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Electrical Systems 2004 • LaPalma
Batteries come in different sizes, types, amp hours, voltages and
chemistries. There are nearly as many descriptions of battery types and how
they should be used as there are people willing to offer advice on them.
Although it is not possible to cover batteries in their entirety, there are
guidelines that can be followed to ensure that the batteries are well
maintained.
The operation of the battery is based on a chemical reaction. The battery
is a container of lead plates, insulators and a solution of distilled water and
sulfuric acid. The solution, when mixed together, is known as “electrolyte.”
The 12 Volt battery is actually six batteries in one case. When charged,
each cell has a voltage of 2.1 Volts. When six cells are hooked together this
makes a 12.6 Volt battery (fully charged).
Electrons are stored on the negative plates. When a load (eg. a light bulb)
is put between the positive and negative terminals, the electrons move from
the negative plate to the positive plate through the “load” and then back to
the ground terminal. At this time the sulfuric acid leaves the water and
adheres onto the plates of the battery. The electrolyte solution keeps the
electrons from flowing while the battery is in the “at rest” position.
Charging the battery moves the sulfuric acid back into solution with the
distilled water. A battery left in a low or discharged state will cause the acid
to “sulfate.” In attempting to recharge the battery, the acid has become
hardened and no longer will leave the plates and enter into the liquid
solution with the distilled water. The lowered acid to water ratio has a direct
affect on the battery’s ability to release the stored electrons (power output)
and the length of time it can perform (reserve capacity). Batteries left in a
discharged condition will readily freeze. This can crack the case allowing
the solution to spill, it can also warp the plates. The acid acts like an
“antifreeze” for the battery. This is why batteries should not be left or stored
in a “discharged” condition.
Starting Batteries:
Starting batteries are designed for high output cranking power, but not
for deep cycling like the house batteries are designed to do. Starting batteries
will not last long in deep cycle application. The way they are rated should give
a good indication of their intended use. “Cold Cranking Ampere” is a
measurement of amperage output that can be sustained for 30 seconds.
Starting batteries use thin plates to maximize the surface area of the battery.
This allows a very high starting current but lets the plates warp when the
battery is deep cycled (discharged).
BATTERY -
HOW IT WORKS
Battery Types