Battery links
Lead acid batteries
Lead-acid batteries are common worldwide in car, motorcycle and other small engines.
Invented in 1859 by Gaston Plante, a French physicist, the lead-acid battery is the oldest type of rechargeable battery available.
And while the battery possess the lowest energy-to-weight ratio and in turn a low energy-to-volume, they are capable of carrying a high surge currents.
That ability, coupled with low purchase and maintenance costs, makes them an ideal to power the high current required by starter motors in automotive engines.
Their use is also environmentally friendly with 96 per cent of the battery recyclable. It is likely that components of the lead-acid battery in your car have already been recycled countless times before.
They do have a couple of negatives – on average the battery will last around five years before requiring replacement (a problem that affects all rechargeable batteries), the potent chemical reaction that takes place can be dangerous and they are quite heavy.
You are likely to find lead-acid technology in the following applications:
This wide range of uses, and demand for 12 volt batteries found in motor cars and bikes, makes the lead acid battery one of the most common worldwide.
Deep-cycle lead-acid batteries
Deep-cycle batteries are specially developed to be less susceptible to being constantly discharged and recharged.
They operate in the same way as lead acid batteries but have thicker plates. This change reduces the peak power available but prevents loss of power through discharging.
This makes them ideal for use in solar-powered systems, electric vehicles such as golf carts, and emergency power back-up systems.
Indeed with the continuing development and growth In electric and solar-powered vehicles the deep-cycle battery is expected to become more common.
Marine battery
Marine batteries typically sit between lead-acid and deep-cycle batteries offering a compromise between power and the ability to hold a charge.
Sometimes referred to as “leisure batteries”, boat batteries are commonly found in sailing vessels to start the engine alongside a deep-cycle battery which powers the vessel’s electric systems.
Other applications are found on dry land with motorhome and caravan batteries making use of similar technology.
Getting the most from your lead-acid battery
Many people save on expensive garage repairs by carrying out maintenance on their own cars and motorbikes.
With that in mind there are some safety precautions to follow:
- Wear safety clothing such as goggles, overalls and gloves.
- Allow the battery to cool before handling.
- Do not smoke or allow the battery to be near sparks.
- Have a supply of ammonia solution to cover any spilled battery acid.
The actual lead acid battery itself is typically a low-maintenance, sealed unit that should only be handled by trained professionals.
