Home energy storage choose high voltage battery or low voltage battery is good?
Home energy storage choose high voltage battery or low voltage battery is good?
Choosing the right type of battery for home energy storage can be a pivotal decision for homeowners. In this exploration, we’ll dive into the nuances of high-voltage and low-voltage rechargeable batteries to ascertain which is more suitable for your home energy needs.
Understanding High-Voltage Batteries.
What are High-Voltage Batteries?
High-voltage batteries typically operate above 48 volts. They are becoming increasingly popular in residential energy storage systems, especially in homes with higher energy demand
- Advantages of High-Voltage Batteries:
1.Efficiency and Power Handling: They offer higher efficiency with lower current flows, reducing energy loss during power conversion.
2.Solar Compatibility: High-voltage batteries are often more compatible with modern solar panel systems.
3.Simplified Installation: These systems can be simpler to install due to fewer parallel connections.
4.Scalability for Future Needs: High-voltage systems are generally more adaptable to future technological advancements.
Drawbacks of High-Voltage Batteries
1.Higher Initial Investment: The advanced technology in high-voltage batteries often comes with a higher upfront cost.
2.Safety Considerations: Additional safety measures and professional installation may be necessary due to the higher voltage.
Exploring Low-Voltage Batteries
What are Low-Voltage Batteries?
Low-voltage batteries typically range from 12 to 24 volts and have been the traditional choice for smaller homes or those with modest energy needs.
- Benefits of Low-Voltage Batteries:
- Cost-Effectiveness: They are generally more affordable, offering a budget-friendly solution for home energy storage.
- .Availability: There is a wide range of low-voltage products due to their long-standing market presence.
- Ease of Handling: Low-voltage systems are often safer and simpler, making them suitable for DIY projects.
- Limitations of Low-Voltage Batteries
- Efficiency Challenges: Low-voltage batteries may experience higher energy losses, especially in AC power conversion.
- Complexity in Scaling: Expanding a low-voltage system can be more complex, requiring intricate configurations.
- Making the Right Choice for Your Home, assessing Your Home’s Energy Needs
1.Energy Consumption: Evaluate your home’s energy usage to determine if a high-voltage system is necessary.
2.Budget Considerations: Factor in your budget – low-voltage batteries might be more viable for limited budgets.
3.System Compatibility: Consider the compatibility of the battery with existing or planned solar panels or other energy systems.
4.Space and Installation: High-voltage batteries typically require less space but may need professional installation, whereas low-voltage systems can be more DIY-friendly.
- Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice between high-voltage and low-voltage batteries for home energy storage depends largely on your specific energy needs, budget, compatibility with other energy systems, space constraints, and personal preference for installation. High-voltage batteries are suited for homes with higher energy demands and for those seeking efficiency and scalability. Low-voltage batteries are ideal for cost-effective solutions and simpler setups, especially in smaller homes. Carefully consider these factors to make the most informed and suitable choice for your home energy storage needs.
How much do solar batteries cost?
How much do solar batteries cost?
As a general rule of thumb, there are a few important key price factors when we talk about the cost of a fully installed solar battery:
- Battery size
- Voltage
- Quality
- Battery technology
- Grid or off grid
- Brand
- Backup enabled
- Variation in installation
However, don’t forget that thanks to financing options, enjoying the benefits of a solar battery has never been easier or more accessible. We offer a Best Price Guarantee on any fully installed solar battery.
Max Power batteries(www.szmaxpower.com) has a solution to suit your individual household needs. Please feel free to contact us.
How long will a battery last for?
How long will a batteries last for ?
Solar battery manufacturers test their products under standard conditions in what is called a cycle – or in simple terms one full charge and discharge. Different batteries have different specifications, so it’s always a good idea to check the technical sheets for the brands and models you’re interested in.
It is important to note that we offer extended warranties for purchase if you want an extra level of coverage for your investment.
Max Power batteries(www.szmaxpower.com) has a solution to suit your individual household needs. Please feel free to contact us.
Knowing what’s the right solar battery solution for you?
Knowing what's the right solar battery solution for you?
Solar battery storage isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Your PV solar system and how you use power will help determine the right capacity for you.
The capacity of a solar battery is how much power it can store. But getting the biggest battery isn’t always the best option for every household. There is no point in having a 5 litre bucket if you only have 1 litre to carry. We want to match a battery solution to you. Making sure your battery stores the right amount of power you generate without too much over flow or without wasted space.
Choosing the right battery capacity will see you getting a better return on your investment sooner.
With a number of modular systems also available you can expand your system if your household needs change. When the kids move out and your home is using less power during the day, you could add another battery to store more excess power from your solar system. Reducing waste and increasing solar usage when the sun goes down.
Max Power batteries(www.szmaxpower.com) has a solution to suit your individual household needs. Please feel free to contact us.
How Does a Solar Battery Work?
How Does a Solar Battery Work?
Most Australian households are not home, or use very little power during the day. Energy usage is much higher during the morning and evening. This is why solar battery storage is getting everyone’s attention!
Solar batteries simply store unused electricity generated by your solar system during the day, for your own use later. Extending the capabilities of your system to have it working harder for you. When the solar system is no longer producing power your house starts to run from the stored battery power, instead of relying on the grid. Doing more with your own solar before paying your electricity provider. What doesn’t sound great about that?
Shenzhen Max Power Company(www.szmaxpower.com) has a solution to suit your individual household needs, offering a large range of solar battery sizes and leading brands. With the analysis of a few key figures on your energy bill and our specialist knowledge, we can help you take charge of your energy bills today!
How does a solar battery benefit you?
How does a solar battery benefit you?
- Energy independence: Don’t get caught in the dark! With a solar battery, you can enjoy a reliable power source even during grid outages. This means you’ll have greater control over your energy supply and won’t have to rely solely on the grid.
- Reduced energy costs: With a solar battery, you can stick it to high grid energy prices! Utilising the stored solar energy during peak usage times will save money on your energy bills in the long run. So say goodbye to outrageous energy bills and hello to a more cost-effective solution.
- Environmental benefits: By storing excess solar energy, you’ll reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a cleaner environment.
- Increased property value: Adding a solar battery system to your property is a wise investment that can pay off in more ways than one. Not only will you enjoy the benefits of reliable and cost-effective energy, but it can also increase the resale value of your property. A solar battery system is a valuable addition to your property and can increase its resale value.
- Power during blackouts: Don’t let a power outage disrupt your life! With a solar battery system, you can have peace of mind knowing that you have backup power for your essential appliances and devices. Your battery will kick in when the lights go out, ensuring you’re never without power.
To know more please contact Shenzhen Max Power Company(www.szmaxpower.com)
What is a solar battery?
Answer:A solar battery allows you to keep the electricity you generate and use it only when you need it.
While solar panels are a fantastic investment for your home or business, they only generate electricity during daylight hours. Therefore, a solar battery is an invaluable addition to your home’s power system.
Currently, your solar system generates electricity, and you either use it immediately or feed it into the grid and receive a credit from your electricity provider. At night, you then purchase energy from your provider to suit your needs. Unfortunately, electricity prices are rising, and solar-generated energy credits are decreasing. So, even though you have a solar power system, you can still receive a hefty electricity bill.
Adding a solar battery means you can store the excess energy your solar panels capture during the day, ensuring you have a reliable power source regardless of the time of the day.
When the sun goes down or your energy needs exceed what your solar panels produce, the battery starts supplying your home with the stored energy. This means you can continue using solar power even when the sun isn’t shining and even when you have a power outage.
Shenzhen Max Power Company(www.szmaxpower.com) has a solution to suit your individual household needs, offering an extensive range of solar battery sizes and leading brands. With the analysis of a few key figures on your energy bill and our specialist knowledge, we can help you take charge of your energy bills today!
Without a solar battery👇
With a solar battery👇
Why can't MAX POWER lithium-iron batteries be connected and combined freely like SZMP lead-acid batteries?
Answer: Lithium iron batteries and lead-acid batteries differ in their chemical properties and working principles, which result in different requirements for series and parallel connections.
Firstly, lithium iron batteries use lithium ions as the charge transfer medium, while lead-acid batteries use the chemical reaction of lead and sulfuric acid for charge transfer. Lithium-ion batteries are known for their high voltage stability, fast charge transfer rate, and high energy density, but they also have higher safety requirements.
When connecting and combining lithium iron batteries, it is crucial to maintain voltage and capacity matching between the batteries. If there are differences between the batteries, it can lead to imbalanced currents between them, which can cause safety issues such as overcharging, over-discharging, and thermal runaway. This is because in series connection, batteries with voltage mismatch may be driven by the voltage of other batteries, leading to overcharging and risking battery damage or even explosion. In a parallel connection, batteries with capacity mismatch can result in uneven current distribution, with some batteries bearing excessive load, causing over-discharging and damage.
In comparison, lead-acid batteries have smaller voltage and capacity fluctuations, and they have relatively higher internal resistance, which allows them to tolerate some differences during series and parallel connections. However, lithium batteries exhibit larger voltage and capacity fluctuations and lower internal resistance, requiring stricter guidelines for series and parallel connections.
Therefore, to ensure the safety and stable performance of lithium iron batteries, series, and parallel connections must be carried out according to strict regulations to ensure voltage and capacity matching between the batteries, and to avoid imbalanced current distribution, thereby minimizing safety risks.
Any more questions please feel free to contact: info@szmaxpower.com
Can any charger be used for Lithium/LiFePO4 batteries？
Answer：No, because any charger corresponds only to a specific charging process and only to a specific electrochemical process, such as lithium-ion, lead-acid or nickel-metal hydride batteries, which not only have different voltage characteristics, but also different charging modes. They must not be mixed.
What is an external short circuit and how does it affect battery performance？
Answer：External short circuits can be caused by connecting the outer ends of the battery to any conductor. Depending on the type of battery, short circuits can have consequences ofvarying severity. For example, the temperature of the electrolyte will rise and the internal air
pressure will increase. If the air pressure value exceeds the pressure resistance value of the battery cap, the battery will leak. This situation can seriously damage the battery. If the safety valve fails, it may even cause an explosion. Therefore do not short-circuit the outside of the
battery.
What is over-discharge and how does it affect battery performance？
Answer：After the battery has discharged the internal stored power and the voltage has reached a certain value, continued discharge will result in over-discharge; battery over-discharge may bring disastrous consequences to the battery, especially high current over-discharge or repeated over-discharge, which will have a greater impact on the battery. Generally speaking, over-discharge will cause the internal pressure of the battery to rise, the reversibility of the positive and negative active substances will be damaged, and even if recharged, it will only partially recover, and the capacity will be significantly decayed.
What is overcharging and how does it affect battery performance？
Answer：Overcharging is the act of continuing to charge a battery after it has been fully charged by a certain charging process; overcharging may cause an increase in internal pressure, undesirable phenomena such as battery bulging and leakage. At the same time, its electrical performance will be significantly reduced.。
What are the possible reasons for the short discharge time of a battery pack？
Answer：
1.The battery is not fully charged, e.g. insufficient charging time, low charging efficiency, etc.；
2.Excessive discharge current, resulting in lower discharge efficiency and thus shorter discharge times；
3.Low ambient temperature when discharging batteries, reduced discharge efficiency。
What are the possible reasons for a battery pack not discharging？
Answer：
1.Battery pack not charged；
2.Battery packs cannot be discharged due to the temperature of the environment in which they are used；
What are the possible reasons for a battery pack not charging?
Answer：
1.Zero voltage cells in the battery pack；
2.Battery pack internal electronic components, abnormalities in protection circuits；
3.Poor voltage collection, not all single section voltages are detected；
4.Charging device failure, no output current。
What are the possible causes of zero or low voltage in a battery pack？
Answer：
1. Zero voltage on a single battery；
2. Faulty internal connection of the battery, poor contact between the connection piece and the battery, etc.；
3. Damage to the internal electronic components of the battery。
Why does the temperature rise sharply and the voltage drop suddenly when the battery is fully charged?
Answer：The heat generated by the reaction is so great that the temperature of the entire battery system rises. Therefore, there is a sharp rise in temperature at this time. The higher the temperature, the lower the equilibrium potential of the battery, so the temperature rise must lead to a drop in the equilibrium potential of the battery, so there is a sudden drop in the battery voltage at this time.
What are the best conditions to store batteries in? Do I need a fully charged battery for long-term storage?
Answer：According to IEC standards, batteries should be stored at a temperature of 20°C ± 5°C and a humidity of (65±20)%. For long-term storage, it is ideal to keep the battery in a dry and cool environment and to keep the remaining charge at around 50%. Of course, it is best to take the battery out once a month to ensure that it is in good condition and not to lose all the power and damage it.
How long the battery pack can be stored?
Answer：The inherent electrochemical structure of the battery itself dictates that there is an inevitable loss of capacity, mainly due to self-discharge. The size of the self-discharge is usually related to the solubility of the cathode material in the electrolyte and its instability (susceptibility to self-decomposition) when subjected to heat. The self-discharge of LiFePO4 battery packs is 3%/month.
What can go wrong when battery packs of different capacities are used together？
Answer：If different capacities or old and new batteries are mixed together, the difference in capacity during charging leads to some batteries being overcharged and some not fully charged when charging, and high capacity batteries not being discharged when discharging, while low capacity ones are overcharged. In this vicious cycle, the batteries are damaged and leak or have low (zero) voltage.
What is the fault warning mechanism？
Answer：The BMS has a fault warning function, which can be viewed via the host software. Faults include the following：
1)Sampling fault: a fault in the communication between the analogue front end and the master chip. When this fault occurs, the charging and discharging MOS is switched off and the fault alarm can be cleared automatically when the fault is cleared;
2)Temperature NTC failure: mainly detects if the temperature NTC is short-circuited or disconnected. When this fault occurs, the charging and discharging MOS is switched off and the fault alarm is automatically cleared when the fault is cleared;
3)The fault is also reported when the voltage sampling line is disconnected. The fault alarm is cleared automatically when the fault is cleared.
What are the temperature protection and recovery mechanisms？
Answer：
1)Charging high temperature protection and recovery When the battery temperature is higher than the charging high temperature protection value and the duration reaches the charging high temperature protection delay, the system enters the charging high temperature protection state and turns off the charging MOS When the battery temperature drops below the charging high temperature recovery value, the charging high temperature protection state is lifted.
2)Discharge high temperature protection and recovery When the battery temperature is higher than the discharge high temperature protection value and the duration reaches the discharge high temperature protection delay, the system enters the discharge high temperature protection state and shuts down the discharge MOS When the battery temperature drops below the discharge high temperature recovery value, the discharge high temperature protection state is lifted.
3)Charging low temperature protection and recovery During charging, when the battery temperature is below the charging low temperature protection value and the duration reaches the charging low temperature protection delay, the system enters the charging low temperature protection state and turns off the charging MOS. when the battery temperature rises above the charging low temperature recovery value, the charging low temperature protection state is lifted.
4)Discharge low temperature protection and recovery During discharge, when the battery temperature is below the discharge low temperature protection value and the duration reaches the discharge low temperature protection delay, the system enters the discharge low temperature protection state and shuts down the discharge MOS. when the battery temperature rises above the charge low temperature recovery value, the discharge low temperature protection state is lifted.
5)MOS high temperature protection and recovery The system has a MOS temperature detection port, when the MOS temperature is higher than the MOS temperature protection value, and the duration reaches the MOS temperature protection delay, the system enters the MOS high temperature protection state and shuts down the charging and discharging MOS When the MOS temperature drops below the MOS temperature recovery value, the system releases the MOS high temperature protection state.
What is the short circuit protection and recovery mechanism？
Answer： When the discharge current is higher than the short-circuit protection current value and the duration reaches the short-circuit protection delay, the system enters the short-circuit protection state and turns off the discharge MOS. short-circuit protection occurs, the system automatically locks the state, and the short-circuit protection state can be automatically released after removing the load. Charging can also be released.
What is the discharge over current protection and recovery mechanism？
Answer：When the discharge current is higher than the discharge overcurrent protection current and the duration reaches the discharge overcurrent protection delay, the system enters the discharge overcurrent protection state and turns off the discharge MOS. When the discharge
overcurrent protection occurs, the system will automatically release the discharge overcurrent protection state after 1min. If the overcurrent protection occurs 10 times in a row, the system will automatically lock the state and will not be released automatically. It can also be deactivated by charging. The discharge overcurrent protection is divided into 2 levels, with different response speeds for different discharge currents to better protect the battery.
What is the charging overcurrent protection and recovery mechanism?
Answer: When the charging current is higher than the charging overcurrent protection current and the duration reaches the charging overcurrent protection delay, the system enters the charging overcurrent protection state and turns off the charging MOS. When the charging overcurrent protection occurs, the system will automatically release the charging overcurrent protection state after 1min. If the overcurrent protection occurs 10 times in a row, the system will automatically lock the state and will not automatically release it. Discharge is also possible.
What is the overall over-discharge protection and recovery mechanism?
Answer: When the overall voltage of the battery pack is lower than the overall over-discharge protection voltage and the duration reaches the overall over-discharge protection delay, the system enters the over-discharge protection state and switches off the discharge MOS. after the over-discharge protection occurs, charging the battery pack can release the over-discharge protection state.
What is the monomer over-discharge protection and recovery mechanism?
Answer： When the minimum cell voltage of the battery pack is lower than the single cell over-discharge protection voltage and the duration reaches the single cell over-discharge protection delay, the system enters the over-discharge protection state and turns off the discharge MOS. after the over-discharge protection occurs, charging the battery pack can release the over-discharge protection state.
What is the overall overcharge protection and recovery mechanism?
Answer：When the overall voltage of the battery pack is above the overall overcharge protection voltage and the duration reaches the overall overcharge protection delay, the system enters the overcharge protection state and switches off the charging MOS. when the overall voltage of the battery pack drops below the overall overcharge recovery voltage, the overcharge protection state is released. Discharge can also be released.
What is the monomer overcharge protection and recovery mechanism?
Answer：When the maximum cell voltage of the battery pack is higher than the cell overcharge protection voltage and the duration reaches the cell overcharge protection delay, the system enters the overcharge protection state and switches off the charging MOS. when the voltage of all cells in the battery pack drops below the cell overcharge recovery voltage, the overcharge protection state is lifted. Discharge can also be lifted.
How to understand design capacity, residual capacity and total capacity?
Answer: The design capacity is the rated residual capacity of the battery pack when it leaves the factory and is the remaining capacity of the battery pack during the charging and discharging process. The design capacity, the remaining capacity and the total capacity can all be initially set via the host computer.
How to deal with abnormal communication with the PC /Host computer ?
Answer: It is recommended that the driver software for the USB to serial debugging tool is correctly installed under the operating systems XP and WIN7. If the host computer prompts that there is no available serial port, you need to check whether the USB debugging tool has installed the matching driver software and whether the communication cable is well connected. You can also plug and unplug the USB port again and open the serial port manually to test, if the scroll bar below the upper computer scrolls normally, it means the communication is good.
What to do if the BMS does not work properly after being connected to electricity?
Answer：The most straightforward way is to connect to the PC or Bluetooth and check the fault phenomena via the PC or Bluetooth. The alarm, protection, fault and other information indicated on the PC or Bluetooth interface can be used to roughly analyse the cause and provide the necessary reference for further testing.
What to do if the battery sampling cable is difficult to install or even impossible to plug in?
Anwser:If it is very difficult or even impossible to insert, you need to observe whether the metal terminals of the cable interface are abnormal, such as the pin is out of position or the spring is open and other abnormalities, please use tweezers and other tools to repair
BMS’s Wiring installation sequence?
Anwser:Always follow a strict sequence when wiring up the BMS. Install or solder B- and P- first, then B+ and P+, when the BMS system is powered up. Then simply plug in the battery sampling wires from B0 to B16 in descending order. Note that no load or charger can be added until all
connections have been installed. The order of removal is reversed: unplug the charger or load first, then remove the battery sampling cable connectors from B16 to B0 in ascending order, then B+, P+ and finally B-, P-.
What’s the functions of BMS ?
Anwser:Single cell overcharge protection, overall overcharge protection, Single cell overdischarge protection, overall overdischarge protection, charging overcurrent protection, discharging primary overcurrent protection, discharging secondary overcurrent protection, short circuit protection, charging high temperature protection, charging low temperature protection, discharging high temperature protection, discharging low temperature protection, MOS high temperature protection, reverse connection protection (to be customised)
What’s BMS ?
Anwser:ordinary protection boards, it has complete protection functions (overcharge, overdischarge, overcurrent, overtemperature, low temperature, short circuit, etc.), as well as communication with the system host and the host computer to monitor and measure battery status and battery
information and history data, as well as intelligent battery balancing functions, remaining capacity SOC estimation and SOH estimation, as well as LED status indication and LCD screen display, etc.
How to maintain the consistency of the battery pack?
Answer: Although the lead-acid battery has been strictly selected when it leaves the factory, after a certain period of use, the non-uniformity will appear and gradually increase. The charger does not have option and recognition, and can not supplement the undercharge Restricting the amount of overcharge and how to balance the battery capacity must be performed by humans. The user measures the open circuit voltage of each battery periodically and irregularly during the middle and late periods of battery pack use. For lower voltages, recharge separately to make the voltage and capacity consistent with other batteries, and try to reduce their gap.
What is the self-discharge rate of a battery?
Answer: After the battery is charged, the phenomenon that the capacity decreases by itself during storage is called self-discharge, also known as the charge retention ability, which refers to the ability of the battery to maintain the amount of electricity stored under certain conditions when the battery is open. Measuring the percentage of battery self-discharge to the total capacity over a certain period of time is called "self-discharge rate".
What is the rated capacity of the battery?
Answer: The rated capacity of a battery refers to the requirements for designing or manufacturing a battery when it is specified or guaranteed that the battery should discharge a minimum amount of power under certain discharge conditions. The battery capacity indicated by the manufacturer refers to the amount of power that the battery should provide when the battery is discharged to the termination voltage at a rate of 10h at an ambient temperature of 25 C. The unit is Ah (ampere * hour).
What are the reasons for the battery charging heat?
Answer: The reasons for the battery charging heat are:During the charging process of the battery, part of the electrical energy is converted into chemical energy, and part of the electrical energy is also converted into thermal energy and other energy. It is normal for the rechargeable battery to heat up, but when the temperature is high, you should check whether the charging current is too large or a short circuit occurs inside the battery.The relationship between the amount of heat generated and the amount of electrolyte is small. If the sealed battery has a small amount of electrolyte, the internal resistance increases, which will also cause the battery to heat up and the terminal voltage to be high during charging. Battery aging, dry electrolyte, and internal short circuits can also cause heat. The charger can not be constant voltage in the late stage of charging, so that the battery voltage exceeds the allowable value, the temperature will rise, it will swell seriously, and the end of life.During use, try not to place it horizontally or upside down, to prevent a large amount of gas produced inside the battery from being discharged from the air release valve, especially when charging, otherwise it may cause the casing to burst.
What is the harm of the battery heating?
Answer:The battery is allowed to have a small amount of heat, whether in use or during charging, but abnormal heat is not allowed. The abnormal fever is obvious, and you can feel it by touching the battery case with your hand. Heat is very harmful to the battery. The heat first causes the electrolyte water to evaporate and gradually dry up, and then decreases the charging efficiency, deformation of the plates, increased internal resistance, accelerated oxidation of mechanical parts, burned out plates or separators, and finally manifests in reduced battery capacity and shortened life.
What is battery internal resistance?
Answer: It refers to the resistance to the current flowing through the battery when the battery is working. There are two parts: ohmic internal resistance and polarization internal resistance. Large internal resistance of the battery will cause the battery's discharge working voltage to decrease and shorten the discharge time. The internal resistance is mainly affected by the battery material, manufacturing process, battery structure and other factors. Is an important parameter to measure battery performance.
What is the design capacity of a battery?
Answer:According to the amount of active material contained in the battery, the capacity of the battery calculated from electrochemical theory is called the design capacity.
What is the capacity of the battery?
Answer:The capacity of the battery refers to the amount of electricity that the active material in the battery can participate in the electrochemical reaction is called the capacity of the battery, that is, the amount of charge that the battery can hold after charging. The unit is "Ah" (Ah) and 1 A (A). The current is discharged for 1 hour, and the capacity is 1 ampere hour (Ah). Assuming that the average current is 4A, the discharge time is 3 hours when the battery is discharged at the termination voltage of the battery, and the battery capacity is 12Ah (the discharge is not calculated here) effectiveness).
How does a rechargeable battery achieve its energy conversion?
Answer: Each battery has the capability of electrochemical conversion, that is, the stored chemical energy is directly converted into electrical energy. As far as a secondary battery (also called a battery) (another term is also called a rechargeable portable battery), In the process, chemical energy is converted into electrical energy; in the charging process, electrical energy is converted into chemical energy again. This process can be charged and discharged more than 500 times, depending on the electrochemical system.
Can I bend the terminals of the battery?
Anwser:
No you should never try to bend the terminals of any sealed lead acid battery. This is because the terminals are bonded in place with epoxy. Bending the terminals could break the epoxy and cause the electrolyte to come out and be replaced by air. This will hinder the performance of the battery and shorten its life. Please note that bending the terminals will void the warranty on the battery.
Anwser: VRLA batteries must be charged and discharged in a ventilated environment. All sealed lead acid batteries generate gas that must not be stored in an enclosed environment, as it will create a risk of fire and explosion if a spark comes in contact.
What do I do with my old batteries?
Anwser: The batteries contain lead which is a very toxic, poisonous element. Old batteries must be recycled safely and properly. Again lead is very poisonous.
What’s the difference between SLA and AGM?
Anwser:Either SLA (gel cell, sealed lead acid) or AGM (absorbent glass mat) batteries can be used to power a POV. They differ in the way the electrolyte is immobilized. Gel cell batteries and AGM batteries don’t offer the same power capacity. For example, a 12 volt 36 amp hour AGM battery would be rated as 31.6 amp hours in the gel cell. Gel batteries exceed AGM in slow discharge rates and will operate in slightly higher temperature. For most intents and purposes, there is little difference between AGM and gel cell batteries. More people chose AGM because they are less expensive.
What type of charger should I use?
Anwser: It is best to use the charger that came with the POV. Do not use a charger made for cars or other devices. Be sure that the charger voltage is the same as the batteries. Most scooters and power wheelchairs use 12 volt batteries.
Should I wait until my batteries are completely discharged before recharging?
Anwser:No, that will shorten the life of the batteries.
What is the temperature range that the batteries should be stored?
Anwser: It is best to keep your POV with your batteries attached in the same temperature range that is comfortable for you; which is, between 50 and 80 degrees F. Do not leave it in the trunk of your care where it can reach very hot or very cold temperatures. This will shorten the life of the batteries. Do not leave your POV in an unheated garage for long periods of time.
How often should I charge my batteries?
Anwser: If you use your POV, every day, you should charge it every night. (In this article, POV or power operated vehicle, refers to motorized scooters and power wheelchairs.) The next morning when you wake up, unplug it from the wall and unplug it from the vehicle and it will be ready for a full day of use. If you don’t use the POV much, charge it at least every other week.
What is a GEL battery used in?
Anwser: The GEL style battery is used in wide variety of deep-cycle applications due to their ability to recover from deep discharge cycles. Where the GEL battery will excel is in situations that require a slow and steady discharge. A prime example of a good application for a GEL battery would be an electric mobility chair.
Is it Maintenance Free?
Anwser:Yes, the GEL battery is also a maintenance free type. The term battery maintenance typically refers to the need to check on the electrolyte level of the battery about every thirty to sixty days depending upon usage. The valve system used in both AGM and GEL applications minimizes the amount of electrolyte released from the battery during the charging period.
Is the GEL Battery Sealed?
Anwser:
Yes, the GEL battery is a sealed non-spillable type. If the casing of the battery were to develop cracks or otherwise be compromised, there will be no free flowing acid leaking out the of the battery.
Anwser:Two of the most common terms that we hear from customers are AGM and GEL, which are often mistaken for the other more than half the time. We have already explained what exactly an AGM battery is, now we will be taking a look into what sets a true GEL battery apart from the rest of the sealed lead acid pack.
Okay, first and foremost, the term GEL is short for gelified electrolyte lead acid. In other words, a true GEL battery will actually contain a gelatin in place of the typical free flowing electrolyte (battery acid). A special gelling agent is added to the electrolyte to reduce the movement of acid inside of the battery – the process literally turns the acid mixture into a gooey Jell-O like substance. Due to this mixture of Jell-O like acid, the GEL battery is designed with special one way safety valves in place of open vents typically found on wet-cell batteries (non-sealed), this method of venting allows the internal gasses to recombine back into water in the battery, greatly reducing gassing.
Are AGM Batteries Better Than Gel Batteries or Flooded Batteries?
Anwser: The fact is, AGM batteries are better than flooded batteries - if you’re prepared for the extra cost.
A money bag balancing against an hourglass
Gel and AGM batteries perform better than flooded batteries. But it comes at a greater price
However, they are comparable with gel batteries.
Despite their different composition, both offer benefits like:
Better charge capacity
Prevention of spillage and leaks
Better electrolyte volume
Superior life expectancy
No maintenance requirements
Overall, the debate between AGM vs. gel batteries comes down to your budget, needs, and what serves you best.
Do AGM Batteries Last Longer?
Anwser: An AGM battery can generally last between 3 and 5 years and up to 8 years if the battery is used properly.
That’s about two to three times longer than a flooded battery.
But overall, their lifespan depends on several factors, including:
How it's charged
How it’s used
The working temperature
If these items are done improperly, that will shorten the battery’s useful life.
Are All AGM Batteries Deep Cycle?
Anwser: No, not all AGM batteries are deep cycle.
But many are.
After all, they do have a greater ability to deep cycle discharge.
Four batteries at various states of charge
Not all AGM batteries are deep cycle. But those that are perform much better than flooded batteries
In fact, AGM batteries' specified depth of discharge (DoD) stands at 80% compared to the 50% DoD of flooded batteries.
Moreover, they can charge up to 5 times faster than flooded batteries.
How Do AGM Batteries Work?
Anwser:
First, the composition of AGM batteries looks likes this:
Fiberglass mats
Lead plates
Electrolyte
Pressure control valve
The microfibre fiberglass mats, placed between the lead plates, absorb and immobilize the electrolyte.
The glass mats also act as separators and insulators between the positive and negative plates.
This design is what makes AGM batteries spill-proof.
Water droplets with a crossed-out circle around them
AGM batteries - like gel batteries - are sealed and spill-proof
Like gel batteries, AGM batteries are recombinant.
What does this mean?
The safety pressure relief valve prevents the release of hydrogen and oxygen gases.
Instead, they’re able to recombine during charging.
And this helps prevent subsequent water evaporation from the cells.
Also, the glass mats wrapped around the battery's positive plate help prevent damage from vibration and impacts.
An illustration of a vibration
The glass mats in AGM batteries protect it from vibrations
They also help extend its cycling.
Plus, AGM batteries have a lower internal resistance.
This lower resistance reduces losses to heat as power flows through the system.
And that’s why AGM batteries have more output voltage and lower charging times.
Anwser:AGM (or absorbed glass mat) is a type of sealed lead-acid battery.
AGM batteries were invented in the late 1970s for use in military aircraft, traffic signals, telecommunications systems, and other devices.
But they were not used commercially until the mid-1980s.
Can You Charge a Gel Battery With a Regular Charger?
Anwser:
Yes, you can.
But, charging gel batteries with a flooded lead-acid charger is risky.
Why?
Gel batteries like to be charged slow and low.
A battery with a battery charging sitting on top of it
You can use regular chargers with gel batteries, but it’s very risky
So, when charging a gel battery with a lead-acid charger, you must be extra cautious.
Ensure that the peak charging voltage does not exceed 14.7 volts.
Otherwise, you can end up with a dried-out, non-conductive gel.
Anwser:
Gel batteries are used in low power demanding equipment like:
Floor scrubbers and sweepers
Walkie pallet jacks
Wheelchairs
RVs
Cars
Boats
Cell phones
Anwser:A gel battery is a maintenance-free, valve-regulated, sealed lead-acid (SLA) battery.
First conceived in the 1930s, gel battery technology wasn't perfected and commercialized until the 1980s.
Is a Gel Battery Lead-Acid? And Are AGM Batteries Lead-Acid?
Anwser:The answer to both questions is yes.
To recap, AGM, gel, and flooded batteries are all types of lead-acid batteries.
A flowchart showing the relationship between the types of lead-acid batteries
For the most part, the contents and electrochemical workings of these lead-acid batteries are very similar.
But there are some important differences, which we’ll cover next.
Lead-Acid vs. Gel vs. AGM Batteries: What’s the Difference?
Anwser:
Lead-acid batteries are the most common in the market.
But, there are several variations of lead-acid batteries, including:
Flooded
Sealed. These are also called valve-regulated lead-acid (VRLA) or sealed lead-acid (SLA) batteries
Usually, when talking about lead-acid batteries, people mean flooded lead-acid.
Whereas, gel and AGM batteries are types of sealed batteries.
