colleague, the transformer has a secondary current rating of 20 or 25 amps, but no one really knows exactly what the electronics are doing.
My colleague said the charging time is always around 3-4 hours. That makes sense, considering the 60Ah battery.

I know myself that there have always been problems with the batteries, and that water also had to be refilled regularly.

Well, I don't use that thing nearly as often or intensely anymore, so a weak car battery would probably suffice in a pinch.

...if it's only used sporadically, it probably won't really matter what kind of charger you use... cycle life isn't *that* important in that case...

Best regards, Styrian.