The most popular types of batteries for powering vehicles are lead-acid batteries. Though they date back to the 19th century, lead-acid is still the technology drivers rely on most to keep them moving. But lead-acid batteries aren’t one-size-fits-all. In fact, the battery you should choose is Contact online >>
The most popular types of batteries for powering vehicles are lead-acid batteries. Though they date back to the 19th century, lead-acid is still the technology drivers rely on most to keep them moving. But lead-acid batteries aren’t one-size-fits-all. In fact, the battery you should choose is highly dependent on your vehicle and the type of power it needs.
Keep reading to learn about the power of lead-acid batteries.
In its simplest form, a battery is a device that stores chemical energy and converts it to electrical energy.
Batteries have three main components:
In a lead-acid battery, the anode is connected to lead plates on one side of the box, and the cathode is connected to lead dioxide plates on the opposite side. The middle is made up of alternating lead and lead dioxide plates surrounded by sulfuric acid (the electrolyte).
When the reaction is initiated, a current flows from the lead oxide cathode to the lead anode. The lead gives up electrons that the lead dioxide accepts, converting both plates into solid lead sulfate. The supply of energy and external resistance discharges the battery.
According to Bill Hammack, the Engineering Guy, batteries are engineered to have either high energy density or high power density. “The difference being that batteries with a high energy density can store large amounts of energy, and release it reliably over long periods of time, whereas batteries with a high power density release large amounts of energy quickly.”
Lead-acid batteries that skew toward the high power density end of the spectrum are used to provide a quick burst of power, like when you turn the key in your car’s ignition.
High energy density batteries are designed with longevity in mind. These batteries power things like golf carts or powersport vehicles that need a lasting supply of energy. They’re also effective in renewable energy applications, where energy captured from solar panels needs to be stored for extended periods of time.
High Power: Starting, Lighting, Ignition Batteries
Starting, lighting, ignition (SLI) batteries fall into the high power category. These are the batteries you’ll find in your car or motorcycle. They are designed to provide a powerful burst of energy to start the ignition. SLI batteries aren’t designed to keep your car running; that’s the job of the engine. As your car runs, the alternator recharges the battery. SLI batteries shouldn’t be deeply discharged. In fact, if you run your SLI battery to zero charge multiple times, you’ll likely end up with a dead battery.
Primary applications for SLI batteries include:
High Energy: Deep Cycle Batteries
A deep cycle battery’s job is to keep a vehicle running with a steady amount of current over a long period of time. In contrast to SLI batteries, deep cycle batteries are designed to discharge up to 75% of their inbuilt capacity.
Primary applications for deep cycle batteries include:
On the inside: Deep cycle batteries use thicker electrodes that are spaced further apart. In some applications, there is also more room beneath the plates to collect sulfuric acid debris that falls off the plate as deep discharge occurs. Others are anchor bonded, meaning they are bonded to the bottom of the case to keep the plates from shaking apart in high-vibration environments.
Both SLI and deep cycle batteries can be subcategorized based on how the battery is constructed.
Flooded (or wet cell) batteries contain liquid that is a mixture of sulfuric acid and distilled water. Flooded batteries release gas as they discharge and need to be placed upright to prevent leaking. Flooded batteries also need to be watered from time to time to remain in good working condition.
In sealed lead-acid batteries (SLA), the electrolyte, or battery acid, is either absorbed in a plate separator or formed into a gel. Because they do not have to be watered and are spill-proof, they are considered low maintenance or maintenance-free. SLAs typically have a longer shelf life than flooded batteries and charge faster. However, they can be more expensive.
SLAs are further broken down into categories:
Lead-acid batteries can last anywhere between three and 10 years depending on the manufacturer, use and maintenance. To get the most life out of your battery:
According to the EPA, 99% of rechargeable lead-acid batteries are recycled, making them the most recycled consumer good in the United States. Recycling spent batteries is not only good for the environment, it’s also easier than you might think. Many states have laws in place that require battery retailers to accept used lead-acid batteries (the kind used in vehicles).
Continental Battery Systems is committed to keeping batteries out of the landfill. In fact, we recycle more batteries than we sell. Visit one of our locations to recycle your used batteries.
Please visit the advanced VARTA Leisure Battery Search.
Search Leisure Batteries
Starter batteries have proved themselves in millions of cars throughout the world.With continuous innovations and further developments, over the years classic wet batteries have increased in performance, reliability and versatility. EFB and AGM batteries are new battery types, which cater for the increased demands of the present generation of vehicles.
AGM and EFB batteries are characterized by their high performance. In spite of their different technological approaches, the latest generation of battery types have further positive features in common: They need less maintenance and are more reliable than 10 years ago – thanks to advances in battery technology.
Just a few decades ago, the acid level in a car battery had to be regularly checked and topped up with distilled water if necessary. With modern, maintenance-free batteries, water loss is so low that topping up with distilled water is not necessary during the life of the battery.
A conventional starter battery consists of six battery cells. A battery cell, also referred to as a plate block, consists of a positive and a negative set of plates, which in turn consists of several electrodes.
A positive electrode consists of active material made from lead oxide and a positive grid made of lead alloy. The grid structure gives the electrodes a solid structure and at the same time serves as an electrical conductor. The active material is immersed in an electrolyte, a mixture of acid and distilled water.
Do you want to know more? You can find out how a battery functions in our article about the structure and function of starter batteries.
Conventional batteries such as lead-acid batteries are the most common types of battery. This technology is often referred to as SLI, which relates to the main functions of a vehicle battery: Starting, Lighting, and Ignition. They are suitable for vehicles without start-stop technology and a moderate number of electrical consumers.
About Lead acid starter batteries
As the photovoltaic (PV) industry continues to evolve, advancements in Lead acid starter batteries have become critical to optimizing the utilization of renewable energy sources. From innovative battery technologies to intelligent energy management systems, these solutions are transforming the way we store and distribute solar-generated electricity.
When you're looking for the latest and most efficient Lead acid starter batteries for your PV project, our website offers a comprehensive selection of cutting-edge products designed to meet your specific requirements. Whether you're a renewable energy developer, utility company, or commercial enterprise looking to reduce your carbon footprint, we have the solutions to help you harness the full potential of solar energy.
By interacting with our online customer service, you'll gain a deep understanding of the various Lead acid starter batteries featured in our extensive catalog, such as high-efficiency storage batteries and intelligent energy management systems, and how they work together to provide a stable and reliable power supply for your PV projects.
