High temperature environments can accelerate the chemical reaction rate and internal losses of batteries. Improper use may lead to a sudden drop in capacity, shortened lifespan, and even safety hazards. The following are the key issues that need to be focused on and the corresponding measures to be taken:
1、 Avoid "over temperature operation" and control the working environment temperature
Core risk: Exceeding the upper limit of the rated operating temperature of the battery (such as 40 ℃ for ordinary lead-acid batteries and 60-70 ℃ for high-temperature specialized batteries) can lead to accelerated electrolyte evaporation, intensified plate corrosion, and even cause "thermal runaway" (continuous increase and loss of control of internal temperature).
Specific measures:
Prioritize installing the battery in a well ventilated location, avoiding direct sunlight or proximity to heat sources such as the engine and radiator.
If necessary, install heat dissipation devices (such as fans and heat sinks) to monitor the surface temperature of the battery in real time, ensuring that it does not exceed its labeled "maximum operating temperature".
Short term high temperature (such as summer afternoon) requires reducing high-power discharge (such as car air conditioning and equipment operating at full load) to reduce internal heat generation.
2、 Adjust charging parameters to prevent overcharging and bulging
Core risk: High temperature can reduce the charging capacity of the battery. If charged according to normal temperature parameters, it can easily lead to overcharging (high voltage), causing electrolyte decomposition, battery shell bulging, and even leakage.
Specific measures:
Adopting intelligent charger: supports automatic adjustment of charging voltage according to temperature (such as a 2-4mV decrease in charging voltage for every 1 ℃ increase in temperature), to avoid high voltage under high temperature.
Shorten charging time: In high temperature environments, the time it takes for the battery to fully charge will be shortened, so it is necessary to avoid long-term float charging (such as connecting the charger after the car is turned off).
Prohibit the use of "fast charging": High temperature and fast charging can cause violent internal reactions, increase the risk of gas evolution (hydrogen, oxygen), and pose great harm to lead-acid batteries.
3、 Regular inspection and maintenance, timely handling of abnormalities
Core risk: High temperature can amplify potential issues with the battery (such as slight leakage and loose wiring), which may lead to short circuits or leakage corrosion if not addressed in a timely manner.
Key inspection points for different types of batteries:
Key points for battery type inspection and maintenance frequency
Lead acid battery 1. Check whether the shell is bulging or leaking;
2. Check the electrolyte level (non sealed type), and add distilled water if insufficient (prohibit adding tap water or electrolyte);
3. Clean the oxide on the electrode pile head to prevent poor contact and heat generation. Once a week (during high temperature season)
Lithium battery 1. Observe whether the outer shell is deformed or bulging;
2. Check the working status of the protection board (whether it is frequently powered off for protection);
3. Avoid severe vibrations that may cause internal cell short circuits. Once every two weeks
1. Check if the electrodes are oxidized and if the contact is good for nickel hydrogen/nickel cadmium batteries;
2. Observe if there is any leakage (the electrolyte is alkaline, and leakage can corrode the equipment). Once a month
4、 Optimize charging and discharging habits to reduce cycle losses
Charging process:
The charging efficiency decreases under high temperature, and it is necessary to avoid one-time full power charging after "low power storage" (such as fast charging immediately after long-term parking of the car). It is recommended to charge slowly with low current to reduce heating.
Lead acid batteries need to lower their "float charge voltage" at high temperatures (such as 2.25V/cell at 25 ℃ and 2.15-2.20V/cell at 40 ℃). Please refer to the battery manual for specific parameters.
Discharge process:
Avoid deep discharge (such as discharging lead-acid batteries to a remaining capacity of less than 20%), as high temperatures can exacerbate plate sulfurization, leading to irreversible capacity decay.
Reduce high current discharge (such as sudden acceleration of a car or instant start of equipment), as such operations can accelerate the rate of active material detachment from the electrode plate at high temperatures.
5、 Pay attention to the "life decay signal" and replace aging batteries in a timely manner
Typical Symptoms:
After being fully charged, the discharge time is significantly shortened (such as originally taking 8 hours, now only 4 hours).
Abnormal heating during charging (the surface temperature of the battery exceeds 50 ℃ and continues to rise).
The shell may have bulges, cracks, or a pungent odor (such as acid mist from lead-acid batteries or electrolyte odor from lithium batteries).
Response: Once the above situation occurs, immediately stop using and replace the battery to avoid the fault expanding and causing leakage, short circuit, or even explosion.
6、 Special precautions for different types of batteries
Special precautions for battery types in high-temperature environments
Lead acid batteries that are not sealed should be regularly replenished with distilled water (which evaporates faster at high temperatures), and the addition of electrolyte is prohibited; Sealed type (such as AGM) should prevent electrolyte leakage caused by shell rupture.
Lithium batteries (such as lithium-ion batteries) should be strictly avoided from overcharging. The separator of lithium batteries is prone to aging at high temperatures, which may cause short circuits between the positive and negative electrodes. Original chargers should be used and kept away from sources of fire.
High temperatures in nickel hydrogen batteries can exacerbate self discharge (resulting in faster battery loss during storage). It is recommended to maintain 50% -70% battery capacity during storage, rather than fully charged or empty.
Summary: Core principles for using batteries at high temperatures
In high-temperature environments, the "survival logic" of batteries is temperature control, consumption reduction, and frequent inspection: by controlling the temperature to avoid exceeding the upper limit, optimizing charging and discharging habits to reduce internal losses, and regularly inspecting to detect abnormalities in a timely manner. Following these principles can minimize the impact of high temperatures on battery capacity and lifespan, while ensuring safe use.
