No single type of battery can be used in all situations. That’s why it is important to understand the difference between different batteries, as well as the strengths and weaknesses of different types of batteries.
One of the most common kinds of batteries is a lead acid battery. These types of batteries have plates that are mechanically separated by permeable layers. By combining a different number of plates these batteries can be created to reach the voltage needed.
The lead acid battery is available in three basic types:
- Flooded lead acid battery. This is the most cost effective, longest lasting of the three kinds. It does, however, require maintenance and must have an enclosure that vents to the outside. These vented cabinets are federally mandated and can be homemade or purchased. This types of energy storage batteries are easy to identify because they have access caps on top to give you access to the sulphuric acid that’s inside. The maintenance includes adding distilled water when needed to replace the liquid that is lost during the charging process. Maintenance also requires checking that cables are not loose or corroded.
- Absorbed Glass Matt lead acid battery. Also known as AGM, these batteries are used when maintenance is impossible or undesired. They are sealed, unspillable and non hazardous. They are, however, 50% more expensive.
- Gel Cell lead acid battery. This third type is also maintenance free, spill proof. The main difference in this kind of battery is that the acid is suspended in gel.
All three of these lead acid batteries are made of a combination of lead and sulphuric acid and they make up just part of the world battery industry that is worth nearly $89.4 billion. While that number may seem large, it is important to note that the forecast is for the world demand for batteries to grow to $132 billion by the year 2016. Not only will industries be looking for lead acid battery replacement, they will likely also be adding to the inventory they currently use. When your company is purchasing stationary batteries it is important that you order from a company the not only sells, but also provides battery maintenance, testing and installations to customers across the United States.
In addition, whether you are a telecommunications industry or a military contractor, making sure you get the full life out of your purchased batteries is important. Have you done your research? Are you working with a qualified full service, stationary battery company dedicated to professional, timely, qualified delivery and installation by experienced personnel?
