You are on page 1of 14

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT GOLFCART BATTERIES

BUT WERE AFRAID TO ASK

The Battery Reviver


The dawning of a new age of battery longevity and true freedom from maintenance

Chuck Van Breeman

WHY YOU SHOULD READ THIS BOOKLET


Battery operated golf carts are user friendly, economical, convenient and fun. They create clean air and quiet communities. More than two million are in use in hotels, resorts, industrial complexes, convention centers, airports, schools, mobile home parks, retirement or golf cart communities. Their only drawback is that over time, they slow down and dont go as far. Batteries weaken, they dont hold as much charge, and you have to purchase new batteries. New batteries $200-$300 each (6 or 8 of them on a cart) are expensive, messy and troublesome to replace. This booklet explains what you can do so you wont have to purchase new batteries. It explains what is causing your batteries to weaken and your cart to slow down and not hold charge the formation of lead sulfate on the battery plates. Seventy-five to eighty percent of lead acid batteries the kind used in golfcarts fail prematurely because of the formation of lead sulfate crystals. If your batteries sit in disuse, it even makes matters worse, as this crystal buildup makes batteries unusable in a matter of months, especially in hot weather. The solution is easy to use, doesnt require a mechanic and is a little over the cost of one battery!

BASICS HOW DOES A BATTERY WORK? I will be using some electrical terms you may not know on this page. For clarity, I will compare the electrical terms to those used for water, as electricity flowing in a wire is similar to water flowing in a pipe. Here are some short definitions: Volts, Voltage this is the same as pressure when referring to water. It is the force that is causing the flow and is measured in Volts. Current is the amount or volume of flow. It is measured in amperes or amps for short. Watt this is the measure of the amount of power used as a result of the electricity flowing in the wire. It is the product of volts times amps. The purpose of the battery : Golf cart batteries provide the power to propel the cart and operate any other electrical devices installed on the cart from a radio to airconditioning. An electrical current is generated in the battery by a chemical reaction between the lead plates and sulfuric acid electrolyte. Most golf carts use 6 six Volt batteries for 36 Volts total to power the motor, or 6 eight Volt for a total of 48 Volts. The easiest way to tell the voltage of your cart is to lift the seat and count the filler holes in the top of the battery. 3 equals six Volts and 4 equals eight Volts. Golf cart batteries are a special type called deep cycle. A deep cycle battery must provide a moderate amount of current for a long period of time and may go days before getting recharged. A car

battery provides very high current for a few seconds and is recharged immediately. Deep cycle batteries are especially prone to sulfate buildup because they work for extended lengths of time before being recharged. This and heat (temperatures over 70 degrees F) accelerate the buildup of sulfate. You should never use car batteries for a golf cart. A perfectly good battery will seem dead because lead sulfate has built up on the plates. Lead sulfate crystals form as a result of the chemical reaction that produces electricity. These crystals interfere with the flow of electricity in and out of the batter y. Until now, there has not been an effective way to remove sulfate crystals. 74 million batteries are thrown away ever year, 80% of which could have been recovered. Today there is a solution. It is called THE BATTERY REVIVER. WHAT BATTERY MANUFACTURERS WONT TELL YOU Battery manufacturers are in the business of making and selling batteries. The more batteries that die, the more they can make and sell. They wont tell customers about a new incredible invention that doubles or triples the life of the batter y. In fact, they do not want to believe it exists! They will tell you that batteries last three years or, if you are lucky, four years. They will say that sulfate buildup is inevitable, because they want two things from you: 1. They want you to bring their old battery back to them because they need the lead. 2. They want you to buy a new battery from them at 90% of the so-called "retail price" (which is actually factored in for their profit). The last thing they want you to know is that something can be done about sulfate buildup. They won't tell you about THE BATTERY REVIVER and they won't recommend it. If you ask them about it, they will tell you "it doesn't work." So why ask?

a new positive plate with no sulfate buildup

sulfate crystal buildup on a positive plate

WHY DO BATTERIES FAIL? The first and most common cause of premature battery failure is sulfate buildup on the plates. It interferes with the charging and discharging of the batteries and is responsible for 75 to 80 percent of premature battery failures. This buildup is accelerated by the following: high temperature -- over 70 degrees discharging the batter y below 5.25 volts extended storage without charging The best way to prevent and remove this buildup is to use THE BATTERY REVIVER. The second most common cause of premature battery failure is loss of electrolyte (the liquid chemical that causes electricity to flow) due to overcharging or heat caused by sulfate buildup. Although BATTERY LIFE SAVER will reduce water consumption, be sure to keep your batteries filled. Fill batteries only when fully charged. The third most common cause is undercharging. Undercharging accelerates the buildup on the plates. Use BATTERY LIFE SAVER to overcome this problem and make sure that you recharge your batteries frequently. The fourth most common cause is typically called "old age." The plates shed material which falls to the bottom of the battery and eventually shorts the plates. This shedding is accelerated by sulfate buildup, which can be reduced with THE BATTERY REVIVER.

BATTERY MAINTENENCE POINTERS Perform regular maintenance to prolong the life of your batteries, especially during hot weather. Check the electrolyte levels. Clean the battery tops. This eliminates conductive paths that reroute and waste electricity. Check the battery voltage. Recharge if necessar y. Recharge your battery after deep cycle discharges. DO NOT mix old and new batteries in the same bank! Or use THE BATTERY REVIVER just attach it to your batteries and forget about it. THE BATTERY REVIVER AS A MAINTENANCE TOOL Here is how to use THE BATTERY REVIVER to maintain and restore batteries: To maintain your batteries in top condition use a BLS-36-A for a 36 Volt system or BLS-48-A for for a 48 Volt system. Simply connect it to the bank of batteries with the red wire to the positive (+) post that is connected to the motor controller and the black wire to the negative (-) post that is connected to the motor controller. This is the recommended way to use THE BATTERY REVIVER because the batteries never have a chance to develop sulfate buildup.

Note: THE BATTERY REIVIVER is not battery a charger and it does draw power from the battery. Be sure to recharge frequently.

DEEP CYCLE BATTERIES Deep cycle golf cart batteries are of heavy duty construction. They are built to give five to ten years of service. Up until now it was not possible to actually obtain the longevity that was built into the battery. With THE BATTERY REVIVER it is possible to keep a battery producing power for a longer time than the batterys design life. Golf cart batteries at this time are all flooded cell construction. This type of construction gives good performance in an acceptable size. You may have heard of other types of deep cycle batteries. Gell cell is another type of batter y. It is the same as a flooded cell except that Silicone Dioxide is added to the acid to make it jellied. Absorbed Glass Matt, AGM, is another way to immobilize the acid by putting a fiberglass sponge between the cells. These two types of deep cycle batteries are not common but may become popular in the future. They offer no advantage other that cleanliness. THE BATTERY REVIVER is especially important for deep cycle applications, because batteries sulfate more in deep cycle use. The very nature of deep cycle batteries invites misuse and damage. Operating for extended lengths of time at less than full charge with deeper discharges causes increased build up on the plates. Therefore, deep cycle batteries require more maintenance. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 1. Why dont batteries last as long as the warranty states? This is a ploy by battery manufacturers to guarantee that you will buy another battery from them. Your warranty is based on the number of months you used the batter y. This is called prorated. The prorated price you pay is the actual price of the batter y. They also need your batter y back to get the lead from it. 98% of the lead they use has to be recycled. 2. My golf cart has 6 batteries. Which BATTERY REVIVER should I use? Count the filler holes to determine the voltage of your system. Eighteen holes is 36 Volts, so you need a BLS-36-A. Twentyfour holes is 48 Volts so you need a BLS-48-A. In a pinch, you can use a BLS-48-A on a 36 Volt system, but dont use a BLS-36-A on a 48 Volt System.

3. Do I need a separate BATTERY REVIVER for each of my batteries? NO! Never connect more than one BATTERY REVIVER to the same bank of batteries. 4. Will THE BATTERY REVIVER harm my batteries? No. THE BATTERY REVIVER puts out a low voltage signal that will not harm the battery or any electronics attached to it. For your car, BLS-12-A and BLS-12/24-C will shut off when the battery voltage reaches approximately 12.4 volts to protect the battery from discharge. Inadvertent discharging will not cause permanent damage since BATTERY LIFE SAVER prevents the damage normally associated with deep discharging. 5. Why haven't I heard about THE BATTERY REVIVER before? The batter y manufacturers do not want you to know about THE BATTERY REVIVER. Why would they? It doubles or triples the life of a battery! 6. If I use BATTERY LIFE SAVER, how long will it extend the life of my battery? The typical life of a golf cart battery is three to five years. Some people have estimated that a battery used in automotive applications in North America, without sulfate buildup, would last nine years. We say that THE BATTERY REVIVER will double or triple the life of your battery. 7. Why shouldn't I just buy new batteries when my old ones go bad? You can, especially if you own shares in a battery company. It will cost you more money in the long run. You still run the risk of being stranded by battery failure as new batteries go bad quicker than you realize. This usually occurs in the worst possible place at the most inopportune time. You should not mix old and new batteries in the same bank. This means you should replace all six when one goes bad unless you are using THE BATTERY REVIVER. New batteries are frequently not ver y fresh i.e. they may already have sulfate buildup from sitting on the store shelf too long.

8. Can I use my BATTERY LIFE SAVER on my car as well? Yes. The best model for a car is the BLS-12-A. It is designed specifically to be installed permanately on the car. This will assure a worry free use. If you have multiple vehicles you may consider rotating the BATTERY REVIVER from one to another. You can do this. However, it is not a good practice because the BATTERY REVIVER is designed to be installed permanately on a vehicle. 9. How can I tell if the BATTERY REVIVER is working? An hydrometer is the best way to determine if the BATTERY REVIVER is working. Check the batteries before installing the BATTERY REVIVER, then recheck every month. Use the table below to determine the condition of the batteries. This will tell you how the batteries are doing. Also, you will notice you can go farther and faster as your batteries are brought back to life. STATE-OF-CHARGE (Per Batter y) Digital Approximate Voltmeter State-of- Charge Open Circuit at 80F (26.7C) Voltage 6V8V 6.33 - 8.55 6.23 - 8.30 6.12 - 8.16 6.03 - 8.04 5.95 - 8.00 or less 100% 75% 50% 25% DISCHARGED Hydrometer Average Cell Specific Gravity Electrolyte Freeze Point

1.265 1.225 1.190 1.155 1.120 or less

-77F (-67C) -35F (-37C) -10F (-23C) 15F (-9C) 20F (-7C)

ALL ABOUT THE BATTERY REVIVER What is BATTERY LIFE SAVER? An electronic device that brings a dead battery back to life and maintains a functioning battery in like new condition. Why do you need BATTERY LIFE SAVER? About 80% of lead acid batteries fail prematurely because of a buildup of lead sulfate on the plates. This buildup causes the battery to become unusable at approximately one-third of its natural life. BATTERY LIFE SAVER dissolves this buildup, restoring the batter y to full capacity. How does it work? BATTERY LIFE SAVER solves battery problem by dissolving the buildup of lead sulfate crystals. Each crystal is a tiny radio receiver. In fact, when Marconi (or Tesla) invented the radio, he used a lead sulfate crystal for his receiver. THE BATTERY REVIVER is like a small radio transmitter. Using breakthrough square wave technology, it sends a radio signal to each of the crystals of lead sulfate causing them to convert back into lead and sulfuric acid. This restores the battery to its original condition and allows the electrical charge to be drawn from the battery. What are benefits of using the BATTERY REVIVER? No need to buy new batteries. Extends battery life two to three times. Prevents slowdown. Restores power and performance. Restores or maintains original distance traveled. Reduces consumption of water and maintenance trouble. How effective is it? The effectiveness of a de-sulfator is a function of its power output and the ability to stimulate a broad spectrum of frequencies. The BATTERY REVIVER has fins for cooling because the electronics in the BATTERY REVIVER need the cooling fins to handle its high power output. No other de-sulfator puts out this much power. If you see a similar device housed in a plastic box, be advised that it cannot possibly be powerful enough to be effective.

Because of the square wave technology, the BATTERY REVIVER excites the broadest spectrum crystal frequencies possible. This is your assurance that the BATTERY REVIVER will effectively maximize your battery performance. How durable it is? BATTERY REVIVER is not a toy made of plastic! It is made of durable corrosion resistant anodized aluminum. It will not break if dropped or hit. The electronics are encapsulated for weather proof protection and durability. What if a battery has a shorted cell? BATTERY REVIVER will NOT fix a shorted cell! You can test for a shorted cell by charging the battery. Then take the surface charge off by letting the battery sit for about 30 minutes, or putting a small drain on it. If the Voltage is 10.6 Volts or lower, after the surface charge is removed, the batter y has one or more shorted cells. Replace it! When replacing a battery that is part of a multiple batter y bank, replace all of the batteries at the same time. Otherwise, the older batteries will pull the new one down. However, If you have been using BATTERY LIFE SAVER you can get away with replacing just the bad batter y.

BATTERY REVIVER MODELS BLS-48-A

BLS-36-A

Twelve Volt Models


BLS-12-A Use this one on your car. For use on frequently used vehicles. Runs constantly to keep the batter y in optimum condition. Comes with 3/8 lugs for attachment to the battery clamp bolts. Attach it and forget it. It shuts off at approximately 12.4 Volts to protect against discharging the battery. Cannot be used to rejuvenate seriously discharged batteries. Use BLS-12/24-B instead. BLS-12/24-B Higher powered version of BLS-12-A. For use with a battery charger to rejuvenate unusable batteries. Works faster than BLS-12/24-A and can also be used on 24 Volt applications. Comes with plier type battery clips. Use this one in your shop to recondition your old batteries. BLS-12/24-C For use on heavy trucks and other vehicles with multiple batteries (up to 4.) Runs constantly to keep batteries in optimum condition. Comes with 3/8 lugs for attachment to the batter y clamp bolts. Attach it and forget it. It shuts off at approximately 12.4 Volts to protect against discharging the battery. Cannot be used to rejuvenate seriously discharged batteries, use BLS-12/24-B instead. Also rated for 24 Volt applications.

High Voltage Models for Golf carts


BLS-36-A 36 volt version for use with batter y powered vehicles. Can be mounted on the vehicle to constantly keep the batteries in optimum condition or can be used in conjunction with a battery charger. Comes with 3/8 lugs for attachment to the battery terminals.

BLS-48-A 48 volt version for use with battery powered vehicles. Can be mounted on the vehicle to constantly keep the batteries in optimum condition or can be used in conjunction with a battery charger. Comes with 3/8 lugs for attachment to the battery terminals. For all 48 volt golf cars except Club Car. Use BLS-48-B for Club Car. BLS-48-B Especially designed for Club Car 48s with on board computers. Ideally mounted full time to constantly keep the batteries in optimum condition or can be used in conjunction with a battery charger. Comes with 3/8 lugs for attachment to the battery terminals. Maximum current draw 0.5 amps; average 0.25 amps. Voltage window: 24 volts to 65 volts. BLS-72-A For 72 Volt NEVs like the Gem car by Chr ysler and Think by Ford. Ideally mounted full time to constantly keep the batteries in optimum condition or can be used in conjunction with a battery charger. Comes with 3/8 lugs for attachment to the battery terminals. Maximum current draw 0.5 amps; average 0.25 amps. Voltage window: 65 volts to 85 volts.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Chuck Van Breemen drove a truck until he was 32. He pulled 27 foot flatbed doubles in the eleven western states. It was during this time that he came up with his first invention TARP GUARDtm. a product he sells to protect tarps used on flat beds. He retired from trucking to work on getting a degree in Mechanical Engineering under the GI bill. Mr. Van Breemen received his BSME from the University of Portland, Portland, Oregon in 1977 and went directly to work at Freightliner Trucks as a research engineer. He has worked in the field of new product development since that time. He is a successful inventor, entrepreneur and has been chief engineer, project engineer, and research engineer for various companies in aerospace, industrial and consumer environments. He has extensive experience in taking a product from inception to market and has been responsible for million dollar budgets. He has created new products and market opportunities for: Freightliner Corporation, Sears Manufacturing, Barry Controls, Gabriel Ride Control, H.O. Bostrom Company, Bostrom Seating, Inc. Hendrickson Truck Suspension Company and Vancom, Inc. He is the inventor or co-inventor of six patents, five of them in the area of suspensions. In manufacturing, he reduced the reject rate on Gabriel Ride Control assembly line for Ford Windstar struts from 76% to 37% in 3 days; to 4% in 3 weeks. While at Gabriel, he also developed computer controlled suspensions. He is formerly the President of the Tampa Bay Inventors Council and is active in helping other inventors be successful. Mr. Van Breemen enjoys producing new products to improve conditions for his customers.

You might also like