While minor heating is normal during use or charging, excessive heat is highly damaging. It leads to the evaporation and drying of the electrolyte, which reduces charging efficiency, deforms the plates, and increases internal resistance. This process accelerates the oxidation of mechanical components and can burn out the plates or separators, ultimately resulting in reduced capacity and a shorter lifespan.
During charging, a portion of electrical energy is converted into heat. Excessive heat may be caused by an over-high charging current, internal short circuits, or low electrolyte levels in sealed batteries, which increases internal resistance. Battery aging and the failure of the charger to maintain constant voltage at the end of the cycle can also cause temperatures to rise, leading to swelling or battery failure.
Swelling is usually caused by "Thermal Runaway" resulting from severe water loss. Specific causes include overcharging (excessive float current or charger parameter drift), high ambient temperatures, internal short circuits, or inconsistent safety valve pressure. Using mismatched battery sets or damaged casings can also lead to deformation.
This typically happens when the discharge rate is too fast—specifically when the current exceeds 0.5C for a long time. If a battery's capacity is too small for the motor's power requirements, the plates must react violently to keep up, causing the casing to heat up and damaging the battery's long-term health.
Primary batteries are standard dry cells designed for single use. Secondary batteries are rechargeable. "Power-type" or "Traction" secondary batteries are the primary energy source for modern electric vehicles.
Capacity is the amount of electrical energy released by the active substances during an electrochemical reaction, measured in Ampere-hours (Ah). For example, a battery discharging at 4A for 3 hours has a capacity of 12Ah.
This is the theoretical capacity of a battery calculated based on the specific amount of active materials contained within it.
This refers to the amount of charge a battery can successfully absorb within a specific timeframe under regulated voltage and current conditions.
It is the resistance encountered by the current as it flows through the battery, consisting of ohmic and polarization resistance. High internal resistance lowers the working voltage and shortens discharge time; it is a critical metric for evaluating battery performance.
Batteries convert energy electrochemically. During discharge, chemical energy is converted into electrical energy. During charging, electrical energy is converted back into stored chemical energy. Depending on the system, this cycle can usually be repeated over 500 times.
This is the minimum amount of energy a manufacturer guarantees a battery will release under specific conditions. It is typically measured at 25°C at a 10-hour discharge rate (C10).
This refers to the real amount of energy a battery releases under specific discharge conditions. It is primarily influenced by the discharge rate and the surrounding temperature.
Self-discharge is the phenomenon where a battery's capacity naturally decreases while it is stored and not in use. The percentage of total capacity lost over a specific period is known as the "self-discharge rate".
Most damage occurs during charging or discharging. Major threats include:
Over-discharge: Using the battery beyond its allowed limit or with excessive current.
Overcharging: Charging for too long or failing to recharge batteries that have been in storage.
Undercharging: Frequently failing to charge the battery fully, which leads to plate sulfation.
Imbalance: Differences in charge/discharge levels between individual cells in a battery pack.
No. The impurity levels in drinking water are much higher than the requirements for battery water. Battery water must meet specific industry standards, such as JB/T10053—1999.
Batteries are shipped charged and contain liquid. Insulated tools are required to prevent accidental short circuits or electric shocks.
While batteries are screened at the factory, they may become inconsistent over time. Users should periodically measure the open-circuit voltage of each battery; if one is significantly lower, it should be charged individually to balance the pack.
No, different batteries should never be connected together in the same system.
Loose connections increase resistance, which can cause sparking during use or charging. This can lead to severe overheating, fires, or other accidents.
A "True" Gel battery uses specialized separators (like PVC, PE, or phenolic resin) and has a silica content of over 5%. "False" Gel batteries use AGM separators, which cannot accommodate silica levels above 1.5% and are not internationally recognized as true Gel batteries.
Gel technology prevents "electrolyte stratification". In standard liquid batteries, gravity causes the electrolyte to become denser at the bottom and thinner at the top, leading to sulfation and grid corrosion. The gel structure creates a uniform network that keeps the electrolyte consistent throughout the battery.