A new concept is prososed for employing polarization voltage as the control variable for maintaining a proper state of charge on all cells in a battery string. The charger would take advantage of a patented technology for measuring polarization voltage, and would permit each cell to be charged only to the point at which the cell requires a charge. It is shown that, since all cells differ at least slightly in geometric, chemical, and electrical aspects, it is more appropriate to allow the cell's individual properties to dictate is taken to be the point at which the cell is properly charged. Only lead acid batteries are addressed, though the technique may also apply to other types of cells. The charger concept is described, along with its benefits, applications, and required future research.
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