Self-discharge of lead-acid batteries and how to control it?
Publish Time: 2025-01-16
Lead-acid batteries are a common chemical power source that is widely used in various devices and vehicles. However, lead-acid batteries will self-discharge during storage, which will cause the battery performance to gradually decline. Understanding and controlling the self-discharge of lead-acid batteries is essential to maintaining the performance and extending the service life of the battery.
Self-discharge is the loss of charge that occurs inside the battery when there is no load. The self-discharge rate of lead-acid batteries depends on multiple factors, including ambient temperature, impurity content of the electrolyte, and the choice of alloy. In the open circuit state, the positive and negative plates of lead-acid batteries can react with the electrolyte, resulting in a loss of charge. Especially in high temperature environments, the chemical reactions inside the battery will accelerate, thereby increasing the rate of self-discharge.
The main reasons for self-discharge of lead-acid batteries include self-discharge caused by internal impurities, self-discharge caused by gas at the positive and negative plates, self-discharge caused by contact between the grid and the effective material, self-discharge caused by the accumulation of electrolyte and oil, and self-discharge caused by electrolyte concentration differences. All these reasons will cause the battery to gradually lose its charge during storage, thus affecting its performance and service life.
To control the self-discharge of lead-acid batteries, the following measures can be taken:
Maintain a suitable storage environment: Lead-acid batteries should be stored in a dry, ventilated place away from direct sunlight. High temperature will accelerate the chemical reaction inside the battery and increase the self-discharge rate. Therefore, it is crucial to choose a storage environment with moderate temperature and humidity.
Regular maintenance and inspection: Regular maintenance and inspection of lead-acid batteries, including checking whether the battery shell is intact, whether the electrolyte is sufficient, and ensuring that the battery connections are not rusted or loose. If problems are found, they should be handled in time to reduce the risk of internal short circuit or leakage of the battery.
Reasonable charging strategy: When the battery power is below a certain level, it should be charged in time to maintain the activity of the battery. At the same time, avoid overcharging to reduce the internal pressure of the battery and slow down the rate of self-discharge.
Avoid long-term idleness: Lead-acid batteries that are idle for a long time are more likely to self-discharge. Therefore, it is recommended to perform regular charging and discharging operations when the battery is not in use to maintain the activity of the battery. If the battery needs to be stored for a long time, it is recommended to charge it to half full.
In summary, the self-discharge of lead-acid batteries is inevitable, but through reasonable storage environment, regular maintenance and inspection, reasonable charging strategy and avoiding long-term idleness, self-discharge can be effectively controlled and the battery life can be extended.
