Feb 17, 2022 Pageview:634
There are many types of batteries in the world today. Perhaps the best one of them is the Sealed Lead Acid, SLA, battery. These batteries can be recharged by sending electrons through to reverse a chemical reaction that creates energy.
Like any other battery, the electrons of SLA batteries are stored in the positive plate. This component is made of pure lead, often in a sponge.
The electrolyte of these batteries is dilute sulfuric acid. This solution works like any other positive plate you may know.
During a discharge, both plates become lead sulfate. The sulfuric acid turns into water. When electrons are sent back during a charging process, this reaction reverses. Water converts back to sulfuric acid while the negative plate goes back to lead dioxide. The battery is fully charged with State of Charge (SOC) to get to 100%.
Unfortunately, you cannot use just any charger to charge an SLA battery. Many people do this, which may sometimes work, but it can cost you a good battery.
What Is Sla Battery Charger?
As stated above, SLA batteries are a bit different from others. With that in mind, you need a charger designed specifically for them.
An SLA battery charger is a specific charger used in SLA batteries. It comes with features that make it suitable for the battery type it charges.
Here are is a breakdown of what makes a SLA battery charge unique:
Constant Current
The most popular SLA battery charger uses constant current chargers. These devices keep a constant current running through the batteries for extended periods.
Typically, the battery will take 12 to 16 hours for a full charge. Slow and constant charging keeps the battery safe while keeping it safe.
Constant Voltage
Apart from constant current, there is the issue of constant voltage. Some SLA chargers deliver constant voltage inside the battery.
When you put an empty battery on the charger, it receives a higher initial charge current. This current tapers off as you keep charging. It will take about 2 to 4 hours for the battery to be full. A timer then stops it to prevent overcharging.
Constant Current/Constant Voltage Chargers
The two options described above are more basic versions. And that’s why they are much cheaper and more available.
A third, more advanced SLA battery charger type uses constant current and constant voltage (CCCV). These batteries come with better features, and hence, are more useful. For instance, it features a temperature compensation circuit that senses the environment around the battery when charging.
The charger varies the current and voltage as the external temperature increases. This ensures a more optimal charging process.
When connecting an empty SLA battery, the charger pumps a moderately high current. The current then reduces as the voltage rises. Lowering voltage and current takes place to offer a maintenance charge or float. It will remain in this state until you disconnect the charger.
Lead-acid chemistry in SLA batteries gain about 75 degrees F and loses capacity when under 60 degrees F. You should store the batteries between 60 and 70 degrees F.
Which is the best battery?
It’s recommendable to get a battery designed for SLA batteries. You may be tempted to buy cheaper, more general chargers, but that will only destroy your battery.
When the battery overcharges, it becomes weaker and weaker. It can also be dangerous for you. So, if you are not using a CCCV battery, be sure to disconnect once it’s fully charged. Otherwise, the battery creates excess gas beyond its charging capacity, which affects its performance.
Sulfuric acid converts into hydrogen and water. This reaction can lead to the build-up of pressure and temperature. If the safety valve breaks and explode.
What Is The Difference Between AGM and SLA Battery?
SLA and VLRA mean the same thing. Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM), batteries are a bit different. The term describes a specific type of SLA/VRLA batteries but distinguishing features.
In AGM batteries, the electrolyte is absorbed into the plates separators. They consist of sponge-like fine glass fiber mats.
SLA batteries are divided into several subgroups. Some people find it hard to tell the differences, and that’s why they just call them all SLA batteries.
However, manufacturers can help you tell the differences. Gel-filled batteries will come with a label that says “gel-filled.”? AGM lead-acid will also be labeled with the terms that describe them.
If you see “Absorbed Glass Mat,” “sealed regulated valve,” “dry cell,” or “non-spillable,” it means the same thing. Look at the top of the battery, and you will see all the information regarding the batteries.
Sometimes people want to know if AGM batteries are better. These products don’t feature free liquid and have minimal hissing. Therefore, they can offer better performance than flooded ones in applications that are hard to maintain.
However, you should they have cons too. You should be very careful when charging. Too much charge or too little of it can have a negative impact on its performance.
In summary, an AGM Absorbent Glass Mat battery is an advanced type of lead-acid battery. It delivers superior power needed for more demanding electrical applications like vehicles. They promise extreme resistance to vibration are completely sealed and maintenance-free.
Sealed Lead Acid batteries are the general category of sealed batteries under which AGM falls. They offer better performance than conventional lead-acid batteries.
How Long Does a SLA Battery Last?
As stated above, SLA batteries offer superior performance. That means they also last longer. You can get three to five years from an AGM battery, depending on your use and conditions.
AGM batteries can work in any car. Most of these batteries are the best replacement for standard lead-acid batteries. They are becoming more and more common in modern applications.
Sealed Lead Acid batteries are designed to withstand extreme conditions. Some can give you even more than 12 years of services, depending on how they are manufactured.
Longevity is one of the main factors that make these batteries worth investment. If you know how to take care of batteries, you should enjoy their performance.
Leave a message
We’ll get back to you soon