Types of 12 Volt Starting Battery
The 12 volt battery is an essential component for many systems in cars and boats. They are available in various chemistries and sizes. They can be connected in series or parallel to get a higher voltage or more storage capacity.
Batteries are generally divided into two categories: starting and deep cycle. Starting batteries are designed to provide an instant surge of electric current to activate devices. Deep-cycle batteries have a different design, energy density, and charging requirements.
Lead-acid
Lead acid batteries are a powerful source of energy that provide an intense jolt to start motor vehicles. They are also used to power tools and equipment. However, they require careful use because they will deteriorate over time. You can extend their life by charging them regularly. Avoid overcharging the battery, though, as this can break down the material that holds the sulphate in place.
These batteries consist of two chemically dissimilar lead-based plates immersed in a solution of concentrated sulphuric acid. The negative plate is made of lead and the positive is made of lead dioxide. These are separated by a separator that prevents short circuiting. The electrolyte in a lead-acid battery is water, which must be replenished periodically.
This type of battery is heavy and not as durable as nickel- or lithium-based systems when deeply cycled. Each discharge/charge cycle robs the 12v-starting-battery battery of a small amount of its performance, and over time, this deterioration causes it to lose capacity and eventually reaches half its nominal performance.
Despite this deterioration, lead-acid batteries are still used for many applications, including backup systems and emergency lighting. They are popular for powering wheelchairs, and their low cost makes them the preferred choice for hospitals and retirement homes. They can be operated in any orientation, and the sealed design ensures that there is no leakage of electrolyte.
Lithium-ion
Lithium-ion batteries are becoming increasingly prevalent, and they can be found in many different types of vehicles. Whether they’re used to power infotainment systems, accessories or safety features in electric cars, lithium-ion batteries provide high quality and reliable performance. These batteries are designed to last longer than lead-acid ones, but they’re also more expensive.
Li-ion batteries have a similar design as lead-acid batteries, with anode and cathode, separator and electrolyte. When the battery is discharging, lithium ions are released from the anode to the cathode, and the opposite happens when it’s charging.
While lithium-ion batteries offer the best storage capacity, they don’t work as well for starting applications because they can’t deliver a large amount of instant surge current. They’re also more expensive than other battery technologies and need to be charged and cooled more carefully.
To overcome these challenges, manufacturers have developed new battery chemistries that use different materials and structures to improve the performance of lithium-ion batteries. One such technology uses a manganese spinel structure to increase ion flow and reduce internal resistance, while maintaining safe temperature levels. It also offers superior cycle and calendar life compared to lead-acid batteries, but it’s currently more expensive than other battery types. Lithium-ion batteries can also be safely serviced by trained technicians, as long as they follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Gel
Gel batteries use a similar structure to wet lead-acid batteries but instead of having a liquid electrolyte they contain a gel substance that suspends the sulfuric acid. This eliminates the risk of leaking, which makes gel batteries much safer to transport and handle. These batteries also do not need to be kept upright and can be installed in a variety of positions. This flexibility and maintenance free operation means they are more cost effective than wet cell batteries.
These batteries are recombinant which means that when LiFePO4 Car Boat Starting battery they are charged the gases produced internally are converted back to water. This prevents damage to the battery and extends its lifespan. These batteries also have a much higher tolerance for heat and can operate at temperatures up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
However, these batteries require more care while charging. The gel electrolyte can evaporate if it is exposed to high temperatures, so it is important that they are charged in an area that does not get too hot. These batteries also require a slower charge cycle than traditional batteries. They are best suited for deep cycling applications where the battery will not be required to provide bursts of power. The benefits of these batteries make them an attractive option for those looking for a reliable, low-cost battery solution for a range of applications.
Sealed
Unlike flooded lead acid batteries that require periodic water placement, sealed batteries do not have any water level indicators on top. Their electrolyte is either in gel form [GEL battery] or replaced by a saturated mat of acid-soaked glass mats [AGM battery]. Due to this, sealed batteries are leak-proof and are also called maintenance-free batteries. They have better power density and performance in cold weather than flooded lead acid batteries.
Sealed batteries are very useful in many applications, including automotive, marine, RV and home backup systems. They are a safe alternative to traditional lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries, and they can be used in parallel or series for increased voltage or capacity. However, it is important to understand how they work before using them. The use of incorrect battery connections can cause internal damage. To prevent this, always use a proper cable connector and coat them with high temperature grease or petroleum jelly (Vaseline) to protect the terminal from corrosion.
Some batteries have small pressure release valves that activate under extreme overcharging conditions. This feature allows them to vent gases, which could otherwise explode the battery case. This is why these batteries are sometimes referred to as SLA, which stands for ‘sealed lead acid’ or VRLA, which means valve regulated lead-acid. They are very versatile and come in a variety of sizes, voltages and amperages.
