Unik Techno • Nov 24, 2023

The Crucial Connection Between Demineralised Water for Battery Efficiency

New ParagraphAt UNIK, we are often asked about the role of demineralised water in battery maintenance. This blog aims to serve as a guide for replenishing your battery’s water levels. Regularly replenishing your batteries with demineralised water is a crucial maintenance routine to ensure safety and maximise performance. 

 

What is Demineralized Water, and How is it Different from Regular Water? 

Demineralised water is clear of most mineral and salt ions. This is often achieved through ion exchange, reverse osmosis, or electrodialysis. 

 

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.  

 

Where is Demineralized Water Used in Batteries? 

Every lead acid battery, irrespective of its type, is immersed in an electrolyte solution comprising demineralised water and sulphuric acid. The amount of electrolyte is to be calculated and filled for optimum performance. 

 

While the battery is being operated, the demineralised water undergoes a chemical reaction and is broken down into hydrogen and oxygen. 

 

Why Does Demineralized Water in Batteries need to be Regularly Topped up? 

 

Over time and with consumption, the water level in the battery drops and no longer covers the electrode plates, reducing the battery’s conduction capacity. Therefore, regular top-ups with demineralised water are essential to ensure the longevity and effectiveness of the battery. While tap water or RO-purified water may seem like a viable alternative, they are not recommended for optimum battery performance and maintenance due to its impurities and minerals. 

 

With time, the dissolved minerals in non-demineralized water could clog the battery's electrodes by forming a layer of sediment. This eventually inhibits the battery from generating current. 

 

When Should You Top up the Demineralized Water in your Batteries? 

 

Overwatering and underwatering your battery can be equally harmful to your battery’s performance. 

Ideally, a battery should be topped up with demineralised water after charging. However, ensuring that the electrode plates are covered with adequate fluid before charging is also important. 

The frequency of demineralised water top-ups depends on the amount of usage. For instance, a sparingly used golf cart may need water top-ups monthly, while a forklift may need a weekly top-up. An inverter battery used as a back-up power source in urban areas could be topped up quarterly. 

 

Old batteries and hot weather warrant more frequent demineralised water level top-ups. 

 

Precautions to Follow while Topping up Demineralized Water in Your Batteries 

  • Before undertaking any maintenance work yourself, always check the warning labels to confirm if your battery can be opened for servicing. 
  • Although topping up demineralised water for batteries is a relatively safe maintenance procedure, always wear protective gear to prevent any accidents and injuries. 
  • Never add sulphuric acid to your batteries during top-ups. Batteries only consume water during normal usage; hence, sulphuric acid can compromise the safety of batteries and imbalances different cell specific gravities.  
  • Avoid overwatering your batteries as the electrolyte levels expand during the operations and cause the battery level to overflow, which damages the cell 

 

Incorporating demineralised water for battery maintenance, along with regular servicing and checkups, can significantly enhance the performance and longevity of your battery. 

 

Need more information on topping up demineralised water in batteries? 

Contact us for more details on maintenance procedures for UNIK batteries. 


The Role of Batteries in Sustainable Energy Solutions

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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