Life extending circuit for storage batteries

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Disclosed is a simple, low cost and efficient tuned resonant circuit and method for prolonging the life of lead-acid storage batteries that are exposed to frequent and/or extensive periods of non-use.
The resonant circuit includes an LC network and a voltage conversion network interconnected with one another at a step down transformer.
The circuit, which is lightly fused, is powered from a commercially available 110 volt AC source.
The LC network includes a capacitor that is connected between the AC source and the primary winding of the step down transformer.
The voltage conversion network includes the secondary winding of the transformer which is connected to the input of a full wave diode rectification bridge.
The output of the bridge rectifier is connected across the power terminals of a storage battery that is to be taken out of service and possibly exposed to an extensive period of non-use.
In operation, the tuned resonant circuit of this invention provides a series of tiny DC pulses to be applied from the output of the bridge rectifier to the power terminals of the battery.
This pulsating DC voltage has been found to excite the liquid electrolyte of the battery.
Accordingly, the specific gravity of the electrolyte is maintained at the operating level of an electrolyte that would be found in a fully charged battery so that the life of the storage battery is preserved even after the battery has been idle for a long time.
By virtue of the foregoing, the battery is ready to be immediately returned to active service while avoiding the harmful effects of overcharging (e.
g.
the destruction of the battery plates) that are known to occur from employing conventional battery charging circuits.