Technical Information about Batteries
What is a battery?
A battery is a device that stores energy. The way it stores energy is by holding different electro-chemically active materials together in such a fashion so they can generate and store energy and only deliver that energy when the battery user demands it.
Battery Chemistry
- Primary Cell: The chemical reaction totally destroys one of the metals after a period of time. Alka-line batteries for flashlights and radios are primary cells.
- Secondary Cells: The metals and electrolyte mixture changes as the battery supplies voltage. The metals become similar, the electrolyte strength weakens. This is called discharging. By applying current to the battery in the opposite direction, the battery materials can be restored. This is called charging. Automotive lead-acid batteries are secondary cells.
Lead-Acid Battery Technology
Flooded Lead-Acid Batteries
Flooded Lead-Acid (wet cell) batteries are the most common style of battery used for engine starting and deep cycle applications. Flooded batteries come in two styles: serviceable and maintenance-free. Both are filled with electrolyte and have the same basic internal construction with the only exception being that the maintenance-free battery is sealed and does not provide access to add distilled water. Flooded batteries are the oldest type of rechargeable battery and due to their balance between price and performance remain the most popular.
VRLA Batteries
VRLA stands for valve-regulated lead-acid. AGM gel cell batteries are constructed with a valve regulation mechanism which allows hydrogen and oxygen gasses to be safely passed during charging. Due to their construction, they do not require ventilation, they are a spill-proof/leak-proof and can be mounted in any orientation and do not require constant maintenance.
AGM Batteries
AGM stands for absorbed glass mat. AGM batteries differ from flood lead-acid batteries in that the electrolyte is held in the glass mat separator as opposed to freely flooding the plates. AGM batteries are 100% maintenance free, resistant to shock and vibration, spill-proof and leak-proof, have a faster recharge time, and higher life cycles. This “next generation technology” delivers increased safety, performance, and
service life over all other existing sealed lead-acid battery types. AGM batteries are perfect for many applications including: automotive-car, truck and SUV, marine, boat, RV, power sports, motorcycle, scooter, commercial, agricultural, farm, tractor, and any other power demanding application.
Gel Cell Batteries
A gel cell is a VRLA battery with a gelled electrolyte. Silica fume is mixed with electrolyte which makes the resulting mass gel-like and immobile. Gel cell and AGM share many of the same attributes, increased
safety, performance, and service life yet are sensitive to over-voltage charging and require a special charger. Gel cell batteries are ideal for auxiliary power applications including: telecommunications, stand-by power, wind and solar applications, and marine.
SLA Batteries
SLA stands for sealed lead-acid. SLA batteries feature absorbed glass mat (AGM) technology or superior performance valve regulated (VRLA) spill-proof construction allows for safe operation in any direction, they are designed for alarm & security systems, communication & telecom systems, electric bicycles & game feeders, hand-held lights, metal detectors, ride-on toys, testing & measuring equipment, UPS systems, waterfowl decoys, and much more…
