New developments in the field of battery manufacturing, after conducting the necessary tests, are immediately introduced into production. This is due to the fact that the battery is a consumable part of the car. The internal elements of the battery operate in an aggressive environment, and vibration and a wide variation in operating temperatures have a devastating effect on thin plates and separators.
Content
What are VRLA batteries
In the past, the constant evaporation of water led to the exposure of the metal parts of the electrodes and even more intense destruction of lead elements. To reduce the negative impact of destructive factors, modern batteries make maintenance free, that is, to open the lid and add distilled water in such products will not work. The most advanced in this regard is AGM VRLA technology.
VRLA technology stands for Valve Regulated Lead Acid, which means an acid battery with a special control valve. Such batteries are produced in a fully enclosed case, but due to the presence of a safety system in the event of a large internal pressure, the destruction of the battery does not occur.
Despite the presence of a connection with the atmosphere through the valve hole, it is not required to service such a battery, because liquid evaporation occurs in exceptional cases. For example, during daily operation, such a locking mechanism remains closed, but if you forget to turn on the charger for a long period of time, then a very small part of the water from the electrolyte can escape through an automatically opening.
Technology features
Batteries with safety valve can be manufactured using various technologies.
AGM VRLA Battery
VRLA AGM are sealed batteries with a valve, the plates of which are made according to AGM technology. Such products have a long shelf life due to the absorbent fiberglass layer, which absorbs all the electrolyte and at the same time supports lead plates, protecting them from shedding.
VRLA GEL
it gel battery, that is, inside the can instead of a liquid solution of sulfuric acid, there is a jelly-like substance that acts as an electrolyte. VRLA Battery gel technology is also equipped with a valve.
Due to the fact that the gel has a less destructive effect on the plates, and when excessive pressure occurs in such an accumulator, a safety device opens, the product can last for 10 years.
Given the presence of such important qualities as high reliability, resistance to deep discharge and a long shelf life, VRLA batteries are widely used in many areas of economic activity where a reliable chemical source of electricity is required.
Where are VRLA batteries used?
The widest application of this technology for the production of batteries has received in mechanical engineering. The presence of a valve that opens only at the time of overpressure has allowed to abandon the outdated type of housing, which is a design equipped with screw caps. The inability of the driver to open access to banks significantly increased the shelf life of the product.
VRLA batteries are resistant to deep discharges, so they can be used not only as starter batteries, but also for equipping uninterruptible power supply devices.For the same reason, such battery models are used as the main energy storage for boats equipped with an electric motor, golf cars and wheelchairs.
How to charge VRLA batteries
Charging a VRLA battery depends on the technology used to make the battery. If a product of this type has an electrolyte in the form of a gel, then, despite the presence of a safety valve, it is necessary to ensure that gas generation inside the product does not become too active.
In the case when the capacity of such a battery is restored with a voltage supply of more than 15 Volts, not only the electrolyte volume decreases, but also the jelly-like mass is removed from the plates, which will lead to an inevitable decrease in the battery capacity and its death. To reduce the likelihood of failure of this type of battery during charging, it is recommended to use special chargers that supply electric current to the terminals in automatic mode, adjusting the magnitude of the current and voltage depending on the charge of the battery and its temperature.
Detailed instructions for charging gel batteries here.
VRLA-batteries made by AGM technology are more resistant to charging errors, but in order to maximize the life of such a battery, it is not recommended to exceed the following indicators:
- The charge voltage is 14.8 V.
- Charging current - 10% of the battery capacity.
When restoring the battery in this way, the duration of the connection to the charger should be about 10 hours.
As with gel gel charging, AGM batteries equipped with a safety valve can be restored using automatic chargers. Such devices will require minimal human control.
Did you have or have a battery VRLA? Then tell us in the comments about your impressions about him, this will greatly help other motorists and will make the material more complete and accurate.
