Battery Basic Knowledge

* A battery is a device for storing electrical energy in a chemical form, and then releasing it as direct current in a controlled way. All type of batteries contain a positive and a negative electrode immersed in and electrolyte, the whole assembly being within a container.

* Lead acid batteries are secondary batteries, which means that they can be recharged after they have been discharged. Primary batteries can be discharged only once and then have to be thrown away. E.g, torch and radio batteries.

Grids

* As the positive and negative electrodes are made of week materials, they need a mechanical support which is provided by a grid made from a lead alloy; lead on its own will be too soft.

* In addition to providing a support for the electrodes (the active material), the grid also conducts electricity form the electrodes to the outside load.

Electrodes

* The electrodes are initially made from a mixture of lead oxide and lead sulphate. This is converted into lead dioxide in the positive plates and porous lead in the negative plate when the battery is initially charged.

* The negative electrode also contains small amounts of additives to give the battery a good discharge performance at low temperatures to improve starting.

* The combination of grid and electrode is normally called a plate.

Electrolyte

* The electrolyte is dilute sulphuric acid. This acts as conductor to transport electrical ions between the positive and negative plates when the battery is being charged or discharged.

* The acid also takes part in the discharge as the sulphate ions react chemically at the electrodes to produce lead sulphate.

Separator

* The separator is an insulator placed between the positive and negative plates to prevent them shorting together. The separator needs to be micro porous with very small holes to allow the ions to flow through the separator from one plate to another. It also needs to be able to resist the high temperatures and strongly acidic oxidizing conditions that occur in a battery.

* Most modern separators are made of micro porous polyethylene or AGM (Absorbent Glass Matt), which has the right properties to meet the demanding conditions within the battery.

Container and Lid

* These are normally made of PP(polypropylene) or ABS(Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), which is a light but strong plastic. Unlike some plastics, it does not become brittle when it is cold and so can resist knocks during handling. It is not attacked by acid.

Operating Temperature Range:
Max. Range: -40℃～+70℃ (See specific battery specifications)
Optimal Range: 25±5℃
Relative humidity ≦ 95%
Altitude ≦ 4000m
Keep batteries away from any source of ignition, organic solvent, or direct sunlight;
Keep the consistent ambient temperature; the temperature difference between each battery of the same battery bank ≦3℃.

* Match batteries into battery banks, and group the batteries of the same or similar open-circuit voltage as a bank. The voltage difference of a single cell is recommended to be a grade.

* Check and make sure batteries are normal, then install batteries at the predetermined location (eg a battery rack).

* Do not install batteries near any heat sources (eg a transformer).

* Because batteries may produce flammable gas during storage, keep away from any devices with possibility of sparks (eg a fuss) during installing.

* Before connection, clean battery terminals and make them shine with metallic luster.

* Be careful not to short-circuit battery positive and negative terminals with conductive materials.

* In multiple use, make sure batteries are connected correctly and then connect batteries to the charge or load. The positive terminals should be connected with the positive of the charger or load, while negative with negative. If batteries are not connected to the charger correctly, the charge will be damaged. Make sure there is no connection error.

* Connect wires tightly and make sure every connection nut and bolt is screwed down. But do not over exert to prevent damages to terminals.

* As batteries are relatively heavy, you must pay attention to the selection of the means of transportation. No rolling or throwing is allowed;

* When carrying batteries, do not touch the terminal and safety valve;

* Batteries are already charged when delivered out of the factory. Therefore, you must prevent battery short circuit during transportation;

* When carrying batteries, do not touch the terminal and safety valve;

* Before batteries are installed, you can store them with the temperature of 0~35℃, but for no more than 6 months. Batteries that have been stored for more than 6 months must be equalizing-charged. The storage place must be clean, airy and dry;

* If you need to store batteries that have been used, make sure that you fully charge them before storage and then store them according to requirements.

* The battery should be stored at warehouse with good ventilation, dry, cool and clean environment, and keep the battery from fire, flame, heat etc.

* Check the appearance of the battery if it is in good condition, no deformation, leakage, cracks and smudge, and the terminals are clear and well marked.

* Battery stack layers should be max. 5 layers and min. 10 cm distance from the wall. Ensure no connection between Neg. and Pos. terminals.

* Storage temperature should be at -15℃~+40℃. Please note that higher temperature will accelerate the discharge of the battery. The storage time will decrease to half if the storage temperature increasing by 10℃

* Storage time as per the storage temperature;Remarks: This storage is only applied to sealed MF battery and dry charge battery is not applied.

Cleaning

* Keep the battery appearances and operating environment clean and dry.

* Do not cause static when cleaning batteries.

* Clean batteries with a wet cloth. It's prohibited to use gasoline, alcohol or any other organic solvents to clean batteries.

Cautions

* Every month, recommend inspection every battery voltage.

* Every three months, recommend equalization charge for one time.

* Effect of temperature on float charge voltage: -3mV/℃/Cell.

* Length of service life will be directly affected by the number of discharge cycles, depth of discharge, ambient temperature and charging voltage.

Battery Charging and Handling Precautions for VRLA Batteries as Following.

• Never charge the battery in a sealed container.
• Never disassemble the battery.
• Never short-circuit battery terminals.
• Never incinerate batteries, for they may explode.
• Do not press and/or bend the terminals, or overheat them.
• Do not mix old and new batteries together, neither use batteries of different types or brands.
• Do not dispose of with household waste.
• Be sure to use the specified charger for battery, and follow the charging instructions correctly.
• Be sure to charge the batteries between the temperatures 0℃/32°F to 45℃/113°F.
• Be sure to position batteries securely, protecting them from abnormal shocks and /or vibration.
• Be sure to keep sufficient space between batteries for ventilation (where possible>10mm).
• Be sure to install batteries in a cool and well ventilated place.
• The surrounding temperature must remain between-20℃/4°Fto 40℃/104°F during storage.
• Recharge the batteries at least every 6 months during storage.
• Be sure to consult our engineers any time you are to use our VRLA batteries for your products, or preparing your technical specifications of our VRLA batteries.