The available quantity of energy of a battery or cell measured in ampere hours. The capacity is dependent on the ambient conditions and required discharging current. The capacity is determined by cell size.

Capacity loss

A decrease in cell available energy, that can be temporary or permanent depending on what caused the loss within the battery.

Capacity rated

The capacity typically delivered when used under normal conditions (e.g. reserve capacity with a discharge of 25 amp measured in minutes or C20 capacity measured in Ah during a 20 hours discharge).

Cell

The smallest unit of a battery, each consisting of a positive and a negative plate soaked into the electrolyte and insulated with a separator.

Charging

Feeding DC electrical energy into a battery.

Charging current (Recharging)

The electrical current flow present when the battery is being charged or recharged.

Cold Crancking Ampere CCA

It is the high short time rate of discharge current given by the manufacturer. This discharge is released by a battery at -18oC with a minimum terminal voltage of:

Ui = 7,5 volts for a period of 10 seconds, according to the EN specifications.
Ui = 7,2 volts for a period of 30 seconds, according to the SAE specifications.
Ui = 8,4 volts for a period of 60 seconds, according to the SABS / IEC specifications.

Constant current charging

Constant current charging is a charge/recharge procedure with a constant charging current and variable voltage, usually used in the manufacturing process of batteries.

Constant voltage charging

Constant voltage charging is a charge/recharge procedure where the applied voltage does not change regardless of the battery charge state. It is the most useful method adopted for lead acid batteries automatic charge procedures.

Corrosion

The electrochemical effect of oxidation in any metals. In a battery the corrosion is the oxidation of the metallic parts like grids, post, parallel connections, etc.
Most often corrosion occurs due to overcharge, excessive gassing and post acid leakage, and it is aggravated by humidity.

Current

The path of electrical charges in an electrical field.

Cycle

Recharging followed by discharging, repeated at regular periods.