Batteries are important to keep our appliances working. Without a battery, you will not be able to store energy. This means if the power supply from the grid is cut off and you don’t have any battery then you will not be able to run your system. Therefore, the battery is now a crucial part of life.
There are different types of batteries available in the market but choosing the best one is hard if you do not have enough knowledge about batteries. But there is nothing to worry about as in this article we are going to discuss different types of batteries and the applications where these batteries are used.
Batteries used for energy storage are typically made up of lead acid and lithium-ion.
Flooded lead-acid batteries
These are the most commonly used batteries as they are less expensive. These batteries are rechargeable and are easy to operate. It is easy to dispose of these batteries once they are completely utilized. These batteries emit some gases during their working. Therefore, it is essential to keep these batteries in an open area or where there is a proper system for ventilation. These batteries are less expensive but they need care for proper working. Every battery contains cells connected in series to provide better output. The plates of cells in lead-acid batteries need to be completely submerged in the water for proper functioning. It is the reason these batteries are called flooded lead-acid batteries. On average, these batteries require to change their water once 3 months but it is suggested to check it every month.
Sealed lead-acid batteries
Sealed lead-acid batteries are similar to flooded ones with the advantage that these batteries do not require regular checkups. The best thing about these batteries is that they do not emit any hazardous gas or chemical that can threaten human health and the environment. Also, these batteries are spillproof. As these batteries are sealed so they do not require refilling after months. These batteries can handle temperature variation effectively and do not discharge themselves when they are not used for sometimes.
Start-stop battery
Start stop battery is a modified battery used in automatic cars. The purpose of using these batteries in these cars is to automatically start and stop the engine when needed. These batteries stop the car’s engine when the car is at rest. It does so to prevent more fuel consumption and also to reduce the hazardous gases emitted as a result of the burning of fuel. These batteries are only used with automatic cars.
Lithium-ion batteries
These batteries are manufactured with the latest technology and are introduced in the 1970s. These batteries are commonly used in laptops, cell phones, and electric vehicles, and due to their remarkable properties, they are being used in other applications. Among these batteries, the LiFePO4 battery is the best. It is because no hazardous gas or chemical is emitted by these batteries and are safe to use for appliances within the house. These batteries can be charged at a faster speed as compared to lead-acid batteries. The best thing about these batteries is that they are on time investment. It means that they do not require any maintenance even after years. They do not self-discharge if kept unused for some time and have a longer life span. These batteries are more expensive than lead-acid batteries but offer various unique advantages.
Applications
- These batteries are used along with solar systems to store the energy.
- Medical centers and hospitals use these batteries to store energy so that it can be used in the hours of need.
- These batteries are also used in the construction area to keep the working of various appliances smooth.
- Military radios that are used for communication use these batteries.
- These batteries are popularly adopted by various automotive companies and are now used in different vehicles.