Lead acid batteries are a common energy storage device widely used in fields such as automobiles, electric vehicles, and backup power sources. Its service life is influenced by various factors such as usage habits and maintenance methods, and reasonable operation and maintenance can significantly extend its service life. The following are specific extension methods:
1、 Correct Charging: Avoid Overcharging and Undercharging
Charging is a key factor affecting the lifespan of lead-acid batteries, and improper charging can lead to problems such as plate vulcanization and active substance detachment.
Avoid overcharging: Long term overcharging can cause a large amount of gas to be generated inside the battery, leading to electrolyte evaporation and electrode corrosion. Original or matching chargers should be used, and power should be cut off promptly after charging is completed, especially to avoid charging for long periods of time without supervision at night (such as electric vehicle batteries).
Prevent undercharging: If the battery is not fully charged for a long time, the plates will gradually form sulfide crystals (irreversible) and the capacity will decrease. It should be ensured that the battery is fully charged every time, such as charging the electric bike as soon as possible after riding, and not waiting until the battery is exhausted before charging.
Control charging environment: Keep good ventilation during charging and avoid charging in high temperature (>40 ℃) or low temperature (<0 ℃) environments. Low temperature charging has low efficiency, while high temperature can easily cause swelling and leakage.
2、 Reasonable discharge: avoid deep discharge and high current discharge
The discharge method directly affects the stability of the active material on the electrode plate.
Avoid deep discharge: The cycle life of lead-acid batteries is closely related to the depth of discharge, and the deeper the discharge (such as when the battery level is below 20%), the fewer cycles. It is recommended to charge the battery in a timely manner when there is still 20% -30% of battery remaining, especially for car starting batteries. Over discharging can lead to power loss and affect the service life.
Reduce high current discharge: Frequent rapid acceleration and braking (electric vehicles, cars) can lead to high current discharge, causing the active material of the electrode plate to fall off and shortening its lifespan. Daily use should be operated as smoothly as possible, avoiding long-term high load discharge (such as electric vehicles carrying heavy loads climbing slopes).
3、 Regular maintenance: Keep the battery in good condition
Check electrolyte level (open cell battery): For maintainable open cell lead-acid batteries, it is necessary to regularly check the electrolyte (dilute sulfuric acid) level. If it is lower than the electrode plate, distilled water should be added (do not add tap water or electrolyte), otherwise it will cause electrode plate corrosion.
Cleaning electrodes and terminals: The electrodes and terminals are prone to oxidation and rust, leading to poor contact and decreased charging efficiency. Regularly rinse with hot water or wipe with a dry cloth, then apply Vaseline to prevent oxidation.
Regular balanced charging: After long-term use, there may be capacity imbalance among the individual cells of the battery. Balanced charging can be performed every 2-3 months (using low current for long-term charging) to repair slight sulfurization and balance the capacity of each individual cell.
4、 Proper storage: Maintain properly when idle
Full charge storage: Batteries that are not used for a long time (such as seasonal shutdowns of cars or backup power sources) should be fully charged before storage to avoid electrode plate vulcanization caused by power loss. During storage, replenish electricity every 1-2 months to maintain a battery level of 50% -80%.
Control storage environment: Store in a dry, ventilated, and cool place, avoid direct sunlight or near heat sources (such as heaters and stoves), and the appropriate ambient temperature is 20-25 ℃. Low temperature will cause a decrease in battery capacity, while high temperature will accelerate self discharge and electrolyte evaporation.
Avoid heavy pressure and vibration: When storing, prevent the battery from being subjected to severe vibration or compression to prevent the electrode plates from falling off and the shell from being damaged.
5、 Other precautions
Avoid mixing old and new batteries: When replacing batteries, the entire set should be replaced. Do not mix old and new batteries, otherwise the capacity difference may cause overcharging of the new battery and overdischarging of the old battery, shortening the overall life.
Timely repair of minor issues: If problems such as battery swelling, leakage, or sudden capacity drop are found, they should be repaired or replaced in a timely manner to avoid the fault expanding and affecting other components.
By using the above methods, it is possible to effectively reduce issues such as plate sulfurization, active material detachment, and electrolyte loss in lead-acid batteries, significantly extending their service life. Batteries in different scenarios (such as car starter batteries, electric vehicle power batteries, backup power batteries) can adjust maintenance strategies based on specific usage frequency and environment.
