What is a Battery?

What is a battery?

In general, a battery is an electro-chemical device that stores electrical energy (through charging) and releases it (through discharging) when needed. We can classify batteries according to their charge-discharge mode.

For example;
– Batteries discharged by drawing constant current for long periods of time (stationary plant=stationary)

– Batteries discharged by drawing high current for short periods (starter battery=starter)

– Batteries that operate moving devices (cer=tractionary batteries)

– Continuous charge-discharge batteries (deep cycle-deep cycle)

Apart from these, a more detailed classification can also be made. For example, dual-purpose batteries (both for starting and stationary purposes), batteries that provide transition when the power is cut, etc. are examples of this.

What happens if the battery remains discharged for a long time?

The plaques become sulfated, known as ‘hardening’. Sulfated plates lose their ability to hold a charge. As a result, the battery becomes useless. If the battery is to be kept unused for a long time even when charged, it should be charged every 2-3 months.

My battery is swollen, what is the cause?

When batteries are overcharged or operated in a very hot environment (above 25 0C), excessive reaction occurs inside the battery. This increases the internal pressure excessively and eventually deformation (swelling of the case and cover) occurs.

What is a Deep Cycle battery and how does it differ from other batteries?

Deep Cycle Battery is, roughly speaking, a battery that can be continuously charge-discharged. Since its structure is suitable for this type of use, they operate under charge and discharge every day. Some important features that should be present in these batteries are; the grids of the plates should be thicker and stronger, the grid figures should be homogeneous, the connection bridges should be of a thickness suitable for continuous current passage, the physical and chemical structure of the plates should be resistant to shedding. Separators must also be physically robust and have high permeability (porosity). In aqueous deep cycle batteries, backbone widths should be deep enough to prevent plate swelling. Otherwise, electrolyte circulation cannot occur in a healthy way.

Technology Differences in Deep Cycle Batteries (AGM-JEL-AQUID)?

Today, there is a misconception that; “Only Gel Batteries can be Deep Cycle”. This is not a correct information, not all Gel batteries are deep cycle as well as Aqueous and AGM batteries can be deep cycle. The point we need to emphasize here is that real deep cycle AGM batteries can give the same performance as deep cycle GEL batteries. However, not every AGM battery is deep cycle. At this point, the technology and reliability of the manufacturer is very important. There are manufacturers that achieve very high cycle numbers in flooded batteries. American Trojan is one of them. In some respects, flooded deep cycle batteries are more durable than maintenance-free batteries. For example, they are more resistant to overcharging.

How should gel batteries be used and charged?

Batteries must be fully charged every time, especially in Deep Cycle use (Cleaning machines, Golf carts, Disabled vehicles, Aerial platforms, etc.). They should never be used without full charge. Please refer to your battery’s operating instructions for charging (charging voltage, charging current, ambient temperature, etc.).

What should we pay attention to when using Dry Type Batteries?

* The surface of the battery must always be clean and dry.

* The battery must be charged in accordance with the user manual.

* The battery must be fully charged without delay every time after discharge. It must never be used before it is fully charged. This causes sulfation and capacity loss in the battery.

* Ideal ambient temperature is 250C. Each +10 0C increase reduces the battery life by 50%.

* Use a quality magazine.

How should battery capacity selection be made in solar applications?

Experiments and research have shown that the discharge level at which batteries give optimum performance (life and total energy) is 50% (50% DOD). Accordingly, the battery capacity should be twice the total consumption. For example, if the daily consumption of a lighting lamp is 50 Ah, the battery to be selected should be 100 Ah so that the battery provides maximum efficiency in terms of both life and energy performance.

What is sulfation? What are the ways to prevent sulfation?

Sulfation is, in short, corrosion of battery plates that prevents the plates from storing energy. As a natural consequence of the discharge process, sulfate crystals separate from the electrolyte and adhere to the plate surface. This attachment ends when the battery is charged and the same crystals detach from the plates and re-enter the electrolyte. This bidirectional movement is repeated as long as the battery is charged and discharged. Sulfate crystals are also a source of sulfation failure. If the crystals remain on the plaque surface for a long time, they harden and fuse more and more to the plaques. In this case, the plates cannot fulfill their function (energy storage) and as a result, the battery loses capacity and does not work. Continuous deep discharging of batteries and high operating temperature are also factors that accelerate sulfation. The most important thing that prevents sulfation is not to keep the battery discharged and to charge it as early as possible (immediately). Lead-Acid batteries do not have a memory effect. For this reason, the battery should not be expected to be completely discharged for charging. In addition, proper ambient temperature and avoiding deep discharge will help prevent sulfation.