RESERVE STATE OF HEALTH (RSOH) IMPLICATIONS OF LEAD ACID BATTERY OVER-DISCHARGE

When Combat Vehicle Operators operate C4ISR equipment in a “Silent Watch” mission scenario batteries are charged prior to, and during emplacement. Batteries are then discharged powering the C4ISR system (Radios and BFT) while on watch. Without battery monitoring soldiers often discharge batteries till equipment shuts down (i.e. the radio shuts off). This over-discharges the batteries resulting in reduced life. This paper shows the effect on Reserve State Of Health (Capacity) compared with batteries only discharged to 10% State of Charge (SOC).