Unik Techno • Nov 12, 2020

What is the difference between a solar battery and a general battery?

A solar battery is a tubular positive plate battery unlike an automotive engine starting battery which has pasted positive plates. Both these batteries do however have negative pasted plates. But the negative pasted plates of tubular plate solar batteries are very thick compared to the negative pasted plates of automotive batteries.

When you say general
battery you must be referring to the car, bus or truck batteries which are classified as automotive batteries.

Batteries with
tubular positives and thick pasted negative plates are used in stationary and traction applications.

Stationary batteries are used for
1. Large UPS systems in industries.
2. Telecom back up systems.
3. Emergency backup in
power supply stations.
4. Reliable power supply in Nuclear
Power Installations.
5. UPS systems in home inverters, clinics and shops.
6. Railway signaling and air conditioning systems.
7. Storage of
solar energy to use in remote locations as the only source of power or to augment power as a renewable energy source.

Stationary batteries used for solar power are different from stationary batteries used in UPS or other applications though both are made using tubular positive plates and thick pasted negative plates.

A battery made for
solar application is rated at 120 hr rate for a discharge at very low current over a long duration. This is necessary since these batteries must have a 5 day autonomy at the very least. That means they must be able to deliver power for 5 days which is 120 hours even without getting charged. Such situations arise when there is heavy rainfall and sun is not available to provide charge to the battery through the collecting solar panels.

In case a 2 volt
stationary battery cell made for solar application is rated at 500 Ah at the 10 hr rate and can deliver 50 amperes for 10 hrs it means that battery can deliver 6.25 amperes for 120 hours. This battery is therefore rated as 750 Ah at the 120 hr rate.

Solar batteries are designed and manufactured specially at the factory - with characteristics different from UPS batteries. They are manufactured so as to

1. have a low topping up frequency.
2. accept charge efficiently so that battery gets charged in the short duration when Sun is available.
3. be capable of discharge over a long duration.
4. be able to withstand operation in high temperature outdoor storage areas.
5. have low maintenance characteristics.
6. have a low internal resistance.

A solar tubular positive plate lead acid battery is a battery connected to a solar photovoltaic system with an inverter and charging system as an interface between the solar photovoltaic cells and battery.

The solar photovoltaic cells charge the storage battery using power from the sun to do so. The
photovoltaic cells are connected to the charger. Once the battery is fully charged the energy from the battery is used as per load demand. An inverter converts the DC power of battery to AC power suitable for the load.


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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