Effect of High and Low Temperature

Author: E.E. Kimberly

In some types of batteries, the effect of high temperature is primarily to cause the sulfuric acid of the electrolyte to attack and carbonize the wood used as separators between the positive and negative plates. Temperatures of 110 F or more tend greatly to accelerate the destruction.

Impurities in the plate substance and in the electrolyte cause localized disintegration of the reagents and loss of charge. Batteries will hold a charge much better if kept in a cool place.

Low temperature decreases the immediate effective capacity of a cell, but causes no permanent injury unless the cell is in a low state of charge or water has been added without subsequent charging.