Types of 12 Volt Storage Battery
The 12-volt battery has a long and rich history in automotive applications. It remains a critical source of power in evolving vehicle technologies.
Batteries are divided into several categories by application and construction. They range from flooded and gelled to sealed AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat).
Before you purchase your next 12v-storage-battery, make sure you understand your options. This will help you choose the right battery for your needs.
Types of Batteries
12 volt batteries are an essential power source for many applications, from starting your car engine to running the lights in your camper. The type of battery you choose depends on 12v-storage-battery the application and energy storage needs. Batteries are divided into categories based on their use and construction, including flooded lead acid, gel, AGM, and lithium-ion. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks.
Lead-acid batteries are the most common and inexpensive of all battery types. They use lead plates suspended in a solution of sulfuric acid, which creates a chemical reaction to store electrical energy. They’re most commonly used as car and boat cranking batteries for their ability to provide high currents for short periods of time.
Gel batteries, also known as “AGM” or “valve regulated lead-acid,” are sealed with a special gel solution that prevents the contents of the battery from spilling out. This makes them less maintenance-intensive than flooded lead-acid batteries and can operate in a variety of temperatures. However, gel batteries have a shorter lifespan and require more cautious charging than other battery types.
Lithium-ion batteries are a newer technology that uses lithium electrolytes to create higher electricity storage efficiency and longer lifespans than traditional lead-acid batteries. They have the highest upfront cost of all battery types, but offer significant savings in the long run. These batteries are also lighter and more efficient, with lower internal resistance to create a larger voltage output.
Lithium-Ion Batteries
Lithium-ion batteries are becoming more popular for their high energy density and lightweight design. They can be used as a drop-in replacement for lead acid batteries, but offer more efficiency and lifespan. They also do not have the memory effect that plagues some rechargeable batteries, meaning that they don’t need to be regularly cycled to maintain maximum capacity.
A lithium battery is a rechargeable battery that stores electrical power in a liquid electrolyte of silicon and oxygen. Lithium ions are intercalated into the graphite anode, which allows for the battery to operate at a constant voltage, unlike other battery types that have to periodically drop the voltage in order to operate consistently. This is especially important in motor drives and electronic loads that require precise control of the power being delivered.
Another benefit of a lithium-ion battery is that it has an extremely low self-discharge rate. While all rechargeable batteries lose some charge over time, lithium ion batteries only lose about 1.5% to 2% of their original capacity per month. This is much less than the 5% to 10% that can be lost by flooded lead acid and nickel-based batteries.
Lithium batteries are also more durable than other rechargeable batteries and can withstand more extreme temperatures. However, it is recommended that they are only charged and discharged within their ideal operating temperature ranges.
Lead-Acid Batteries
Lead-acid batteries generate electricity through a double-sulfate chemical reaction: the active materials on the battery’s plates react with sulfuric acid in the electrolyte to form lead sulfate, which then easily reverts back to lead, lead dioxide and sulphuric acid when the battery recharges. However, over time and multiple discharges/charges, some of the lead sulfate doesn’t recombine into electrolyte and gradually converts into a crystalline state that cannot be redissolved by charging.
This is known as “sulfation” and leads to a Household integrated solar system reduced ability of the battery to accept a charge. It’s especially important to follow good battery maintenance practices like limiting short trips, ensuring proper connections and clamping, and preventing deep discharges.
Different types of lead-acid batteries are available for specific applications. These include wet cell (flooded), gel cell and advanced AGM batteries (Absorbed Glass Mat). AGM batteries have the added benefit of being able to operate in any position without fear of spillage of their liquid electrolyte solution. They also do not need to be installed upright, which makes them ideal for use in a variety of vehicles and power systems. The biggest downside to AGM batteries is that they are finicky when it comes to discharging and charging, and will often fail if this is not managed properly. They are also relatively expensive, though this is offset by their long lifespans.
Modular Batteries
Modular batteries are flat battery modules that can be connected in series and parallel to increase voltage or capacity. They are used in a variety of devices, including electric vehicles and UPS systems. These batteries have several advantages over their non-modular counterparts, including lower weight, higher energy density and better safety. They are also able to be hot-swapped, which makes them more reliable and reduces the overall maintenance costs of a device.
The modular batteries are manufactured in different phases. The battery cell production is a chemical process, while the module and pack assembly is a mechanical process. This allows for a customized design that meets the power and energy needs of each application. The battery cells are grouped into modules and are protected by a plastic housing. The modules are sealed to prevent leaking and have a built-in Cell Module Controller (CMC) that manages the internal state of each battery cell.
The battery pack is a higher-level component that assembles multiple battery modules into an integral unit. It is responsible for providing additional functions and features, such as electrical interfaces, cooling systems, and enclosures. In addition, the battery pack must also comply with various environmental and safety requirements, particularly when dealing with lithium batteries. This is due to the high potential for fires and explosions caused by improper handling and packaging of lithium batteries.
