What could occur if the regulation side of a rectifier fails?

The regulation side of a rectifier plays a critical role in controlling the voltage and current flowing to the battery during the charging process. If this regulation fails, it can lead to excessive voltage being applied to the battery, which in turn can cause the battery to be overcharged. Overcharging can result in overheating, electrolyte loss, and potential damage to the battery's cells.

Additionally, consistent overcharging can lead to reduced battery lifespan and failure, as the chemical reactions within the battery become unbalanced. Thus, the pivotal function of the regulation side is to ensure that the battery receives the appropriate charging voltage; when it fails, the risk of overvoltage becomes significant, leading to overcharging.