Learn the Benefits of Using a Lead-Acid Battery in India
Did you know that lead acid batteries were Invented in the 1850s? Lead acid batteries were the first rechargeable batteries meant for commercial use.
Even today, you can barely find a cost-effective alternative to it. Whether a golf cart, a wheelchair, or a UPS system, a lead-acid battery helps to run such machines smoothly.
In fact, it is an ideal rechargeable battery type you can use in applications that require high-load currents. The battery is widely used in different vehicles and commercial appliances.
Two types of lead-acid batteries are available: sealed lead-acid batteries and AGM batteries. Sealed lead-acid (SLA) batteries are classified into two types- Small sealed lead-acid and larger valve-regulated lead-acid (VLVA) batteries.
Sealed acid batteries are used in emergency lighting, wheelchairs, healthcare sectors, etc. You can use AGM batteries in motorcycles, micro-hybrid cars, RVs and marine vehicles that require some cycling.
But why are lead-acid batteries used so widely? Is there any notable advantage of these batteries? Yes, they have certain benefits.
In this article, we will discuss such benefits in detail, safety measures for its use, and also the factors to consider while buying lead-acid batteries.
The Benefits of Using Lead-Acid Battery
Despite having other alternatives, people prefer using lead-acid batteries in many cases. The major perks of using this battery are:
Cost-effective
Lead-acid batteries, unlike other rechargeable batteries, are lower in cost. You can use it in applications where newer battery chemistries can be costly. One of the reasons for this low cost is its simple manufacturing process.
High self-discharge current
The self-discharge for this battery is about 40% per year. On the other hand, nickel-cadmium type self-discharges the same amount in three months. Due to its low self-discharge, lead-acid batteries can store charge for up to 2 years.
No requirement for cell-wise BMS
Lithium-ion batteries can be used in particular conditions. Hence, BMS or battery management system is necessary for it. It monitors the battery when it gets overcharged.
Lead-acid batteries do not need them. When you overcharge these batteries, they use the surplus energy to electrolyse water into Hydrogen and Oxygen. Thus, it equalises all blocks or cells. The highest charged ones will go into that mode and sit there while the others reach there.
Good performance in extreme temperatures
A lead-acid battery works well in both high and low temperatures. The operating temperature ranges from -40 degrees F to 120 degrees F. Anyways, for extreme temperature cases, you should use batteries specifically designed for difficult applications.
Reliable and smooth technology
The technology used in these batteries is mature. If used correctly, a lead-acid battery can last long, providing reliable service.
Different types of Lead Acid Batteries: Benefits and Limitations
Based on the platforms on which lead-acid batteries are available, the types are-
- Tubular lead acid battery
- Flat-plate lead acid battery
- Gel lead-acid battery
Tubular lead acid battery:
The benefits of these batteries are:
- longer operational life
- ideal for heavy-duty applications
- highly functional in different conditions
- low maintenance
- long standby life
The limitation of the batteries is their higher initial cost.
Flat-plate lead acid battery:
The benefits of these batteries are:
- cheaper than tubular type
- faster rate of charging
- ideal for areas with frequent and minimal power cut
These batteries' limitation is that they don't have as long a lifespan as tubular batteries.
Gel lead acid battery:
The benefits of these batteries are:
- longer lifespan in extreme weather conditions
- high rate performance
- longer shelf life
- better cycle performance
- flexible installation
- maintenance free
The limitations are:
- the slow rate of charging
- water cannot be refilled once overcharged
- hot temperature can make the gel hard and shrink in the plate
How to Use a Lead-Acid Battery Safely
You have learned the benefits. Now, you may be interested in using a lead-acid battery ASAP. But, before you buy it, you should learn more details.
First, you must know how to use the battery safely. Let's remember the points below.
- Make sure to keep the battery vent caps securely in the proper place.
- Recharge or store the batteries in a well-ventilated area. That area should be away from open flames or any sparks.
- Post signs of “Flammable – No Smoking” in lead-acid battery storage and charging places.
- Wear acid-resistant goggles or face shields and gloves when handling lead-acid batteries.
- Keep damaged batteries in properly labelled and acid-resistant secondary containment areas.
Things to Consider While buying Lead-Acid Batteries
Only learning the benefits is not enough.
If you want the desired result with your lead-acid battery, you should remember some other factors too. Let's see what factors you must remember while buying it.
- Lead-acid batteries are ideal for short-term uses. So, buying for a long-term solution may not be a wise decision.
- These batteries carry a high risk of fire and explosion. So, use proper safety precautions.
- Read the specifications of your application carefully before buying a lead acid battery for it. Sometimes, storage battery requirements vary from application to application.
- The performance of a lead battery can suffer when the charge decreases.
- You must dispose of it carefully as it has corrosive compounds that harm the environment.
Wrapping it Up
Looking at the benefits, buying a quality lead-acid battery is a wise decision. Whether you buy AGM or sealed lead-acid batteries, they can benefit you in many ways.
But you must not forget the limitations as well. Its poor weight-to-energy ratio, slow charging, and limited cycle life may restrict its use in some cases. Also, don't forget to follow safety instructions while using the battery. While buying a lead-acid battery, you should never compromise on its quality. A low-quality battery can cause serious hazards. L&T-SuFin offers high-quality lead-acid batteries and many other industrial products on its site, along with financial and logistic support to make your buying easier. Visit it today!
Troubleshooting Common Issues with Lead-Acid Batteries
Even a minor issue with a lead-acid battery can cause huge trouble sometimes. Those issues may lead to poor performance of the appliance. Also, it affects the durability of the battery and the machine in which it is used.
Therefore, it is essential to troubleshoot the problems at the earliest. Hence, in this article, we will discuss how you can fix common issues with a lead-acid battery.
This article will talk about troubleshooting both types. They are AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) and Sealed Lead-acid (SLA) batteries. Also, we will point out some preventive measures for these common issues. Finally, you will learn how to prolong the battery's life.
Troubleshooting Common Issues with Lead-Acid Battery
A lead-acid battery, be it an SLA or AGM battery, may pose problems at any time. The major reasons behind such issues are usually poor quality material, no proper maintenance, etc.
Anyways, whatever the reason is, you must fix the problem before it gets worse. So, here we share the troubleshooting processes:
Instant Fluctuation of the Battery Percentage
A sudden decrease or increase in battery percentage depends largely on terminal voltage. And this voltage is affected by the charge and discharge currents.
The charge current can quickly increase the voltage of a resting battery during the first minute of charge. It results in an instant increase in battery percentage. But, once that charge current is stopped, the battery percentage decreases suddenly.
Also, the discharge current can cause an immediate decrease in battery percentage at the first minute of discharge. But when the current is stopped, the voltage rapidly rises to the resting level, and the battery percentage increases instantly.
To resolve the issue and find an accurate battery percentage, disconnect the battery from the whole system and rest it for 2 hours at least before taking the measurement.
The battery bank does not accept charging or discharges too fast
It might be a result of the failure of your battery bank. When such an issue occurs, identify the lagging battery in the bank first.
A lagging battery comes with a lower voltage than other batteries in the bank. Charge and discharge the battery thrice to see if any battery shows a lower voltage than the average voltage bank by more than 5%.
Then, equalise the battery bank with proper equalisation charge parameters. If that battery bank issue is still there, the lagging battery may have failed.
Then, disconnect it from power sources and loads. Next, use a battery generator to rejuvenate the battery. If the issue is not solved, replace the lagging battery.
The acid leaks, swells up, or releases vapours
Three of them are crucial issues. With a cracked casing, the sulfuric acid electrolyte in a battery starts seeping out and causes corrosion to the things in the surrounding areas. Thus acid leaks take place. You must handle the battery to prevent it.
A battery's positive and negative plates can exert pressure on the inner wall and make the battery case swell up. It might be a result of overcharging or short-circuiting. Make sure you do not overcharge
These issues are mostly seen in sealed lead-acid batteries. For AGM batteries, regular damages may not cause any harm due to their materials. Anyways, you must check other performance issues.
If your AGM battery shows poor performance, you can apply some ways. For example:
- Check for damage. Although minor damage cannot harm, you should find and repair it soon.
- Inspect the gravity of the acid within the battery fluid. The fluid will be clear without any discolouration if the battery is fine.
- Check the voltage of the battery after charging. It should be 100% before use. If it is less than 100%, recharge it. If the problem still occurs, the battery might have a problem.
- Load test inspection is another way. You should replace the battery if the test voltage is below the minimum.
How to Prevent the Common Issues with Lead-Acid Batteries
Troubleshooting the issue is fine. But, the better is when you prevent the issues beforehand from occurring. Things that you can do are:
- Fully recharge the battery after using and before storing it to avoid the undercharging issue.
- If the battery is stored for a long period, charge it every few weeks.
- Check water levels frequently and refill the cells with distilled water as required.
- Avoid overwatering. A regular fluid level is around ½ inch above the plates' top or just below the vent's bottom. Maintain it.
How to prolong lead-acid battery life
Before we end today's discussion, here are some tips to prolong battery life.
- Never discharge the battery below 50%
- Connect power sources on the bank's opposite corners for an even charging and discharging for every battery.
- Stick to the maximum limitations of charge and discharge current.
- You should store the battery in a dry and cool place.
What should you do?
Even if it apparently looks negligible, you should never ignore any issues with your lead-acid battery. Often, it takes very little time for a small issue to turn into a bigger one. And it becomes costlier too.
So, fix the problems as soon as possible. Also, try to prevent the issues beforehand following the tips we have mentioned. Anyways, the poor-quality battery is a vital reason for these common issues. So, why not buy a high-quality battery and reduce the risks? Visit L&T-SuFin now for the vast collection of lead-acid batteries it offers.
12V Lead Acid Batteries in India 2023: What you need to know
Choosing a battery can be a tough task for those unfamiliar with the battery technology. A lot of improvements have been made in developing efficient batteries over time. Here you can explore the available types of 12V Lead Acid Batteries in the market. This article also helps you understand its features, lifespan and recharging techniques of the battery.
Types of 12V lead acid batteries
The 12V Batteries are divided into two primary types, Lead Acid Batteries and Lithium Ion Batteries. Lead Acid Batteries have been in use for quite a long time whereas Lithium Ion Batteries are the newest technology. Below are some of the types of 12V Lead Acid Batteries.
Sealed valve-regulated lead acid batteries
Also known as VRLA Batteries, they are regarded as the safest type of batteries to use as they do not gas or spill. They are completely sealed off for life and need little to no maintenance throughout their lifespan of 2-8 years. There is a valve provided for the safe evolution of O2 and H2 gases at the time of charging.
Flooded lead acid batteries
They are the most common type of 12V Lead Acid Batteries. It is the cheapest among all and may last longer if maintained properly. Lead plates are suspended in a solution of Sulfuric Acid and the electrolytes have free movement in the section. The water level should be monitored from time to time to avoid the battery from drying up and to prevent it from leaking acid. They are also vulnerable to gassing and release Hydrogen Sulfide if overcharged. They must be installed in an upright position to avoid gassing and leakage. The maintenance of such batteries needs to be done every 3-6 months.
Gel 12V lead acid batteries
Gel 12V lead acid batteries are considered a sub-type of sealed batteries. They don't require regular maintenance as they are sealed. They too have lead plates suspended in the liquid solution. But unlike flooded batteries, the solution in this one is silica based and thicker. They work quite efficiently in high temperatures and are not suitable for rapid charging and take time to recharge. Gel 12V lead acid batteries are a bit more expensive than the other types. The life span for such types of batteries is 2-5 years.
AGM 12V lead acid batteries
Absorbent Glass Mat technology-based batteries are a sub-type of sealed batteries as well. The recharging is the most efficient in this kind of battery because of the lower internal resistance. They are maintenance-free and work neatly in most temperatures. The life span of this kind of battery is 5-7 years.
Ensuring safety while using lead acid batteries
There are many dangers involved while handling Lead Acid Batteries. Now you can have a look at a few precautions which can ensure your safety while recharging and handling the batteries.
- Wear a face shield: This prevents your face from getting burned from the acidic fumes released while recharging the battery.
- Wear rubber gloves: These ensure your safety from electrical shock as well as acid burns. Yes! Acid does not tear through the rubber gloves.
- Wear an apron or a PPE kit: This will ensure that your clothes and body are not harmed by acid corrosion.
- Keep metals away from batteries: Remove all kinds of metallic jewellery from your body when you are dealing with batteries. Contact of materials like metal with lead acid batteries can cause short circuits.
- Keep a fire extinguisher handy while working with lead-acid batteries.
- Keep a neutralising solution ready in case acid is spilt from the battery.
- Install eye and body wash stations: These will help you wash your eyes and body in case of acid contact.
What are the dangers involved in working with lead acid batteries?
There are some risks associated with batteries and their use. This will help you be extra careful while dealing with batteries.
- Acid burns
- Acidic and poisonous fume inhalation
- Electric shock
- Short circuit
- Crushing
- Lead exposure
Buy 12V lead acid batteries online at L&T-SuFin
Even though Lithium-Ion Batteries have taken the upper hand in the current industrial market, traditional Lead Acid Batteries have still not gone out of fashion. If you are planning to buy a 12V Lead Acid Battery, this information will help you choose the right one. We also offer all types of 12V Lead Acid Batteries on our website L&T-SuFin at affordable prices from trusted brands. Checkout the range now!
How to Prolong the Life of Lead Acid Batteries in India 2023
The price of Lead Acid batteries rises with every coming year. This makes prolonging the battery's lifespan as much as possible. The users now look to utilize their batteries to full capacity. But maintaining them can be a daunting task. So, this is your complete guide to maximizing the lifespan of your Lead Acid Batteries in 2023.
How does a 12V Lead Acid Battery Work?
To prolong the lifespan of your battery, you need to know how it works. As you already know, Lead Acid Batteries are rechargeable. They use Lead and Sulphuric acid to function. The lead is dipped into the Sulphuric acid to allow a chemical reaction. The chemical reaction causes the battery to generate an electric charge. The same reaction is reversed to recharge the battery.
The lifespan of a Lead Acid Battery
Working conditions play an important role in determining the lifespan of a battery. Temperature is one such factor that directly affects its life. The optimal functional temperature for a 12V Lead Acid Battery is 25 degree Celsius. The increase in temperature shortens the longevity of the battery. A regulated 12V Lead Acid Battery that functions at 25 degrees Celsius has an average lifespan of 10 years. Whereas the same battery functioning at 33 degrees Celsius has an average lifespan of 5 years. The chemical reaction in a 12V Lead Acid Battery can never be halted completely. Hence, these batteries continue to discharge when not in use. Even though this happens at a very slow rate, factors like temperature increase the rate of discharge.
Ways to Maximize the Lifespan of a Lead Acid Battery
Healthy Charging Practices
You should always refrain from draining the battery completely. Letting a battery discharge below 20% causes Sulfation to occur. Sulfation accumulation blocks the electron flow which causes the charging time to increase drastically. This means increasing the charging time and ultimately reducing the productivity and lifespan of the battery. One way to prevent a battery from draining completely is to monitor battery levels closely on a daily basis.
Overcharging a battery significantly reduces the water levels in a Lead Acid Battery. As water levels reduce and temperatures rise, high damage can occur to the battery, affecting its productivity and longevity. It is important to know about the charging guidelines for the type of battery you use.
A battery has a limited number of charge cycles in its lifespan. The frequency of charging also affects a battery's life and makes a battery lose its efficiency over time.
Storage of Lead Acid Batteries
Storage location and conditions of a battery can adversely affect a battery's durability and performance. To let the lead acid battery perform at its peak capability, it must be stored in a cool, dry place with an ideal temperature. You should also avoid storing batteries in areas where there is direct sunlight or extreme freeze.
Overloading the equipment
Every battery has a regulated amount of power to distribute. Overloading the battery with numerous equipment of high power can significantly decrease its battery life.
Maintenance of a Lead Acid Battery
A battery should be cleaned and kept dry at all times. It is important to clean a battery immediately after any acidic overspill. Leaving an acidic overspill untouched for a long time may damage the battery forever.
The water level in a battery should also be monitored periodically and should be maintained at an ideal condition given by the manufacturer. While refilling the batteries with water, make sure that the water is clean and distilled.
Equalizing The Battery
The imbalance in chemicals gradually increases over time. The sulfate coatings start to accumulate reducing the total capacity of the battery. Equalization is the process of deliberately overcharging the battery to a certain level. This reduces the excess sulfate buildup in the battery.
Regular Checks
Regular maintenance is a necessary exercise you must follow to keep the battery life healthy. Checking if the vent plugs are tight and applying terminal protectors to reduce corrosion are a few things to follow.
Buy Lead Acid Battery online at L&T-SuFin
Lead Acid Batteries have become an integral part of our lives. But maintaining them is still something people hesitate to do. Following the procedures will really help you keep your Lead Acid Batteries in a healthy condition. For more information about 12V Lead Acid Batteries and their maintenance, visit our website L&T-SuFin.