Unik Techno • Jan 24, 2024

Maximising the Battery Lifespan of a Traction Battery in Industrial Settings

What is a Traction Battery?   


A traction battery is a deep cycle rechargeable battery designed to power many industrial applications. These batteries can be in the form of Lead Acid Batteries and Lithium-ion Batteries.   

Regular water, in contrast, contains a heavy load of impurities and dissolved minerals such as sodium, magnesium, and calcium which are detrimental to the health of batteries.  

 

In which Industries are Traction Batteries Used? 


Traction Batteries find applications in a variety of industrial applications. These include material-handling vehicles like forklifts, stackers, platform trucks, cleaning materials, golf carts and EVs.   

The longevity of the battery and its suitability in each industrial application depends on the chemical composition of the cell and the industry requirements.   


Moreover, every industry application requires its own maintenance practices to ensure the battery’s longevity and reliable electricity supply. 


Maintenance neglect and improper usage can degrade the battery lifespan, which increases costs and hampers operational efficiency. 


 

What is the Degradation of a Traction Battery?   


The degradation of batteries is a complex and multi-faceted problem. It is categorised by the progressive loss of battery capacity over time, which impacts the battery’s potential to store and deliver energy efficiently.   


This loss of capacity only occurs uniformly across different categories of batteries or even within the same battery variant. Factors such as battery maintenance, battery temperature control, and charging play a crucial role in determining the longevity of a battery. Matching the correct battery and capacity to the desired industrial application is vital for efficiency and a prolonged battery lifespan.   



What Causes the Battery Lifespan to Degrade?   

 

Deep discharge, incorrect charging parameters and extreme temperatures are the most significant contributors to shorten battery life. 

This section of the blog discusses these factors in detail. 


Depth of Discharge


This term refers to the amount of battery capacity utilised during each cycle. When batteries are operated within their recommended DoD range, their energy efficiency peaks. It is best to avoid deep discharges in batteries not engineered to support it, as this can considerably shorten battery life.  


Charging Parameters


Batteries are manufactured with specific charging requirements for optimum performance. These include parameters such as voltage and current limits that need to be adhered to lead acid batteries and specifically for lithium-ion battery charging best practices. 


 

Temperature Control


Battery temperature control is integral for prolonged usage and efficiency. Extreme hot and cold temperatures negatively impact the battery’s internal functioning and chemistry, which makes the battery inefficient and unreliable.   

Ventilation and other temperature monitoring systems go a long way in increasing the battery’s life. 



How Can the Battery Lifespan be Extended? 


Tackling common causes of battery degradation with battery maintenance best practices enhances battery performance and reduces replacements and costly maintenance endeavours.   

Follow this maintenance checklist to get the most out of your lead acid batteries and lithium-ion batteries.



Maintenance and Inspection 

 

Begin with a battery inspection to check for debris, dirt, physical damage and terminal corrosion. Gently clean any dust particles and debris. Next, tighten all connections, check the demineralised water levels in lead acid batteries, and top up, if necessary, as per manufacturer instructions.   



Equalisation Charging


Periodic equalisation charging helps balance the charge levels and the overall energy output and capacity. This addresses the issue of cell imbalance and sulfate buildup. 

The battery manufacturer usually lists the correct procedure and frequency of equalisation. When in doubt, contact the experts for more information. 


Monitor Charging Times


Overcharging is responsible for battery damage and reduced efficiency, which makes monitoring charging times integral. Implementing efficient battery charging controls is critical for maintaining battery longevity. 



Storage Practices


Always store batteries in a cool and dry place away from temperature extremes. Sulfate accumulation occurs in batteries that are not completely charged; therefore, always ensure that batteries are charged to their maximum before storing. 

 

Self-discharge in batteries is very common; hence, when batteries need to be stored for extended periods, it is best to frequently charge batteries to their designated capacities for better performance. 



In conclusion, vigilant maintenance, including regular inspections and proper practices, is crucial for maximising the lifespan of industrial traction batteries. Addressing factors like discharge depth and charging parameters ensures efficient and reliable performance, optimising operational costs in the long run. 

By Unik Techno 29 Aug, 2024
As the world moves towards a future powered by renewable energy sources, the importance of energy storage systems, particularly batteries, has become increasingly apparent. Batteries play a crucial role in sustainable energy solutions by enhancing energy efficiency, stabilising the grid, and enabling the widespread adoption of renewable energy. This article explores the integral role of batteries in sustainable energy systems and how advancements in battery technology are driving the transition to a greener future. The Need for Energy Storage in Renewable Energy Systems Renewable energy sources like solar and wind power are inherently variable. Solar power is only generated during daylight hours, and wind energy depends on weather conditions. This variability poses a significant challenge to maintaining a consistent and reliable energy supply. Traditional energy grids, designed for steady power generation from fossil fuels, need help integrating these intermittent renewable energy sources. Energy storage systems, particularly batteries, are essential for overcoming this challenge. By storing excess energy generated during peak production periods, batteries ensure that energy is available when renewable energy sources are not generating power. This capability stabilizes the grid and maximizes the use of renewable energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Battery Storage: A Cornerstone of Sustainable Energy Solutions Battery storage systems are a cornerstone of sustainable energy solutions. They provide several key benefits that support the transition to a more sustainable energy landscape: Grid Stability and Energy Efficiency: Batteries stabilize the grid by balancing supply and demand, preventing blackouts, and improving energy efficiency by storing excess energy for later use. Integration of Renewables Batteries enable the smooth integration of renewable energy sources into the grid, allowing for higher renewable penetration without compromising reliability. Decentralized Energy Solutions: Batteries support decentralized energy systems like microgrids, offering flexibility and reliability, especially in remote or underserved areas. Advancements in Battery Technology The effectiveness of battery storage systems in sustainable energy solutions largely hinges on the underlying technology. Lead-acid batteries have long been the tried and tested technology, but lithium-ion batteries are increasingly becoming the most widely used type in energy storage systems. Recent advancements in lithium-ion technology have significantly improved their energy density, lifespan, and safety, making them more suitable for large-scale applications. They offer a high energy density, allowing for more energy storage in a smaller space, which benefits both residential and commercial energy systems. Ongoing research enhances their performance and sustainability, including developing recycling processes to mitigate environmental impact. Beyond lithium-ion, researchers are exploring next-generation battery technologies, such as solid-state and flow batteries. These promising innovations offer even greater storage capacity, faster charging times, and longer lifespans, which could further boost the adoption of renewable energy. The Future of Sustainable Energy with Battery Storage The future of sustainable energy is inextricably linked to the development and deployment of advanced battery storage systems. As renewable energy sources grow, the demand for efficient, reliable, and scalable energy storage solutions will increase. Batteries will be pivotal in this transition, enabling a more resilient and sustainable energy grid. Governments and businesses worldwide recognize battery storage's importance in achieving their sustainability goals. Investments in battery technology are growing, and innovative projects are being launched to demonstrate the potential of batteries in real-world applications. Conclusion Batteries are more than just a component of sustainable energy systems—they are the linchpin that holds them together. By providing the necessary storage and flexibility, batteries enable the effective integration of renewable energy sources, enhance energy efficiency, and contribute to grid stability. As technology advances, batteries' role in sustainable energy solutions will become even more critical, paving the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future. By embracing battery storage as a key element of the energy transition, we can unlock renewable energy's full potential and move closer to a world powered by sustainable energy solutions.
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