Lead acid batteries are commonly applied across numerous industries, such as automotive power and renewable energy systems. Lead acid batteries are reliable and inexpensive, and when well maintained, they can last for decades. However, disregarding maintenance can substantially shorten their lifespan and performance.
Understanding the importance of maintenance
Maintenance not only extends the life of lead-acid batteries, but it also advances and develop their efficiency, reduces downtime, and prevents costly replacements. Proper care maintains the health of the battery constant, allowing constant long-term performance.
- Check Electrolyte Levels Frequently
The electrolyte, a solution of sulfuric acid and water, is crucial in the battery's chemical reaction. Water evaporates with time, reducing electrolyte levels, and this is not good for battery plates.
Tip: Monitor electrolyte levels regularly and replace them with distilled water accordingly. Tap water should not be used since it will add contaminants that degrade the performance of batteries.
Why It Matters: Balanced electrolyte levels enable effective chemical reactions, sulfation-free, and extend the life of a battery.
- Keep Battery Terminals Clean
Battery terminal corrosion will stop the transmission of electricity, lose efficiency, and overheat. It takes place most typically outdoors or under harsh conditions.
Tip: Occasional scrubbing of terminals with a paste of baking soda and water helps to neutralize acid residue.
- Avoid Deep Discharges
Lead acid batteries can handle normal cycles of charging and discharging but deep discharges will shorten their life. Discharging a battery too deeply may lead to lead sulfate crystals to form on the plates, something referred to as sulfation.
- Follow Correct Charging Practices
Accurate charging with the proper charger and settings is critical to the battery's health. Overcharging or undercharging can result in diminished capacity and life.
Charge with a charger designed specifically for lead acid batteries. Charge using the voltage and current levels specified by the manufacturer.
- Store Batteries Appropriately
Appropriate storage is required for lead acid batteries to be stored for a long time. Also, excessive heat and prolonged periods of inactivity can reduce battery performance.
Tip: Store batteries in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area. When feasible, keep them on a maintenance charger to preserve battery level.
Why This Matters: Favorable storage conditions. Avoid sulphate crystal growth and reduced self-discharge rates.
- Monitor battery temperature.
Excessive heat or cold can impair the performance of lead acid batteries. Elevated temperatures would probably increase the rate of corrosion, while low temperatures will decrease the capacity of the battery to deliver power.
The Growing Lead Acid Battery Industry
As per Coherent Market Insights (CMI), the lead acid battery market is expected to grow at a 5.5% CAGR throughout the forecast period, with the overall industry size set to reach US$ 77.28 billion by 2032. The growth is indicative of growing demand for robust energy storage solutions by numerous industries, ranging from the highest applications in renewable energy to factory equipment.
Source:
E-commere Platform: Rimso Battery, Battery Council International.
