Charging systems typically increase the charge voltage at lower temperature s. Does anyone know if the increased voltage fully compensates at low tempe ratures? One would think that the chemical reactions would be slowed consid erably.
I recently discovered that my Black & Decker 2 amp charger is not temperatu re compensated and it also does not have a constant voltage phase for satur ation of the battery. At lower temperatures, the 2 amp constant current cha rge results in surface charge building up rapidly and the unit switches to float mode prematurely.
I also have the new switching version of the Battery Tender Plus which prev iously was a linear design. The charger is now temperature compensated. Thi s device does implement the constant current and constant voltage phases fo r saturation of the battery.
Lastly, I recently tested the new CTEK MXS 5.0 charger which is quite impre ssive. It has an eight stage charging algorithm with optional reconditionin g mode. The saturation phase can take several hours at 14.5 volts or higher . After monitoring these chargers, I can now see the significant limitation s in my car's charging system.