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Start with customer needs and end with customer satisfaction
+86 13755230527 / +86 15052419844
Maintaining a lead-acid battery is crucial for ensuring its longevity and reliable performance. These batteries are widely used in various applications, including automotive, industrial, and emergency backup systems. Proper maintenance involves a series of routine checks and actions that help prevent common issues such as sulfation and water loss, which can lead to reduced capacity and eventual failure. Regular inspection of the battery's state, including its water level, terminal connections, and overall condition, is a key aspect of this maintenance process.
One important aspect of lead-acid battery care is ensuring the water level is kept within the recommended limits. This typically involves the addition of distilled water when the levels fall below the marked lines in each cell. Moreover, understanding the charge cycle and avoiding overcharging or deep discharge also play a significant role in preserving the battery's health.
Observing battery charge states and the rate of discharge can also inform users when a battery may be nearing the end of its functional life. Proactive measures, such as periodic controlled overcharges to equalize cell voltage and the removal of corrosive buildup on terminals, contribute to a more stable and efficient energy storage solution. Knowledge of the life phases of a lead-acid battery—from formatting to peak to decline—can further guide users in making informed maintenance decisions, ensuring that their lead-acid batteries provide optimal performance throughout their life span.
Lead-acid batteries are a proven technology that has been used for over a century. Their dependable nature and recyclability make them a popular choice for automotive and other applications.
A lead-acid battery consists of lead dioxide (PbO2) as the positive plate, sponge lead (Pb) as the negative plate, and a solution of sulfuric acid (H2SO4) as the electrolyte. When the battery is discharging, the lead dioxide and sponge lead react with the sulfuric acid to produce lead sulfate (PbSO4), and water (H2O) and release electrical energy. During charging, the process is reversed, restoring the original materials.
●Flooded (Wet) Batteries: These have electrolyte free-flowing within the cell and require maintenance, such as topping up with distilled water.
●Valve-Regulated Lead Acid (VRLA) Batteries: They are maintenance-free. VRLA batteries come in two main types:
○Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM): The electrolyte is held within glass mats.
○Gel Cell: The electrolyte is in a gel form.
Lead-acid batteries typically have a nominal voltage of 2 volts per cell, with 6- or 12-volt batteries being common in the market. The capacity is measured in ampere-hours (Ah) and indicates how much charge a battery can hold. A standard car battery, for instance, is rated around 48 Ah, meaning it should provide 2 amps for 24 hours at a standard temperature of 25°C. Capacity can vary depending on the rate of discharge and the operational temperature.
Routine inspection and maintenance are critical for the longevity and performance of lead-acid batteries. They require regular checking for optimum function and to avoid potential issues.
One should visually inspect the lead-acid battery at least once a month. This includes checking for corrosion, checking the condition of cables and connectors, and ensuring the battery case is free from cracks or bulges.
The electrolyte level in lead-acid batteries must be maintained, typically to a point that's just above the plates. One has to use distilled or deionized water to top up the battery; tap water should be avoided due to minerals that can reduce battery performance. Appropriate electrolyte levels can also prevent premature damage and are crucial for battery health.
A voltmeter or hydrometer can measure the state of charge to ensure the battery is operating effectively. Batteries should be charged when they fall below their recommended discharge level. Regular check for the specific gravity of the electrolyte, as it is a direct indicator of the state of charge.
Charge the battery regularly to prevent deep discharging, which can shorten its lifespan. Do not drain the battery completely before charging again - start charging when the remaining power is below 20%.
Use an appropriate charger matched to the battery's voltage and capacity specifications. Be sure to use the original charger provided for the vehicle, do not arbitrarily replace it with chargers from unknown sources.
Avoid overcharging as this can cause electrolyte loss and other issues. However, MOTOPAI’s configured chargers have charge protection to automatically reduce current and pause charging when approaching full.
Lead-acid batteries require precision when it comes to charging voltages to maximize battery life and avoid damage. For instance, sealed lead-acid batteries typically require a charging voltage in the range of 2.15 to 2.35 volts per cell, depending on the battery's specific needs and the manufacturer’s recommendations.
The charging process consists of several stages:
●Bulk Charge: This initial stage involves charging at the highest current until approximately 80% capacity.
●Absorption Charge: The second stage reduces the current while maintaining a constant voltage, allowing the battery to reach full capacity.
●Float Charge: A lower voltage is applied to maintain the battery at charge without overcharging.
It is important to regularly cycle lead-acid batteries by allowing them to discharge and then fully recharge. This avoids the phenomenon of "memory effect" which can reduce the effective capacity of the battery over time. It's also beneficial to avoid letting the battery sit at a low state of charge for extended periods.
Temperature affects a battery’s charging process, with optimal charging occurring within the range of 5°C to 35°C (41°F to 95°F). Charging outside this range can lead to reduced efficiency and lifespan. At higher temperatures, the charging voltage may need to be reduced to prevent excessive gassing and water loss.
Always reference the manufacturer’s guides and recommendations and perform any specific maintenance procedures. If any issues arise, it’s best not to open the batteries yourself - contact your local MOTOPAI dealer or authorized service point for inspection, repair, or replacement.
GM of Overseas Department - WUXI OPAI ELECTRIC SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO.,LTD.
Tongji University MBA with more than 10 years of experience in the foreign trade of electric two-wheelers and more than 10 years of foreign trade experience in motorcycles. He has unique industry insights and has cultivated the foreign trade market of electric two-wheelers.
