Batteries are a crucial technology that we rely on every day. Therefore, having a fundamental understanding of how batteries operate and the various types available is essential. We also delve into some interesting and useful facts about batteries, including their common uses, how they work, and the pros and cons of various types.

Lead Acid Battery

Lead Acid Batteries

What is the product? It is a type of rechargeable battery.
The oldest form of power storage.
What is it made from? Metallic lead, lead dioxide, lead sulfate and sulphuric acid.
Product facts
  1. Overcharging and undercharging will destroy the life of lead acid battery. has a very low usable capacity.
  2. Has a very short life span
  3. Over charging this battery will cause flammable concentration of hydrogen and result in explosion
  4. Must top up with distilled water regularly
Common uses
  1. Starters, lighting and ignition power sources for motor cars
  2. Small scale power storage such as UPS systems
  3. Grid tied power systems
  4. Power storage in alternative power systems
Advantages
  1. Inexpensive to produce and sell
  2. Oldest technology and reliable
  3. Very high discharge rate for a battery product of up to 85%
Disadvantages
  1. 1000 cycles = short life span (maximum 5 years)
  2. Must be used according to the specifications or will result in complete failure
  3. Over discharge or over charge causes permanent damage of overall failure
  4. Slow and inefficient charging time
  5. Must be stored in temperature controlled environment
Recharge time
  1. 0,5KW – 6 to 8 hours
  2. 1,0KW – 8 to 10 hours
  3. 2,0KW – 12 to 15 hours
  4. 3,0KW – 15 to 18 hours
  5. 5.0KW – 18 to 24 hours
Do’s
  1. Use is toys and smaller power consuming products
  2. Store in cool dry places
  3. Charge slowly and according the manufacturer specifications
Don’ts
  1. Do not use in back up power systems
  2. Do not recharge more than one time in 24hrs
  3. Do not recharge if only used partial capacity
  4. Do not use near fire or flammable materials
  5. Never discard in fire
  6. Never place directly on floor
gel battery

Gel Batteries

What is the product? It is a valve regulated, lead acid battery that is made using silica to create a semi solid form of power storage
What is it made from? Silica (or sand) to turn the acid inside the battery into a thick liquid.
Product facts
  1. Often used for deep cycle battery applications
  2. Low rate of corrosion
  3. Compatible for use with sensitive electronic equipment
  4. Lower risk than lead acid
  5. Never have to top up fluid inside the unit
  6. Product is sealed so no exposure to external parts
Common uses Used in cell phones, camcorders, recreational type vehicles, and marine equipment.
Advantages
  1. High discharge rate for a battery product of up to 75%
  2. Easy to use
  3. Compatible with most electronic equipment
  4. Longer shelf life versus lead acid
  5. Resistant to vibration
Disadvantages
  1. 1000 cycles = short life span (maximum 3 years)
  2. Gel is fragile and highly flammable
  3. Sensitive to high temperatures
  4. Slow charging time
  5. Charge only when used down to 25% level
  6. Daily charging reduces life
Recharge time
  1. 0,5KW – 6 to 8 hours
  2. 1,0KW – 8 to 10 hours
  3. 2,0KW – 12 to 15 hours
  4. 3,0KW – 15 to 18 hours
  5. 5.0KW – 18 to 24 hours
Do’s
  1. Store in cool dry places
  2. Only charge when battery power is low
  3. Charge slowly and only in complete cycles
Don’ts
  1. Do not fully discharge the battery
  2. Do not drop the battery
  3. Do not discard in fire
  4. Do not charge partially as it will shorten life
LFP battery

LiFeP04 (Lithium Ion Phosphate) Batteries

What is the product? It is a type of battery using lithium iron phosphate as the cathode material, and a graphitic carbon electrode with a metallic backing as the anode. It is the latest technology for power storage.
What is it made from? Lithium (Li) in a balanced chemical compound with Iron (Fe) and Phosphate (P04)
Product facts
  1. Used in any power storage environment and cannot ignite
  2. Extremely safe and best charging and discharging capability.
  3. Compatible for use with any type of equipment
  4. High resistance to high temperatures
  5. High resistance to cold temperatures.
  6. Most environmentally friendly product
Common uses Widely used in passenger cars, buses, logistics vehicles, electric vehicles, power storage systems, power plants, etc. due to their safety.
Advantages
  1. High discharge rate for a battery product of up to 80%
  2. Faster charging time
  3. Compatible with all equipment
  4. 6000 cycles = longer life span (10 years)
  5. Can recharge often without damage to the cells
  6. Includes a battery management system to regulate use
Disadvantages Don’t perform well at low temperatures and need more protection and care.
Recharge time
  1. 0,5KW – 2 to 4 hours
  2. 1,0KW – 2 to 4 hours
  3. 2,0KW – 4 to 6 hours
  4. 3,0KW – 4 to 6 hours
  5. 5.0KW – 6 to 8 hours
Do’s
  1. Can be stored easily in most environments
  2. Only charge when battery power is low
  3. Charge slowly and only in complete cycles
Don’ts
  1. Do not overload the battery with more power than is capable of delivering
  2. Do not drain power to below specifications
  3. Do not drop the battery
  4. Do not drain the battery power to zero because it shortens the life of the battery
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