Feb 26, 2021 Pageview:902
If you have concerns like what a vented car battery is all about, what would happen if you are not able to vent your battery, or what is the purpose of a battery vent tube, you are in the right place. This post entails answers to all these common concerns that many car owners have.
Well, there is no doubt in the fact that the battery of your car is essential to your car's life. Imagine it as your automobile's heart. The battery continually drives a steady lifestream in your vehicle. And without a heart, you do not have a life. This same applies to the battery of your car. For sure, the battery is a vital part of your car. But the catch is that it does compromise potentially hazardous gases and which cannot infiltrate the cabin. That's when the role of a battery vent tube comes into the picture. In other words, a battery vent tube is connected to the battery in order to expel those dangerous gases out into the air away from the vehicle. Otherwise, it could put you in danger and which you do not want to experience.
To know more about a battery vent tube purpose, continue reading. We came up with a post specially to unearth all about battery venting. So, without further ado, let’s deep dive in.
The battery is the most core component of your vehicle. However, it does incorporate potentially dangerous gases that can't infiltrate the cabin, as mentioned above. A battery vent tube is hooked up to the battery to expel the gases out into the outdoors, far from the car. Vented batteries are lead-acid, which were invented in 1859 by French physicist Gaston Planté.
Basically, these are lead plates immersed in a solution of sulfuric acid and water. The battery generates heat during charge/discharge cycles, causing the solution to expand and contract. The vents let this out without damaging the outer casing. The vents also allow you to service the battery with distilled water and sulfuric acid.
There is a high risk of fire or even explosion in the car as lead-acid batteries release toxic and flammable gases during use. Hydrogen is colorless and odorless. A person cannot recognize it without tools. Unsealed batteries give off an odor when charged, but that odor is not hydrogen.
Many batteries contain a mixture of acid and water known as an electrolyte. This liquid generates explosive hydrogen when overcharged. In a typical battery box with around 10 liters of air space, a concentration of 10% (explosives) builds up within 60 seconds. In the air, ignited hydrogen usually begins to spark at a concentration of around 4%. If the concentration exceeds 10%, a small spark will cause it to explode.
Sealed batteries are slightly overcharged. To prevent an explosion, they usually have sealed vents. They open when the pressure reaches a dangerous level. As long as the batteries are depleted (and there is no ignition source), this gas is usually safely discharged. Lead-acid battery explosions are rare. However, it can cause the camper to explode.
Hydrogen only explodes when ignited. However, a small, almost invisible spark does this. The most common sources include insecure terminals and cables. Also, battery connections that harden and crack. Sparks can also be caused by moving or electrical equipment. Battery chargers, isolation relays, etc., should never be installed in battery cases. Ventilating the battery in this way is essential.
The core purpose of the battery vent tube is to guard against the battery explosion. The battery vent tube is attached to the battery's exhaust, so it lets the gas out from the car. So here you got to know the core purpose of the battery vent. But did you know to serve this purpose, testing is critical? As this is the most vital aspect to be kept in mind. So, Let's have a look.
Note: Testing is critical
Quality testing: Vents need to be very well examined to determine the performance, with quality testing included for a couple of pressure and temperature cycles, thermal runaway, ingress protection, vibration, thermal surprise, and salt spray.
●Pressure cycle testing should encompass enough cycles to arouse the life of the product.
●Ingress protection (IP) should be done at the least to get a rating of IP67.
These Standard tests are available for most of these parameters, though pressure cycle and thermal testing may also require custom testing based on the application.
Compatibility with leak testing: Compatibility with leak testing is another consideration. Ideally, the vent port can also function as a port for leak testing, service, and evaluation of the pack. This can help minimize the number of damages in the pack. If the vent is to remain installed throughout testing becomes critical that the vent can withstand the vacuum pressures introduced through leak testing. With venting a necessity in battery layout, the dual-stage venting successfully gives each passive and active venting in one assembly. Proper venting, however, calls for cautious planning and integration in the entire process and should not be treated as an afterthought.
Experienced Venting partner: To obtain hit solutions, car and battery pack. Manufacturers should engage a professional venting partner with the knowledge and sources required to analyze troubles and their precise solutions. The partner should be expertise that is approved by other OEMs. With a robust partnership engaging the venting and battery pack manufacturers' expertise, dual-stage venting can make a drastic contribution to the successful production and operation of EVs.
That's all about the battery venting. Hopefully, now you are very well versed with battery venting; certain batteries are meant to be vented, or some are not. And evaluate all the vital factors, including testing.
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