Lead-acid batteries contain a mixture of sulfuric acid and water, which is electrolyzed to produce electrical energy. This acid can leak if the battery is damaged or if it overheats. Overcharging the battery or subjecting it to high temperatures can increase the risk of leakage.
A lack of maintenance or improper maintenance is also one of the biggest causes of damage to lead-acid batteries, generally from the electrolyte solution having too much or too little water. All of the ways lead acid can be damaged are not issues for lithium and why our batteries are far superior for energy storage applications.
When you use your battery, the process happens in reverse, as the opposite chemical reaction generates the batteries’ electricity. In unsealed lead acid batteries, periodically, you’ll have to open up the battery and top it off with distilled water to ensure the electrolyte solution remains at the proper concentration.
If a battery is leaking acid, it can affect the performance of the device it powers. Watch out for any unusual behavior or malfunctions in your device, such as erratic operation or failure to function altogether. Battery voltage: – A leaking battery may experience a decrease in voltage. Use a multimeter to check the voltage of the battery.
One common reason why a sealed lead acid battery might not hold a charge is due to a lack of maintenance. If the battery is not charged properly, or is left unused for long periods of time, it can become depleted and unable to hold a charge. Additionally, if the battery is overcharged, it can become damaged and unable to hold a charge as well.
The only applications that a lead acid battery is operated for longevity are when they are discharged for short periods (less than 50 percent) and then fully recharged. One application that fits this need is vehicle starting. Applications for stationary storage can have stratification and sulfation problems.