Introduction to automotive starter batteries and how to choose the right BATTERY CHARGER 1
How a battery works?
2 How do I connect my battery? 3 What are my battery needs? 4 How to choose a starter or a booster? 5 How to choose a charger? 6 Which model should I choose? 7 Which tester for my battery? 8 Which jumper cables are suitable for my battery?
1
HOW A BATTERY WORKS? A battery is a reservoir storing electrical energy in chemical form, which can be restored (in the form of direct current) immediately as required. The electrical energy therefore comes from a chemical reaction between the electrodes and the electrolyte (in liquid or gel form).
Battery in use
-
Power supply
During charging
+ Electrodes
H1 /SO42-
Electrolyte
Réaction chimique
Battery power is restored
-
Power supply
+
SO42- / H1 Chimical reaction
Energy is absorbed by the battery
The 4 main types of batteries: Stationary batteries are designed to deliver a low current for a long period of time. e.g. :fire alarm, computer system. Traction batteries are designed to deliver high current over a long period of time. e.g. :Forklift truck Leisure batteries are designed for use in deep discharge and a high number of charge/discharge cycles. They are used in boats and camper vans to provide power for electrical equipment. e.g. :Fridge As their capacities are generally large, they can also be used to start an engine. Starter batteries are designed to deliver a high current for a short period of time to help start electrical or mechanical equipment. E.g.: vehicle, generator set.
General principle of battery operation
The different battery technologies: Open Batteries (FLA: Flooded Lead Acid): (liquid electrolyte) are lead batteries equipped with plugs allowing the addition of distilled water. They require regular maintenance (check the liquid level with an acid scale), and fear the cold (freezing of the electrolyte). They are nevertheless more economical. Sealed Batteries (VRLA: Valve Regulated Lead Acid): Totally sealed, they recombine the gas to prevent its evaporation. They require no maintenance and have a good resistance to cold. With this technology, we can find the following batteries: - GEL batteries (Electrolyte is frozen by silica gel): They are suitable for deep discharges and have a very good cycle life. On the other hand, they do not withstand high load/unload speeds. - AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) and SLA (Sealed Lead Acid) batteries are better able to deliver very high currents for short periods of time (starting) than GEL batteries. They are generally used for vehicles equipped with the START&STOP system. - EFB (Enhanced Flooded Battery) batteries are designed to meet the needs of light vehicles equipped with the START & STOP system. (Lesser version of the AGM. An AGM battery can replace an EFB, but not the other way around).
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