2. What is a pulse waveform?
Our ReNew-IT Pulse Technology is defined by a distinct "pulse waveform" that has a strictly controlled rise time, pulse width, frequency, and amplitude of current and voltage pulse. It's the patented combination of the above that makes our products so effective.
3. How does ReNew-IT Pulse Technology work?
ReNew-IT Pulse Technology is a unique, patented process that substantially eliminates sulfation buildup on battery plates, the main cause of lead-acid battery problems and failure. It works by reversing the natural electro-chemical reaction within the battery. In the energy transfer process, the sulfates in the electrolyte solution (battery acid) travel back and forth between the positive and negative plates, taking on and giving off energy. As lead sulfates form on the plates during the normal charge/discharge cycles, some of the sulfates will enlarge to the point where they will not accept energy so they stay on the plate.
Over time these sulfates can build up until battery efficiency is reduced and the battery finally dies. Although there is actually enough reactive material in a battery to keep it working for many years, in most cases it doesn’t because this sulfation buildup prevents the process.
In the past, nothing could effectively be done to stop sulfation buildup and related problems. But ReNew-IT Pulse Technology changes all that. This technology is a process that removes excess lead sulfate deposits from the plates and converts them to active electrolyte.
When used regularly, PulseTech’s battery charging and maintenance systems will also help prevent the lead sulfates from building up again.
For more information, go to our ReNew-IT Pulse Technology section.
4. What are the benefits of using ReNew-IT Pulse Technology?
The main benefit of ReNew-IT Pulse Technology is to ensure battery performance so you can rely on your battery any time you need it. As we said above, by cleaning the battery plates our ReNew-IT Pulse Technology provides the following benefits:
• Get better performance by maintaining maximum battery efficiency and reliability
• Save money on battery costs by extending battery life dramatically
• Helps batteries charge faster and maintain greater reserve capacity so they can provide more available power to your vehicles and accessories.
• Help protect the environment by not having to discard batteries prematurely
5. If ReNew-IT Pulse Technology can extend the service life of a battery, how much longer will the battery last?
It’s difficult to determine an exact length of time because service life of a battery varies depending on usage. One independent report stated that ReNew-IT Pulse Technology could theoretically “make a battery last forever”, but, obviously that’s a little hard to prove. By using ReNew-IT Pulse Technology, though, the life of your batteries will be extended dramatically. Keep in mind that there is actually enough reactive material in a battery to perform the energy transfer process for many, many years, but sulfation buildup has always prevented that from happening. Now, by preventing — abd even removing — sulfation buildup, Solargizer and our other ReNew-IT Pulse Technology products enable batteries to fulfill their true potential — in performance and life cycle.
Our products have been evaluated by NASA, Stennis Space Center, Management Equipment Evaluation Program (U.S. Air Force), the Army Research Lab, battery, auto and boat manufacturers, as well as commercial customers and individuals. The answer from all is the same—”This product does exactly what you say it does!” One evaluating source even stated in their conclusions that “we can’t tell you exactly how long a Solargizer will make a battery last, but we estimate it will add at least eight to ten years of life”.
6. Will PulseTech products benefit other electrical components on my vehicle?
Yes. By maintaining your batteries in peak conditions, your alternator does not have to work as hard at recharging your vehicle once it has started. The battery will accept a charge more readily and faster so alternator life should be extended. Plus, by maintaining available cranking amps in your battery, there will be more available energy going to your starter. The engine will turn over faster, so your starter should last longer as well.
7. What are other common causes of battery failure that ReNew-IT Pulse Technolgoy will help?
It’s interesting to note that other common causes of battery failure (buckled plates, shedding, overcharging, mossing, etc.) are directly related to sulfation buildup. For example, according to a leading battery service manual buckled plates may be caused by “being overcharged while sulfated or stored in a deeply discharged state." Sulfate buildup weakens the plates to a point where batteries must be overcharged to accept energy. This will then overheat and warp, or “buckle", the plates.
This service manual also relates shedding of the plates to sulfation buildup. It states that “if material has shed from the plates in small chunks, high charging rates on sulfated plates can be the cause.” All in all, each of these and other common causes can be avoided in most cases through the use of ReNew-IT Pulse Technology.
8. Have any scientific studies been done on ReNew-IT Pulse Technology?
Yes. Recently, independent scientific studies by researchers at two major universities have confirmed that our patented ReNew-IT ReNew-IT Pulse Technology does provide exceptional benefits to all types of lead-acid batteries. These studies were conducted in response to a request from the scientific and engineering communities for scientific validation of claims that our technology actually improves battery efficiency and lengthens battery life. PulseTech contracted with Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan and Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio to conduct separate evaluations of the technology. These extensive evaluations began in the summer of 1998 and ended in August 2000.
Results of the studies confirmed that several significant improvements in lead-acid battery performance are attributable to our ReNew-IT ReNew-IT Pulse Technology. These improvements are caused by the effect of the technology in reducing the buildup of lead sulfate crystals on lead-acid battery plates.
During these studies, these crystalline buildups were regularly investigated by X-ray diffraction methods. The X-ray diffraction data confirmed the positive effects of pulsing on the battery plate morphology because it shows more even distribution of lead sulfate crystals over the surface area of the battery plates.
It also revealed a significant reduction in the size of the lead-sulfate crystals. These microscopic changes greatly improve a battery’s ability to accept and store more energy. Because they store more energy, batteries are lasting longer between recharges, and they are capable of providing more available power than batteries not using our technology.
The effect of the pulsing on the formation of these crystalline structures also increases the battery's durability. ReNew-it Pulse Technology prevents sulfate-induced corrosion that is the primary cause of shedding of active material. By helping to prevent shedding, the average life span of the battery can be increased dramatically. Tests show that it is possible to get three or more times as many cycles from pulsed batteries than non-pulsed batteries. As a result, even batteries on frequently-used vehicles and equipment will receive significant benefits.
9. Will PulseTech products work on gel cell batteries?
Yes. They work on any size and any voltage lead-acid battery. This includes all conventional flooded lead-acid batteries and sealed "maintenance-free" batteries, including VRLA, absorbed glass mat (AGM) and gel cell.
10. How quickly will sulfation buildup occur on a brand new battery?
The rate of sulfation buildup on a battery will vary greatly depending on battery usage and condition. It will occur faster on batteries that are used infrequently but will still affect frequently-used vehicles (see next question).
Also, keep in mind that even brand new batteries may already be sulfated when they are installed on your vehicle. According to a leading service manual in the battery industry, “since sulfation buildup is likely to occur whenever batteries are neglected for long periods of time, it can occur in new batteries in stock as well as used ones.”
Sulfation buildup begins to occur the moment battery acid is added to a battery. So as new batteries sit in storage or on a store shelf, they, too, can suffer from this buildup. In order to ensure battery performance at all times, it is best if a ReNew-IT Pulse Technology product -- such as Solargizer or PowerPulse -- is put on your battery the moment it is installed in your vehicle.
11. Since sulfate buildup occurs more often in infrequently-used batteries, will I need ReNew-IT Pulse Technology even if a vehicle is operated on a frequent basis, like a car or delivery truck?
Absolutely. Even frequently-used batteries charged by the alternator on a consistent basis may suffer from sulfate accumulations. This is especially true for cars, express delivery trucks, buses and other vehicles.
According to a leading service manual in the battery industry, “it is possible for a vehicle to develop an undercharged battery if it is constantly driven at slow speeds and left idling for long periods, as in heavy traffic and combined with high electrical load conditions”. Since the vehicle is moving at slower speeds or idling, the alternator is not allowed to charge at an optimum rate. The result is a battery that is not fully charged even though the vehicle is running all day. And since it isn’t fully charged, it will begin to sulfate. A vicious circle is then created because the more the battery sulfates, the less energy it will accept and the battery will be undercharged even more. Ultimately, it too will die.
By keeping the battery plates clean with ReNew-IT Pulse Technology, the battery capacity is increased so it will accept and store energy more efficiently which will help eliminate the problem of undercharging.
12. Is it true that charging batteries in reverse polarity will desulfate the plates and prepare it for a better recharge?
Absolutely not. This will actually damage your battery and couild even lead to an explosion. Polarity in a battery should NEVER be reversed for any reason.
For safe, effective prevention and removal of sulfation buildup on battery plates, use only our ReNew-IT Pulse Technology products.
13. Will weather affect my battery?
Yes. What many people don’t realize is that extreme cases of heat and cold will increase the speed of sulfation buildup within a battery. For example, when the weather starts to get hotter, the rate of sulfation buildup will actually double for every 10-degree increase in temperature. That means that if the temperature goes from 75° to 95°, sulfation buildup will occur 300% faster than normal.
When it’s cold outside, sulfation buildup will rob operational power because the vehicle’s fluids will thicken. This means it will take even more power to start the vehicle, so the battery has to supplement this power and the result is a faster buildup of sulfates on the lead plates.
Installing one of our Solargizer systems will helo avoid the destructive effects of the weather. Solargizer will prevent sulfates from forming, no matter how hot or cold it gets. Also, keep in mind that the battery’s electrolyte can actually freeze if the battery is in an advanced state of discharge, and this could damage the lead plates.
At 1.270 specific gravity (100% charged) battery acid will freeze at -83°F, at 1.200 it will freeze at -17°F and at 1.140 (completely discharged) it will freeze at only 8°F. This just proves that it is even more important if you live in areas of extreme cold to install a Solargizer on a vehicle that will be sitting unused for an extended period of time. Solargizer will prevent the normal loss of battery power no matter how long the vehicle sits, and it will condition the battery so it is more capable of handling extreme cases of weather.
14. Will PulseTech products damage electrical systems on cars and other vehicles?
It is not possible for any of our products to damage the electrical system on any vehicle. By attaching the product to the battery, the pulsing energy is absorbed within the battery and is not "seen" elsewhere in the system. This technology has been applied to a variety of military vehicles with very sensitive launching systems or computer systems with no interference or problems.
Our products have also been evaluated by a major auto manufacturer and has passed all the emissions tests they put the products through. Our products can only enhance a vehicle electrical system -- not detract.
15. What is the difference between RediPulse, PowerPulse and Solargizer?
The main difference between these systems is the power source each uses. RediPulse is powered by a specially-designed 110-volt ac adapter (220V is also available). It is designed for vehicles kept indoors or in areas without access to sunlight.
Solargizer uses a solar panel to convert sunlight into electrical power. It's designed for vehicles used or stored outdoors. The Receptacle version of the Solargizer system has a solar panel and a 110-volt ac adapter (220V is also available). It can be used outdoors and inside.
PowerPulse is actually powered in two different ways: When the battery is being charged -- either by an onboard charger or a separate charging system -- it will use the charging current as a power source. The rest of the time it uses a small portion of the battery's own energy. It's ideal for vehicles and equipment that are used frequently or charged on a regular basis.
16. Can these products overcome a battery’s internal resistance?
The internal resistance within a battery is a function of the electro-chemical reaction that is taking place. You would not want to interfere with this as it is part of the energy transfer process. However, you would want to offset the negative impact of this process which is exactly what ReNew-IT Pulse Technology accomplishes.
By using Solargizer or PowerPulse to desulfate a battery on a daily basis, the battery will perform better, last longer, be more dependable and have more available energy for your use.
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17. Will they hold up on day-to-day usage?
Absolutely! One of the reasons PulseTech first took this revolutionary technology to the U.S. Military many years ago was to verify the durability of the product. Because of our patented design and proprietary manufacturing process, our products are as durable, if not more so, than the piece of equipment you are mounting them on! This exceptional durability is also why we gave Solargizer and PowerPulse a 10-year limited product warranty!
18. Do the RediPulse, PowerPulse and Solargizer models have to stay on the same battery permanently or can you move them from battery to battery?
These units can be moved from battery to battery if the customer chooses to do so, but we strongly suggest you install them on a regular basis. Remember that sulfation buildup happens 24-hours a day from the first moment acid is loaded into the battery. Although you can use ReNew-IT Pulse Technology as a part-time fix, a continuous installation will give a much more effective result because not only do they eliminate the existing buildup, they also prevent the lead sulfates from building up again.
19. Can they be used on more than one battery at a time?
It depends on the model. The RediPulse 6-12 is designed for use on one 6- or 12-volt battery, but it can also be used on two 6-volt batteries connected in series to equal 12 volts. The 12-volt PowerPulse model can be used on up to three 12-volt batteries connected in parallel. The Industrial 12-volt Solargizer can also be used on up to two batteries in parallel to prevent sulfation buildup on the plates, but if you want to maintain voltage in the battery you need to use one unit for a single 12-volt battery or two 6-volt batteries connected in series.
In a series application, you would use the total of the series voltage to size the unit. For example: Either the PowerPulse 24 or the 24-volt Solargizer can be used on two 12-volt batteries connected to equal 24 volts. Both also offer a 36-volt unit and PowerPulse even includes a 48-volt model. The RediPulse 36-48 model can be used on either a 36- or 48-volt battery system.
Each Solargizer unit is also designed to work on batteries up to their designated voltages. A 12-Volt Solargizer will work on batteries up to 12-volts, a 24-Volt will work on battery systems up to 24 volts and the 36-Volt will work on battery systems up to 36 volts. The PowerPulse 24, 36 and 48-volt systems are “voltage specific” which means they are designed to work only with their designated voltages: A 24-volt PowerPulse on a 24-volt battery system only, and so on.
The Solargizer Solar Charger will also charge more than one battery at a time. The 2-Watt works on two 12-volt batteries in parallel, while the 5-Watt works with up to four batteries in parallel.
Both the RediPulse Pro-10 and the Pulse Recovery System can be used to desulfate and/or charge multiple 12-volt batteries at one time.
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20. Do any PulseTech products work on 6-volt lead-acid batteries?
Yes. Both the RediPulse 6-12 and the Industrial 12-Volt Solargizer will work with 6-volt as well as 12-volt batteries. In fact, the other two Solargizer models are also designed to work on battery systems up to its designated voltage. In other words: The 24-Volt model works on systems up to 24 volts, and the 36-Volt model works on systems up to 36 volts.
21. Which product should I use when storing my vehicles for long periods of time?
We suggest you use RediPulse (if stored indoors with access to ac power) or Solargizer (if stored outdoors). Besides preventing sulfation buildup, they also prevent the normal loss of battery power no matter how long your vehicle or equipment sits unused -- even months at a time.
For example, under normal conditions a battery will lose 1% of its energy a day while the vehicle sits unused. That means it will not take long for a battery to become completely discharged, especially if it was not fully charged in the first place. RediPulse and Solargizer will actually replace that 1% of energy every day. This will offset the normal energy loss and the level of power in the battery will remain the same.
If you do not have access to ac power or sunlight, you can use PowerPulse. Keep in mind that PowerPulse was designed more for vehicles and equipment that are used frequently or charged on a regular basis vs. those that are stored. Yet, based on lab testing, a 12-Volt PowerPulse will maintain a 12-volt battery for approximately 2 to 3 months off a full charge if left unattended. We’re not saying the vehicle will always start at that point, but the battery will be free of sulfation buildup, will be able to be jump-started into action, and it will recharge and hold a charge like a new battery.
22. How much sunlight does Solargizer need to work?
The solar panel on the Solargizer Battery Maintenance System is so efficient, it only needs one to two hours of direct sunlight a day to accomplish its task for a full 24 hours. This is true even if you live in areas where skies are cloudy or lightly overcast most of the time. In these situations the solar panel may require a little more time to absorb enough sunlight.
To make sure you are receiving the full benefit of Solargizer’s ReNew-IT Pulse Technology, make sure the solar panel is mounted in an area where it has access to as much available direct sunlight as possible. The solar panel will then absorb sunlight, convert it into energy and the circuit box will desulfate the battery on a daily basis.
23. Does Solargizer need direct sunlight to work?
No, not really. Obviously, the better exposure to bright sunlight the more efficiently the unit works. But, because of the unique design, Solargizer accomplishes its assigned tasks with minimal amounts of ultraviolet (UV) exposure. A rule of thumb is Solargizer requires on average one to two hours per day of sunlight to provide benefit. Even cloud cover provides UV exposure that can then be converted to energy. Common sense plays a part, the more the better, but it doesn’t have to be “Death Valley” sun to be effective. The Solargizer works extremely well even in notoriously cloudy locations like Seattle.
24. Where do you install the solar panel?
Installation of the Solargizer solar panel is one of personal preference. And since the industrial model Solargizers have solar panels with an acrylic/lexan cover, they are weatherproof and virtually indestructible so they can be mounted almost anywhere.
Ideally, the most effective location for the solar panel is on top of your vehicle or equipment. That way it is sure to receive the most exposure to sunlight during the day. If for some reason you can not mount it on top, be sure to put it some place where it will receive as much sunlight as possible. NOTE: Do not mount the panel behind a windshield if it is UV protected. Since the panel is so efficient, it can be installed either horizontally or vertically, but we suggest you mount it horizontally.
25. Does PulseTech offer ac-powered products?
Yes. Both RediPulse and the Receptacle versions of the Solargizer series are powered by specially-designed 110-volt ac adapters. RediPulse has an ac adapter only, while the Receptacle models provide the best of both worlds. They include solar panels (like the standard models) that power the unit while your vehicle is outside, and an ac adapter that provides power while your vehicle is stored indoors or in areas without access to sunlight.
26. Are RediPulse, PowerPulse and Solargizer chargers?
Both the RediPulse and Solargizer models produce a trickle charge along with the desulfation process. It provides enough power to offset the normal daily discharge of a battery (usually 3.1mA to 10.1mA depending on the battery chemistry) plus a nominal amount of parasitic drain. This was recently verified independently by one of the major U.S. auto manufacturers. Keep in mind, though, that while they do supply a pulsing trickle charge to the battery, the charge rate is not sufficient to charge a completely dead battery in a short time frame.
PowerPulse is a battery maintenance system designed to prevent sulfation buildup only. It will not charge.
Also, use of these ReNew-IT Pulse Technology products will enable chargers to do their work more efficiently. Since they help keep the battery plates free of sulfate deposits, it takes less time to charge the battery and battery capacity is increased so it has greater discharge capabilities and it will last longer between charges.
27. Does PulseTech offer chargers?
Yes. We offer three different types of chargers: The Pulse Charger/World Version, the DFC-12 Diagnostic Fast Charger and the Solargizer Solar Charger.
The Pulse Charger is a state-of-the-art "smart" charging system that is actually four chargers in one. It’s a state-of-the-art charging system (up to 20 amps) that works with both12-volt conventional flooded lead-acid batteries and sealed “maintenance-free” batteries, including VRLA, AGM and gel cell. It also works off either 110- or 220-volt ac power so it can be used virtually anywhere in the world. At the same time, the Pulse Charger uses our patented ReNew-IT Pulse Technology to remove sulfation buildup. Use the Pulse Charger to return unreliable 12-volt lead-acid batteries to active service.
The DFC-12 Diagnostic Fast Charger is a portable charger that can solve your battery problems in less than an hour — and in many cases, around 30 minutes! It not only charges the batter, it also uses Conductance Technology to test its condition. You can also use it to jump start a vehicle with a dead battery. It’s ideal for all service facilities that deal with multiple vehicles.
The Solargizer Solar Charger will also charge more than one battery at a time. The 2-Watt works on two 12-volt batteries in parallel, while both the 5- and 10-Watt units work with up to four batteries in parallel.
28. What is the difference between the Pulse Charger, RediPulse Pro-10 and the Pulse Recovery System?
As stated in a previous answer, the 20-Amp Pulse Charger/World Version is designed to charge single 12-volt batteries.
The RediPulse Pro-10 and the Pulse Recovery System (PRS) are designed to desulfate and condition multiple batteries. The Pro-10 works on 12-volt batteries and the PRS works on both 6- and 12-volt batteries.
29. Is it possible to recover a dead battery that will no longer accept a charge?
Yes, if you are using our ReNew-IT Pulse Technology products. Although our products are designed for keeping good, new batteries in peak condition for a longer period of time, some of them can, in most cases, be used to bring batteries that will not accept and hold a charge back to useful condition.
Here’s what you do: Use a PulseTech 475 (741X475), 490PT (741X490) or 510PT (741X510) Digital Battery Analyzer to determine if the battery is a good candidate for recovery (Note: Even though the analyzer may read “REPLACE BATTERY,” it could still be recoverable.)
The ideal way to recover a battery is to use our Pulse Charger/World Version. Make sure the cells are filled with distilled water and attach the battery to the Pulse Charger. Set the Pulse Charger in the Pulse & Charge mode and watch the charger for 20 minutes. If the Charge Complete light begins to flash, it is indicating a problem and the battery is probably not recoverable. If the light does not flash, you can proceed.
Put the Pulse Charger on Pulse Only mode and pulse the battery for at least 24 hours; then switch to Pulse & Charge. The battery should be fully charged within 14 hours. At that point, the Pulse Charger will shut off automatically so it won’t overcharge. Although it is no longer charging, it will continue to pulse the battery.
You can also use the RediPulse Pro-10 and the Pulse Recovery System to recover more than one battery at a time. In the case of the Pro-10, the battery must have at least a charge level of at least 11 volts to work.
Use the PulseTech digital battery analyzer as described above, then attach the battery to a PRS module and pulse for 24 hours. Next, use one of the analyzers to check the battery for improvement. If there has been at least a 20% increase in Cold Cranking Amps (CCA), you may proceed.
Next, attach the battery to the Pulse Charger on Pulse & Charge mode and charge it until the charge cycle is complete. If you do not have a Pulse Charger, use a standard charger and attach it to the battery while the battery is still attached to the PRS unit. This way the battery will be charged and pulsed at the same time. Charge the battery for about four hours. Then use the analyzer to check for improvement.
Keep in mind that some very badly sulfated battery plates could take several days to clean. Also, not all batteries can be totally recovered. If a battery has a short circuit or physical damage, it is impossible to bring back.
If you have any other questions regarding ReNew-IT Pulse Technology or our products, see your local PulseTech dealer. Or call PulseTech at 1-800-580-7554. You can also e-mail us at PPC@pulsetech.net.