When regularly maintaining lead-acid batteries, environmental conditions can directly affect maintenance effectiveness, battery performance, and operational safety. The following requirements should be given special attention:
1、 Temperature: Control within an appropriate range to avoid extreme temperature differences
Lead acid batteries are temperature sensitive, and the optimal maintenance and storage temperature is 20-25 ℃. Extreme temperatures should be strictly avoided:
Avoid high temperature environment: If the temperature exceeds 35 ℃, the internal chemical reaction rate of the battery will accelerate abnormally, which may lead to increased evaporation of the electrolyte (risk of "bulging"), and accelerate the corrosion of the electrode plate, shortening the battery life. Keep away from heat sources such as heaters, engines, and exposed windows. If the ambient temperature is high in summer, use ventilation and cooling equipment (such as fans) to control the temperature.
Avoid low temperature environment: When the temperature is below 0 ℃, the battery activity decreases, making it difficult to accurately detect parameters such as capacity and voltage during maintenance; Long term low temperature may also cause electrolyte crystallization and damage to the electrode plate. In winter, the temperature in the maintenance area needs to be raised to above 5 ℃, and insulation can be achieved through equipment such as air conditioning and heating.
2、 Ventilation: Ensure air circulation and reduce the concentration of harmful gases
Lead acid batteries (especially those with rich electrolyte) will release hydrogen gas and a small amount of sulfuric acid mist during maintenance (such as charging and replenishing water): hydrogen gas is flammable and explosive (there is a risk of explosion when the concentration in the air reaches 4% -75%), while sulfuric acid mist can irritate the respiratory tract and corrode equipment. Therefore, it is necessary to meet the following requirements:
Natural ventilation: The maintenance area should be equipped with openable doors and windows to ensure natural air circulation, with a ventilation rate of at least 3-5 times the volume of the maintenance space per hour.
Forced ventilation: If it is a closed space (such as basement or workshop), explosion-proof exhaust fans should be installed (with the air outlet away from the fire source and air inlet), and kept on during charging or maintenance to ensure that the hydrogen concentration is below 0.8% (safety threshold).
Prohibited closed environment: Maintenance must never be carried out in completely enclosed spaces (such as sealed storage rooms) to avoid the accumulation of harmful gases.
3、 Humidity: Control the humidity range to prevent corrosion and insulation failure
Both high and low environmental humidity have an impact, and the optimal relative humidity is 45% -75%
Avoid high humidity (>80%): A humid environment can cause corrosion (rust) on the battery casing and wiring terminals, and may also reduce the insulation performance of the equipment (such as leakage from chargers and testing instruments); If the electrolyte absorbs water due to moisture, it will dilute the concentration and affect the battery capacity. It is necessary to reduce humidity through a dehumidifier or lay moisture-proof pads on the ground, and place insulating plastic boards under the battery.
Avoid low humidity (<30%): Overly dry air can generate static electricity, and electrostatic discharge may ignite the hydrogen gas released by the battery; Simultaneously drying will accelerate the aging of the battery casing (such as cracking of the plastic casing). It can be humidified with a humidifier or sprayed with water on the ground (avoiding direct contact with the battery).
4、 Cleanliness: Keep the environment and equipment clean, reduce pollution
The plates and electrolyte of lead-acid batteries are sensitive to impurities, and dirty environments may lead to a decrease in battery performance. Therefore, it is necessary to:
Environment free of dust/oil stains: The maintenance area needs to be regularly cleaned (wiping the ground with a damp cloth to avoid dust), and it is prohibited to stack items with high levels of oil and dust (such as engine oil and sand); If dust falls into the battery (such as through the filling hole), it will contaminate the electrolyte and cause a short circuit in the electrode plate.
Equipment and tool cleanliness: Maintenance tools (such as wrenches, multimeter probes, and refill pots) should be dedicated and regularly cleaned (rinsed with pure water and wiped dry) to avoid contamination with oil and metal debris (if metal debris comes into contact with the electrode plates, it can cause "micro short circuits" and consume battery capacity).
Non corrosive substances: It is prohibited to store acidic or alkaline chemicals (such as hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide) in the maintenance area to avoid their volatilization and reaction with the battery electrolyte (such as acidic substances exacerbating sulfuric acid corrosion and alkaline substances neutralizing the electrolyte).
5、 Lighting: Avoid direct sunlight and reduce local overheating
Direct sunlight or strong light can cause local temperature rise in the battery (such as 10-15 ℃ higher than the environment in the exposed area of the casing), leading to uneven evaporation of the electrolyte and accelerating the aging of the casing plastic (such as discoloration and brittleness). Therefore:
The maintenance area should avoid direct sunlight, and sunshades can be installed on windows;
If artificial lighting is used, choose ordinary incandescent lamps or LED lamps (avoid strong spotlights), and the distance between the lamp and the battery should be greater than 1 meter to prevent local baking.
6、 Safety measures: Avoid fire sources and conductive risks, and take emergency protection measures
Due to the involvement of electrical and chemical substances in battery maintenance, the environment needs to have basic safety conditions:
No sources of ignition: Smoking and the use of open flames (such as lighters and alcohol lamps) are strictly prohibited in the maintenance area, and sparks (such as welding machines and drills) should be kept away; A "No Smoking" sign should be posted, and dry powder fire extinguishers should be equipped (carbon dioxide fire extinguishers should not be used to avoid low temperature damage to batteries).
Insulation and conductive isolation: Insulation rubber pads (thickness ≥ 3mm) should be laid on the ground to prevent electric shock to operators; It is prohibited to place metal conductors (such as iron wires, wrenches) next to the battery to prevent them from falling and causing a short circuit between the positive and negative poles of the battery (which may lead to explosion).
Emergency protection: Emergency items such as neutral soapy water (if sulfuric acid mist comes into contact with the skin, rinse and apply), goggles (to prevent electrolyte from splashing into the eyes), acid resistant gloves (to be worn during operation), etc. should be prepared.
In summary, the maintenance environment for lead-acid batteries should revolve around "suitable temperature, good ventilation, controllable humidity, clean and pollution-free, soft lighting, safety and compliance", which can ensure the accuracy of maintenance operations, reduce the risk of battery damage, extend the service life, and ensure the safety of operators.
