When the battery is overcharged, the water in the electrolyte is decomposed by electrolysis to generate more oxygen gas than

what can be absorbed by the negative electrode. The electrolyte is changed to oxygen gas and hydrogen gas, and lost from the battery system. As the quantity of electrolyte is reduced, the chemical reactions of charge and discharge become inefficient and hence the battery performance is severely deteriorated. Therefore, exact voltage control and proper charging time in constant voltage charging are essential for securing the expected life of the battery.[pnasonic page 20] Float system is the system in which the battery and the load are connected in parallel to the rectifier, which should supply a constant-voltage current.(Panasonic handbook 2000 page 22)

In the above-illustrated model, output current of the rectifier is expressed as: lo = lc + lL where lc is charge current and lL is load current. Consideration should be given to secure adequate charging because, in fact, load current is not constant but irregular in most cases. In the float system, capacity of the constant-voltage power source should be more than sufficient against the load. Usually, the rectifier capacity is set at the sum of the normal load current plus the current needed in order to charge the battery

The lead-acid battery has been a successful commercial product for over a century and is still widely used as electrical energy storage in the automotive field and other applications. Its advantages are its low cost, mature technology, relative high power capability, and good cycle. These advantages are attractive for its application in HEVs where high power is the first consideration. The materials involved (lead, lead oxide, sulfuric acid) are rather low in cost when compared to their more advanced counterparts. Lead-acid batteries also have several disadvantages. The energy density of lead-acid batteries is low, mostly because of the high molecular weight of lead. The temperature characteristics are poor.2 Below 10C, its specific power and specific energy are greatly reduced. This aspect severely limits the application of lead-acid batteries for the traction of vehicles operating in cold climates.( hybrid electric vehicle, bab 10 hal 310) If lead-acid batteries are over discharged or left standing in the discharged state for prolonged periods hardened lead sulphate coats the electrodes and will not be removed during recharging. Such build-ups reduce the efficiency and life of batteries. Over charging can cause electrolyte to escape as gases.( guide lead acid battery, hal 1) Overcharging: As a result of too high a charge voltage excessive current will flow into the battery after reaching full charge causing decomposition of water in the electrolyte and, hence, premature aging. At high rates of overcharge a battery will progressively heat up. As it gets hotter, it will accept more current, heating up even further. This is called

thermal runaway, and can destroy a battery in as little as a few hours( technical handbook power sonic hal 10, lead acid )