What are car batteries. Main types of batteries

Today there are different types of batteries. The most important indicators of a battery are its capacity, the number of charge-discharge cycles, and the internal filling.

Battery types

The types of rechargeable batteries produced are determined by the materials used in their manufacture.

Lead elements

lead element

The body is sealed. Inside, instead of a liquid, a gel is sometimes used. There are valves for the release of gases. Now this kind of battery is less common, but batteries of this type are still produced.

Advantages:

• Low cost.
• Good tolerance to low temperatures.

Flaws:

• They are not completely sealed, despite the name - most often it is necessary to operate in a strictly vertical direction.
• There are emissions of alkaline or acid fumes - do not use in unventilated areas.
• You can not charge to the limit - boiling liquid leads to failure.
• A low charge leads to a sharp reduction in capacity.

Nickel batteries

Nickel-cadmium batteries

Nickel-cadmium batteries have a "memory effect", that is, if you do not fully discharge the battery, then it is charged only to the level of the last charge. That is, he kind of remembers the level of the last charge from which he was charged. To "erase" the memory of such a battery, nickel-cadmium batteries must be completely discharged before charging if you want to be sure that it is fully charged, and not, for example, 80 percent.

It is better to store them in about 40% charge, due to irreversible changes in the case of a long discharged state.

Advantages:

• Low price.
• Fast charging capability.
• Retains capacity even at -20°C.
• The number of charge cycles is up to 1000.

Flaws:

• A special charging system that provides for a full discharge.
• Contains toxic cadmium.
• During the first 24 hours, it may lose 10% of the charge.
• During the first 30 days, it loses up to 20% of its capacity.

Batteries that have been stored for a long time must be recharged with 5 cycles in order for them to return to normal.

Another type is nickel-based batteries and metal hydrides.

NI-MH battery

Advantages:

• Less toxic than those containing cadmium.
• Ni-Mh batteries do not have a "memory effect" or it is not very pronounced in them.
• Stored fully charged. For long term storage, charge monthly.
• They have 50% more capacity than cadmium-based.
• Some are marked LSD (low self-discharge), that is, very slowly discharged.

Flaws:

• Higher cost.
• Self-discharge is greater than those containing cadmium - can be discharged within a few months of storage.
• After 200-300 discharge cycles, the capacity starts to decrease.
• The service life is shorter than that of batteries containing cadmium.

Lithium batteries

Various types of lithium batteries are produced.

Li-ion batteries (li ion)

Increasingly popular batteries. DO NOT allow full discharge, so some models are available with full discharge protection.

Li-Ion with and without protection

Advantages:

• There is practically no "memory effect" - you can charge in any state.
• High capacity, light, therefore it has become widespread also in the automotive industry, where the weight-to-power ratio of the battery greatly affects the daily mileage.
• They are slowly discharged - on average up to 3% in the first month, and 1% in subsequent months.
• High-speed charging almost does not harm further operation.
• Prices are gradually falling.

Flaws:

• All types of existing lithium-ion batteries do not tolerate cold well. Below 0, the capacitance drops sharply.
• More expensive than Ni htm and ni-cd batteries.
• They tend to explode if not properly charged.

It is recommended to charge them already at half charge. The more charge-discharge cycles, the less battery life. Hence the conclusion - try not to allow a full discharge. Keep these batteries as charged as possible to ensure they last a long time. For example, when using a laptop, keep it plugged in at all times. The laptop will be powered by mains current, and the battery will be used less frequently, for example, on the road, or where autonomous power is really needed.

Some even remove batteries from laptops after charging them and store them separately to increase battery life. However, this method has its drawbacks - a laptop, in the event of a power outage or if the owner forgot to shut down the operating system correctly, may not save important data. It also negatively affects the operating system. In any case, you have to periodically charge the battery so that the charge level is as high as possible above 50%.

Varieties of lithium batteries

Lithium polymer batteries

Some of them are completely dry, and therefore durable and less flammable. Their performance is better at relatively high temperatures. Therefore, they are often preferred to be used in hot climates.

Lithium ion polymer

Li-ion polymer battery

Manufacturers in most cases still add gel inside the battery. The name of the battery remains the same as for completely dry ones - Li-Polymer, although lithium-ion polymer batteries would be more correct. They are most often used in phones and laptops.

Differences in such batteries are determined primarily by the cathode material. The cathode material can be recognized by the second letter in the battery name. For example:

• C - with cobalt. Such batteries have the largest capacity value.
• M - with manganese. The capacity is smaller, but they have a maximum discharge current, that is, it is better to use them where a large output current is needed.
• F - iron - phosphate. They have a smaller capacity, as well as the output current, but they can be recharged more than 1000 times in 1 hour.

Advantages:

• Reduced dimensions and weight - the thickness can reach a millimeter with little weight.
• Possibility of bending.
• Sufficiently high capacity.

Flaws:

• Deep discharge is not allowed.
• The cost is higher than usual.

Li-Fe

Lithium-iron-sulfite batteries have high recharge rates - up to 2000, charge quickly - 15 minutes, high output current - 60-130 A. They work well at a temperature of -30 C, require a special charger, and have more weight than usual. The prices are still high.

Lithium iron sulfite

How to determine the most preferred type of battery

First of all, determine what is most important to you and what is not. If weight and dimensions do not matter, but the price does, take lead batteries. They are bulky, but the cheapest. If size, weight and price are important to you, take nickel batteries. If you need compactness and high performance, and the price is secondary, take lithium batteries. The most powerful are Li-Fe batteries. But also quite expensive.

Types of batteries

The types of rechargeable batteries produced vary considerably. Consider the most popular sizes.

Size "AA"

Voltage 1.2V, length 50.5 mm, diameter 13.5-14.5 mm. Commonly referred to as "finger".

Size "AAA"

Voltage 1.2V, length 44.6 mm, diameter 10.5 mm. Often referred to as "little finger".

Size "16340"

3.7V, length 35 mm, diameter 17 mm.

Size "18500"

3.7V, length 35 mm, diameter 18 mm.

Size "18650"

3.7V, length 67 mm, diameter 18 mm.

Also designated 168A. The shape resembles AA or AAA, but larger in size. The capacity of 18650 batteries is usually in the range of 2200-4000 mAh. The battery is charged by applying a voltage of 0.05 V, and ends with a voltage of 4.2 V. The recommended current is 0.5 A. In some cases, if you need to charge the battery urgently, a maximum voltage of 1 A is allowed. Charging time is 3 hours. Longer time causes overheating. Of course, all these operations must be performed by the charger. Therefore, it is so important to choose the right charger.

Size "26650"

Voltage 3.6 V, length 68-72.5 mm, diameter 26.5 mm.

Some models promise 1500 charge/discharge cycles. After this period, the battery capacity drops to 80%. It is used in devices where a powerful power source is required.

Size "32650"

Voltage 3.7 V, length 68mm, diameter 33mm.

In most cases, it is already produced with a protection board. Weight up to 150 gr.

Frame "R14/LR14" or "Element C"

"Element C"

Voltage 1.5 V, length 50 mm, diameter 26.2 mm.

It looks like a small barrel. Weight is usually about 37 grams.

Frame "R20/LR20" or "Element D"

Voltage 1.5 V, length 61.5 mm, diameter 34.2 mm.

It looks like a large barrel, the weight is usually from 66 to 141 grams. Batteries of this size (sometimes called "type d") were among the first in the world - the first samples were released in 1898 by the future Energizer company.

Size PP3 ("Krone 9v")

A battery of this type as a crown got its name thanks to the name of a battery, popular in the USSR.

Voltage 9V, dimensions: 48.5 mm × 26.5 mm × 17.5 mm.

Weight 53 grams. Capacity - 120 mAh - 700 mAh. In some models, it is possible to charge with a current of 4.5-5.5 V using a built-in current converter.

Battery type "Uncased" or "flexible" batteries

Batteries without case

Voltage 4.5-6 V, dimensions from 3x10x12mm to 5x120x130mm.

Many say that such a battery rather resembles not a battery, but an astronaut's breakfast in metal foil. However, they are convenient in many cases when the device is compact, the battery compartment has a complex structure.

Charging device

There are several types:

• For the same size of batteries or for different types of batteries.
• Specialized - for batteries, for example, based on nickel or lithium, or universal - for any type of battery.
• For normal, that is, slow charge, and high-speed, or super-fast charge.
• With various timers and charge adjustment systems.

A normal charger should be able to:

1. Charge quickly with a higher voltage than that supplied by the battery.
2. Correctly control the charging process itself. That is, as the charge decreases, the strength of the charged current.
3. Be able to charge both with a strong current for fast charging in case of an urgent need to use the battery, and with a weak current, in case it is necessary to charge the battery slowly and carefully. After all, the slower the battery is charged, the less it heats up and is less prone to a rapid reduction in service life.
4. The charger must be able to turn off automatic charging.

A good charger can usually charge completely different types of batteries - for example, “finger-type” (“AA”), “AAA”, “186502”, batteries of the “crown” type, in general, as many types of batteries as possible.

1. Other things being equal, choose the one with the higher capacity. This will allow the device to work longer, there will be fewer cycles, and, therefore, the service life is longer. Except when the battery with the highest capacity is inadequately expensive, which sometimes happens with the release of new models. On the calculator it is easy to calculate what ratio of capacity and price is most profitable. Even if the price-capacity ratio is slightly worse, it is preferable to take a battery with a larger capacity - everything is offset by fewer charge cycles.

For example, consider device 8.

It has the following features:

• charging batteries of different capacities;
• current adjustment on different batteries;
• protection if you insert the batteries the other way around, confusing the plus with the minus;
• high temperature protection;
• shutdown after reaching a full charge;
• setting on and off according to the schedule;
• recharging old batteries;
• fast charging;
• can work with nickel-cadmium batteries with "memory";
• additional connector for power supply from a 12 volt car battery.

Get high-quality chargers - it's worth it. It is advisable to generally purchase batteries and chargers from the same company. Often they are offered as a kit - both batteries and charger together - which is ideal. In the future, buy a battery of the same company and the same internal structure and you will never have problems with charging the battery.

You can safely buy famous American brands (Duracell, Energizer, Kodak). Japan (SONY, MAXELL, Sanyo, National, Panasonic, Toshiba, TDK), Europe (PHILIPS, VARTA), Korea (Samsung, LG, TEKCELL, DAEWOO). The place where the batteries are made does not really matter. Usually it's China.

The main thing is not to buy a fake. It can be distinguished first of all by its unusually low price, poor quality of typographical printing, lack of fine structure, poor sealing, short warranty, and so on. Recently, China has also launched the production of good batteries, but here it is necessary to distinguish between "factory" and "handicraft" manufacturers. "Factory" do not fake well-known brands, but promote their own. These batteries deserve attention. They are of good quality and reasonable price.

The battery is the electronic heart of the car, without which your car will not even be able to start. Proper selection, charging and maintenance of the battery is one of the factors for a comfortable ride.

Types of batteries for cars

In recent years, two main types of car batteries have been presented on the shelves of Russian car dealerships: serviced and maintenance-free. Batteries that can and need to be serviced are a monoblock with one or more caps. A significant drawback of this type of battery is that antimony contained in the alloy at the positive pole, due to the effect of the solution, gradually moves to the negative pole. Such reactions lead to a gradual decrease in the electrodes, and this leads to the decomposition of water molecules into its constituent parts - hydrogen and oxygen. The owners of such batteries notice this when recharging the batteries due to the extensive release of gas formation. Another significant drawback of serviced batteries is the leakage of electrolyte onto the battery case when driving on rough roads. In most cases, this circumstance causes a strong self-discharge of the battery.

Maintenance-free batteries, in turn, are divided into gel and AGM. In gel batteries, electrolyte acid is replaced by a special gel, which almost does not evaporate and does not require topping up. In addition, gel batteries have a significantly lower level of self-discharge and the number of charge-discharge cycles increases compared to serviced batteries. Another type of maintenance-free battery - AGM, is a battery in which the acid is thickened with a special glass fiber. But such batteries are dependent on the health of the vehicle's electrical systems. Electrical problems otherwise affect battery health.

The following types of batteries are also divided according to the type of content:

• Low antimony. In batteries of this type, lead plates contain a small amount of antimony to increase strength. Such a composition leads to the "boiling away" of the water contained in the electrolyte, which requires constant monitoring and topping up with distilled water if necessary.
• calcium. The plates of such batteries contain calcium, which reduces the "boiling away" of water in the composition of the electrolyte. But such batteries are noticeably sensitive to strong discharges. Enough 3-4 times the critical discharge of the battery, so that the energy intensity of the battery is greatly reduced.
• Hybrid. These batteries successfully combine the characteristics of calcium and low antimony batteries, as electrode plates made using both technologies are used. Negative - low antimony, and positive, respectively, calcium.

Is it the same as charging the battery?

Like other batteries, car batteries are subject to discharge due to time, conditions of use, weather conditions and other circumstances. From time to time, every motorist faces the question of charging the battery, and here it is important to correctly determine how to charge the battery. Based on the type of battery according to the chemical composition of the electrolyte and plates, the batteries are divided as follows. Let's figure out how to charge a car battery at home.

• How to charge lead acid batteries. This type of battery is unpretentious in maintenance and resistant to the discharge process. But these batteries take a long time to charge - at least a day. The charging process is carried out with a constant voltage of 14.5 volts (for a battery of 12 volts) or a constant current, which will be 0.1-0.2 of the capacity (usually indicated on the battery case. It is important to consider that when charging lead-acid batteries, explosive Therefore, the charging process is recommended to be carried out in a well-ventilated area and preferably at a temperature of about 20 °C.
• Charging nickel-cadmium batteries. Nickel-cadmium and nickel-metal hydride batteries are capricious in the process of charging, as they have a "memory". If the battery is not completely discharged, then after charging, it will be discharged again to the previous level, i.e. not to the end.
• Lithium batteries for cars. Another capricious in charging, but a very popular type of battery. These batteries are not recommended for charging in freezing or hot conditions. Also, you should not allow a strong discharge of such batteries, although they do not have the “memory” effect.

Charging a car battery requires some preparation. It is advisable to charge in a well-ventilated area, with normal temperature and low humidity. Also, when preparing, you will need a hydrometer and distilled water for serviced batteries. By installing the battery on a flat surface, using a hydrometer, the density of the electrolyte is checked. If necessary, add water. Then it is necessary to unscrew all the plugs of the battery cans in order to improve the gas outlet. Cover the holes themselves to avoid spilling the electrolyte during charging.

How to charge a car battery with a charger

Having properly prepared the battery for charging, proceed to the process itself. We connect the charger to the mains, and the charging terminals to the battery, be sure to observe the polarity. Next, set the highest possible charge voltage. But do not exceed the voltage by more than 10% of the battery capacity. To preserve the qualities of the battery, as well as the deepest charge, the maximum voltage should not be exceeded even by 5%.

Charge for speed

The ability to properly charge the battery is provided in your free time. But if the battery is dead, and you need to go urgently, use the "fast charge" methods. In such cases, some motorists either “light up” from another car, or start up “in tow”. These are, of course, emergency measures for charging the battery with a car generator in motion. Remember that during this process of charging the battery, the electrode plates are destroyed, which will render the battery unusable.

If you have some time, we recommend using the accelerated charging method using a charger. Without removing the battery from the car, the charger terminals are put on the battery and only then the charger is connected to the mains. The charge power regulator in such cases is set to the maximum, and the charge time does not exceed 15-20 minutes. Further, the battery will be recharged by the car's generator during the trip.

Precautionary measures

With any method of charging a battery, it is important to remember that, first of all, a battery is a container with acid and chemical reactions. And that means that caution will not be superfluous.

• Check the charger - malfunctions and damage are unacceptable.
• Be sure to wear gloves when checking the electrolyte density to avoid chemical burns.
• Charge the battery only in a ventilated area or outdoors.
• The battery must not be charged near open flames.

How to charge a car battery without a charger (video)

Outcome

What type of battery to choose for the car is up to you. Serviced batteries captivate with relatively low cost, gel-based reliability and ease of use. How long this or that battery will last the car depends only on how competently and how timely you pay attention to charging the battery

A rechargeable battery is a chemical source of electric current, consisting of a combination (battery) of several separate batteries. Using several elements instead of one allows you to get more voltage or more current, depending on the connection method - serial or parallel.

There are several types of batteries that differ in the material of the electrodes and electrolyte. Many have heard and know, for example, that there are all kinds of nickel-cadmium, nickel-metal hydride, lithium-ion, lead-acid batteries.

Of all the variety in cars, only lead is used as a starter. This is due to the fact that batteries of this type have a maximum, in comparison with others, energy intensity and the ability to deliver a large current in a short time. At the same time, one has to put up with the fact that both acid and lead are very harmful substances. The cases of all lead-acid batteries are made of durable acid-resistant plastic to ensure maximum safety during transportation and operation.

Currently, lead is used as a material for electrodes not in its pure form, but with a variety of additives, depending on which the batteries are divided into several types.

Depending on the additives for the electrode material, car batteries are divided into:

• Traditional ("antimony")
• Low antimony
• calcium
• hybrid
• Gel, AGM
  And additionally:
• alkaline
• Li-ion

Traditional ("antimony")

Batteries of this type contain ≥5% antimony in the composition of lead plates. Often they are also called classic, traditional. But this name is no longer relevant today, since batteries with a lower antimony content have already become classic.

Antimony is added to lead to increase the strength of the plates. But because of this additive, the electrolysis process is sharply enhanced, accelerated, which begins already at 12 volts. Due to the gases released (oxygen and hydrogen), it seems that the water is boiling. Due to the fact that water escapes to the outside in large quantities, the electrolyte concentration changes and the upper edges of the electrodes are exposed. To compensate for the “boiled away” water, distilled water is poured into the battery.

Batteries with a high antimony content make them easy to maintain. This is due to the fact that quite often, at least once a month, it is necessary to check the density of the electrolyte and fill in water.

Now batteries of this type are no longer installed on cars, because. progress is long gone. "Antimony" batteries can be installed in stationary installations, where the unpretentiousness of power sources is more important and where there are no particular problems with their maintenance. All car batteries are made with little or no antimony content.

Low antimony

To reduce the intensity of "boiling away" of water in batteries, plates with a reduced amount of antimony (less than 5%) began to be used. This eliminated the need to frequently check the electrolyte level. The level of self-discharge of the battery during storage has also decreased.

Such batteries are most often called low-maintenance or completely maintenance-free, implying that these batteries do not require monitoring and care. Although the term "maintenance-free" is more marketing than real, since it was not possible to completely get rid of the loss of water from the electrolyte. Water still “boils away” a little, although in much smaller quantities than with conventional serviced batteries. A huge advantage of a low antimony battery is its undemanding quality of the car's electrical equipment. Even with voltage drops on the on-board network, the characteristics of this battery do not change as irreversibly as it happens with more modern batteries, for example, calcium or gel.

Low-antimony batteries are more suitable for Russian-made passenger cars, since domestic cars cannot yet boast of ensuring the stability of the on-board network voltage. Moreover, low antimony batteries are characterized by a minimal cost compared to others.

calcium

Another solution to reduce the intensity of "boiling away" of water in the battery was to use another material instead of antimony in the electrode grids. The most suitable was calcium. Batteries of this type are often labeled "Ca/Ca", which means that the plates of both poles contain calcium in their composition. Also, small amounts of silver are sometimes added to the composition of the plates, which reduces the internal resistance of the battery. This has a positive effect on the energy consumption and efficiency of the battery.

The use of calcium made it possible to significantly reduce the intensity of gas evolution and water loss, in comparison with low antimony batteries. In fact, the loss of water over the entire life of the battery was so small that there was no need to check the density of the electrolyte and the water level in the banks. Thus, calcium batteries have the right to be called maintenance-free.

In addition to the low rate of "boiling away" of water, calcium batteries also have a self-discharge level reduced by almost 70% compared to low antimony ones. This allows calcium batteries to maintain their performance properties longer during long storage.

Because the use of calcium instead of antimony made it possible to increase the voltage of the start of water electrolysis from the previous 12 to 16 volts, overcharging became not so terrible.

However, calcium batteries have not only pluses, but also minuses.

One of the main disadvantages of this type of batteries is capriciousness in relation to overdischarge. It is enough to discharge too much 3-4 times, as the level of energy intensity decreases irreversibly, i.e. the amount of current that the battery can store decreases sharply. The battery in such cases, as a rule, is simply changed.

Calcium batteries are sensitive to the voltage of the vehicle's on-board network, and are extremely resistant to sudden changes. Before buying a battery of this type, you should make sure that the voltage of the car is stable.

Another disadvantage is the higher price of calcium batteries. But this is no longer a disadvantage, but a forced payment for quality.

Most often, calcium batteries are installed on foreign cars of the middle price range and above, i.e. for those vehicles where the quality and stability of electrical equipment is guaranteed. When buying a battery of this type, you should keep in mind that the battery is more demanding in operation than low antimony, but with proper care, you get a high-quality and reliable power source for your car.

hybrid

Often referred to as "Ca+". In hybrid batteries, electrode plates are made using different technologies: positive - low antimony, negative - calcium. This allows you to combine the positive qualities of both types of batteries. The water consumption of hybrid batteries is two times less than that of low antimony batteries, but still more than that of calcium batteries. But higher resistance to overdischarge and overcharge.

According to the characteristics of hybrid batteries are between low antimony and calcium.

Gel, AGM

Gel and AGM batteries do not contain electrolyte in the "classic" liquid form, but in a bound, gel-like state (hence the name of the battery type).

For more than one and a half hundred years of the history of batteries, engineers have had to solve many problems and tasks. One of the most important problems was shedding of the active substance from the surface of the electrode plates. This issue was temporarily resolved by adding various additives - antimony, calcium, etc. to the composition of lead oxide. Another very important task was to ensure the safety of battery operation, because. electrolyte - an aqueous solution of sulfuric acid - could easily leak out if the battery case was damaged. No need to tell how aggressive the chemical is sulfuric acid. It was necessary to find a way to prevent, to minimize the possibility of electrolyte leakage if the battery case was damaged.

This problem was solved by converting the electrolyte from a liquid to a gel state. Because the gel is much denser and less fluid than a liquid, this solved both problems at once - the active substance no longer crumbled (a dense environment fixed it) and the electrolyte did not leak out (the gel has low fluidity).

In both gel and AGM batteries, the electrolyte is in a gel state. The difference is that in AGM batteries, in addition, there is a special porous material between the electrode plates, which additionally retains the electrolyte and protects the electrodes from shedding. The abbreviation "AGM" itself stands for - Absorbent Glass Mat (absorbent glass material). Because gel and AGM batteries have almost similar characteristics, further in the text, gel will also mean AGM batteries. If there are differences, this will be indicated separately.

Due to the fact that the gel in the batteries is actually in a fixed state, these batteries are not afraid of tilting. Manufacturers even write that the battery can be used in any position. Although this is just a marketing statement, because. Still, you should not keep gel batteries upside down.

Excellent vibration resistance is not the only positive quality of gel batteries. These types of batteries have a low self-discharge rate, so they can be stored for a long time without a critical charge loss. Keep charged.

Gel batteries can deliver the same high current until they are completely discharged. At the same time, they are not afraid of overdischarging, fully restoring their nominal capacity after recharging.

If, when discharging, gel batteries are less capricious than classic ones, then the situation with the battery charge is completely different. Accelerated charging is unacceptable - the process of charging gel batteries should take place with a much lower current. For this, even special chargers are used that are suitable for charging only gel batteries. Although there are universal chargers on the market that, according to manufacturers, can charge all types of batteries. To what extent this is true - you need to look carefully, paying attention to the reputation and guarantees of the manufacturer.

Unfortunately, gel batteries at very low temperatures behave worse than classic ones. This is because the gel becomes less conductive as the temperature decreases. Under favorable operating conditions, gel batteries can last up to 10 years.

Due to their absolute tightness, relative vibration resistance and their actual (and not just marketing) maintenance-free gel batteries are widely used where it is dangerous or unprofitable to use classic batteries: indoors (for example, in uninterruptible power supplies), in motor vehicles (motorcycle, unlike car, travels, periodically deviating from the vertical plane), in sea and river transport (these batteries are not afraid of rolling, characteristic of ships). Of course, gel batteries are also used in cars. Most often - in prestigious foreign cars, which is due to the rather high price of these batteries (payment for quality and reliability).

alkaline

As you know, not only acid, but also alkali can be used as an electrolyte in batteries. There are many varieties of alkaline batteries, but we will only consider those that have been used in cars.

Automotive alkaline batteries come in two types: nickel-cadmium and nickel-iron. In a nickel-cadmium battery, the positive plates are coated with nickel hydroxide NiO (OH) (aka nickel oxide III hydrate or nickel metahydroxide), the negative plates with a mixture of cadmium and iron. In a nickel-iron battery, the positive plates are coated with the same compound as in a nickel-cadmium battery - nickel hydroxide. The only difference is in the negative electrode - in a nickel-iron battery it is made of pure iron. The electrolyte in both types of batteries is a solution of caustic potassium KOH.

Electrode plates in alkaline batteries are packed in “envelopes” made of the thinnest perforated metal plate. The active substance is pressed into the same envelopes. This greatly improves the vibration resistance of the batteries.

Alkaline batteries have an interesting feature: in nickel-cadmium batteries, there are one more positive plates than negative ones, and they are located at the edges, connecting to the case. In nickel-iron batteries, the opposite is true - there are more negative plates than positive ones.

Another feature of alkaline batteries is that they do not consume electrolyte during chemical reactions. For this reason, it is required less than in acidic ones, where it is necessary to pour electrolyte with a margin due to its “boiling away”.

Alkaline batteries have a number of advantages over acid batteries:

• Good overdischarge tolerance. At the same time, the battery can be stored in a discharged state without losing its characteristics, which cannot be said about acid batteries.
• Alkaline batteries are relatively easy to overcharge. At the same time, there is an opinion that it is better to recharge them than to undercharge them.
• Alkaline batteries perform much better in low temperature conditions. This allows almost trouble-free starting of engines in winter.
• Self-discharge of alkaline batteries is lower than classic acid ones.
• Alkaline batteries do not emit harmful fumes, which cannot be said about acid batteries.
• Alkaline batteries can store more energy per unit mass. This makes it possible to produce electric current longer (in traction mode).

However, alkaline batteries also have disadvantages when compared with acid batteries:

• Alkaline batteries produce less voltage than acid batteries, which means you have to combine more "cans" to achieve the desired voltage. For this reason, at the same voltage, the dimensions of the alkaline battery will be larger.
• Alkaline batteries are much more expensive than acid batteries.

Alkaline batteries are currently used more often as traction batteries than starter batteries. Due to their size, most of the alkaline starter batteries produced are for trucks.

The prospect of widespread use of alkaline batteries in passenger cars is still vague.

Li-ion

Lithium-ion batteries (and its subspecies) are considered the most promising as an additional source of electric current.

In chemical elements of this type, the carriers of electric current are lithium ions. Unfortunately, it is impossible to unambiguously describe the materials of the electrodes, because technology is constantly changing and improving. We can only say that at first metal lithium was used as negative electrodes, but such batteries turned out to be explosive. Later, graphite was used. In the past, lithium oxides with the addition of either cobalt or manganese were used as the material for positive electrodes. However, now they are increasingly being replaced by lithium-ferro-phosphate ones, because. the new material turned out to be less toxic, cheaper and more environmentally friendly (can be safely disposed of).

The most important advantages of lithium-ion batteries are:

• High specific capacity (capacity per unit mass).
• The output voltage is higher than that of the "normal" ones - one battery is capable of delivering about 4 volts. Recall that the voltage of a classic battery cell is 2 volts.
• Low self-discharge.

However, all the existing advantages outweigh the disadvantages, due to which it is already impossible to use lithium-ion batteries on a massive scale today as a replacement for classic lead-acid batteries.

Some disadvantages of lithium-ion batteries:

• Sensitivity to air temperature. At negative temperatures, the ability to give off energy is very sharply reduced. And this is one of the main problems that developers are struggling to solve.
• The number of charges-discharges is still too small (on average, about 500).
• Lithium-ion batteries "get old". During storage, a gradual decrease in capacity occurs. Within 2 years - about 20% capacity. Please do not confuse with self-discharge or memory effect. But it is good that work is still underway to solve this problem.
• Lithium-ion batteries are extremely sensitive to deep discharges.
• Not enough power to be used as a starter battery. The current supplied by the lithium-ion cell is enough to power electronic devices, but not enough to start the engine.

When engineers manage to solve these shortcomings, lithium-ion batteries will be an excellent replacement for the classic acid battery.

There is continuous work on the improvement of existing types of batteries. Research centers are looking for ways to increase the energy density of power supplies, which will reduce the size of batteries. For the northern regions, the invention of a frost-resistant battery will be very useful (and then there would be no problem of engine plant failure in severe frosts).

It is very important to work in the direction of ensuring environmental friendliness, because. current technologies for the production of batteries cannot do without the use of toxic and simply dangerous substances (take lead or sulfuric acid, for example).

It is unlikely that traditional lead-acid batteries have a future. AGM batteries are an intermediate stage in evolution. The battery of the future will not contain liquid (so that nothing spills out in case of damage), it will have an arbitrary shape (so that it is possible to use all possible voids in the car), as well as many other parameters that will allow car owners to enjoy the trip, and not be nervous about the fact that the battery can fail at the most inopportune moment.

There are many reasons to look for a new battery for your car. The main one is extreme wear or failure of the old one: constantly removing the battery for recharging or “lighting up” the car in the morning people quickly get bored. When modifying a car, it is often necessary to install an additional battery or a more capacious one to replace the regular one - this is necessary to power the winch of an SUV or a powerful audio system of a show car.

What you need to know when choosing a battery? First, the options for its design:

• Lead acid batteries are the simplest and oldest type. They consist of six jars in which lead plates are immersed in a solution of sulfuric acid. Such batteries are cheap, the ability to replace the electrolyte allows you to "reanimate" them in some cases. A number of models, however, are produced maintenance-free (without the ability to unscrew the corks of cans). They endure overcharging, but with a deep discharge, they can irreversibly lose capacity or even stop gaining charge (plates are destroyed).
• Gel batteries instead of a liquid electrolyte use acid thickened with silicic compounds. Thanks to this, they are not only airtight, but also continue to work at any angle of inclination. Gel batteries are able to maintain performance with deep discharge, but are more demanding on charging conditions. In addition, their price is the highest.
• Made by technology AGM batteries combine design elements of both standard batteries and gel batteries: they use a liquid electrolyte that impregnates a filler (usually glass fiber) between the plates. They can work at almost any slope (turning upside down is not recommended). AGM batteries are resistant to vibrations, as the filler does not allow the plates to collapse. But, unlike conventional and gel batteries, they are sensitive to both deep discharge and overcharging at the same time.

For an old car, a cheap lead-acid battery is the best option. The owner of a new car, who has no reason to fear a generator malfunction, can be advised to use an AGM battery: despite the demands on the conditions of the charge / discharge cycle, it will provide a larger starting current and quick charge recovery. Gel batteries, due to the high price, most often become an element of car tuning. Due to their high current output and high discharge tolerance, they are often used to power powerful audio systems (the standard battery is responsible for powering the car's main electrics).

Also need to know battery polarity, that is, the order of the terminals on its body. Most car models have power leads that are too short or awkwardly spaced to fit the "wrong" type of battery. If you turn the battery with the terminals towards you, then the positive terminal of the battery with direct ("Russian") polarity will be on the left, and the battery with reverse ("European") polarity will be on the right.

Starting current battery, indicated on its label, can be measured by different methods:

• EN(European measurement method): measures the maximum current that the battery can deliver for 10 seconds at a temperature of -18 ° C at a voltage of at least 7.5 V;
• DIN(German Industrial Standard): at the same temperature, the average current is measured over 30 seconds, while the voltage should not fall below 9 V;
• SAE(US standard): current measured at -18°C for 30 seconds, maximum voltage drop is 7.2V.

As can be seen from this description, the most stringent measurement technique is the DIN standard (a battery that delivers a current of 365 A according to DIN will receive a 600 A mark according to the EN method). When choosing a battery, you should focus on this indicator, which will allow you to count on a confident start in the winter.

Since car batteries within the same production line can have different polarity, capacity and price, we will take the most popular option as the basis for the rating: batteries with a capacity of 55 to 70 Ah.

A car battery is a backup power source that no car can do without. The principle of its operation is quite simple. While driving, part of the energy generated by the engine is stored in batteries. As soon as the engine is turned off, the on-board network starts working from the battery.

Important! Without a battery, you simply would not be able to start the car.

Like any other part, the battery eventually becomes unusable. This usually manifests itself in the fact that its capacity decreases. If you operate the battery extremely carelessly, then it can be completely discharged.

Of course, there are special techniques that allow you to charge the battery, but you must take into account that some batteries are simply not recoverable. In this situation, you will need to purchase a new device, and for this you need to know which device with which marking is right for you.

Battery classification

There are a wide variety of batteries on the market. Car companies go to all sorts of tricks to achieve greater efficiency, increase the volume and life of their devices. Therefore, before moving on to a more detailed classification, we divide all devices into serviced and unattended.

Maintenance-free batteries are those that exclude the possibility of pouring water inside. The advantages of such devices include the fact that almost all have an indicator that is responsible for the state of the battery.

Serviced batteries require constant care. The driver must periodically pour distilled water inside. It will compensate for the electrolyte evaporated during operation.

A more detailed classification of batteries consists of a division according to the type of plates:

• lead antimony,
• lead-calcium,
• hybrid.

Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages.

General marking requirements

Car batteries are produced by many engineering companies, it is not surprising that in this market segment one cannot do without a general marking.

However, different car companies put different markings on their batteries. Moreover, the batteries themselves differ in a number of parameters and classes.

Moreover, in Each country has its own battery labeling requirements. Taking into account the fact that in today's globalized world, cars are assembled through the cooperation of companies from different countries and continents, there are a number of international standards that manufacturers are guided by.

According to current international standards, the marking of the battery must include the following data:

• manufacturer mark,
• Company name,
• rated voltage value,
• capacitance value,
• polarity near the terminals,
• Battery Type,
• production date,
• number of cans.

Also, the marking of the battery should include signs restricting operation and warning about transportation standards. In general, four types of labeling can be distinguished depending on the region:

• Russian,
• European,
• Asian,
• american.

Important! It is worth recognizing that some markings are very different from each other. Therefore, knowing the nuances of decryption will not hurt you.

Types of labeling depending on the region

In Russia, the marking of batteries is regulated by GOST 959-91. It is also called "A B C D". These letters represent the following concepts:

• "A" - this letter in the marking indicates how many cans are in the battery. One element - two volts
• "B" is the type of battery. The marking "ST" says that we have a starter-type battery.
• "C" is the capacity of the device. The unit of measure is ampere-hours.
• "D" - indicates the material from which the unit is made.

These are the main parameters that largely determine whether this battery is suitable for you. Variations of performance are detailed in the figure above.

European marking

It is worth recognizing that in Europe the requirements for batteries, especially their environmental friendliness, are much higher. It is not surprising that the European marking has significant differences.

In Europe, manufacturers of car batteries, when creating their products, are primarily guided by the DIN standard. It includes the use of five basic numbers in the marking.

Important! There is also the ETN standard, it includes nine digits.

The five-digit marking is determined by the following parameters:

• The first three digits indicate the capacity of the battery. To accurately determine this parameter, 500 must be subtracted from the written number.
• The two digits at the end indicate the battery type.

One important clarification needs to be made here. Despite the simplicity of the official standard, each manufacturer tries to indicate as much useful information as possible on the batteries. Therefore, by studying the marking of a European battery, you can find out the following data:

• execution,
• terminal specification,
• features of gas removal,
• vibration strength index.

The ETN battery marking consists of the following indicators:

• The first number indicates the capacity.
• The second and third are the power range. The number six in this marking means that when calculating, you need to add 100 Ah, seven - 200 Ah.
• The next three digits are the design solution and the materials used.
• At the end, three digits indicate the value of one tenth of a cold scroll.

When you study the labeling of a European battery, you should understand that it can have many additional designations, which the manufacturer applies at his own discretion.

Asian labeling

In the Asian market, JIS battery markings are used. It is worth recognizing that it is very confusing, and it will take time to figure it out. Of course, you can’t do without special tables.

The Asian battery marking consists of six characters:

• The first two digits traditionally indicate the capacity. But you must take into account that the nominal parameter is multiplied by the correction factor.
• The third character is a letter. It indicates the shape of the battery and the size ratio.
• The next two characters are the size in centimeters (length).
• The last character has only two meanings - R b L. It indicates the location of the negative terminal.

The capacity of the Asian battery, which is indicated in the marking, is significantly lower than the European one.

American numbering system

In America, the SAE standard is used to designate batteries, but other options are possible. In this context, US law gives a fairly wide scope for the activities of entrepreneurs.

American marking of rechargeable batteries is carried out in accordance with the SAE standard. However, other types of markings may be used. Traditionally, the number of characters in the nomenclature is six (one letter and five numbers). These symbols have the following meanings:

• The first letter indicates the battery type.
• The first two digits determine the size of the device.
• The last numbers in the nomenclature are the current value during cold scrolling.

Very often, manufacturers put an indicator of reserve capacity on their devices. Also on the case you can find how long it takes for the voltage to drop to 10 V. A fixed current of 25 amperes is taken as a constant.

Results

Basically, batteries are classified into serviced and non-serviced. They can also be divided into types due to the design features of the plates. Labeling of devices depends on the region in which the product was manufactured and the factory standards of the manufacturer.