BATTERY

• Battery is an electrochemical device that stores and provides electrical energy.

• the ignition switch ‘ON’, an energy conversion occurs that results in current flow
through the circuit to operate the load.
• Electrical energy is produced by the chemical reaction that occurs between two
similar metal plates that are immersed in an electrolyte solution.
• Discharging, it is an chemical energy into electrical energy.
• Charging, it is an electrical energy converted into chemical energy.
• “parasitic load” is the electrical loads that are present when the ignition switch is off;
the electrical power is still needed to maintain the memory and to keep clock going.

BATTERY TYPES

1. Conventional battery
• The battery consists of grid, positive plates, negative plates, separator, elements,
electrolyte, a container, cell covers, vent plugs and cell containers.
• The grids are made of lead alloyed with 5 percent antimony for strength.
• A positive plate consists of a grid filled with lead peroxide as its active material
(Lead peroxide (PbO2) is a dark brown, crystalline material).
• The negative plate is sponge lead (Pb).
• An element is a group of positive and negative plates.
• A separator is placed between two groups to prevent contact between the positive
and negative plates.
• The element placed inside the battery case and immersed in electrolyte, it
becomes a cell. (A 12 volt battery has six cells, each cell has approximately 2.1
volt)
• The electrolyte of a full charged battery is usually about 64% water and 36%
sulfuric acid.

2. Low maintenance batteries

• The majority of battery today is either low-maintenance battery.
• A battery will require additional water substantially less than a conventional
battery
• A battery still equipped with the vent plug.

3. Free maintenance batteries

• A battery does not have removable cell covers or caps.
• They are small gas vents that prevent gas-pressure buildup in the case.
• Never added water to maintenance free battery
FACTOR AFFECTING BATTERY LIFE

1. Improper electrolyte levels

• Under filling cause a greater concentration of acid sulfuric, which deteriorates the
plate more rapidly.
• Over filling causes weakens the concentration of acid sulfuric, which reduces the
efficiency of the battery.
2. Corrosion
• Corroded connections increase resistance at the battery terminals, which reduces
the applied voltage to the electrical system.
3. Overcharging
• Overcharged by either the vehicles charging system or a battery charger.
• If a vent cap battery requires frequent addition of water.
• Overcharging can also cause excessive heat
4. Undercharging
• possible causes by:
o charging system malfunction
o defective connections in charging system
o slipping alternator drive belt
o excessive load demands on battery
o defective battery
o self-discharge resulting from the battery sitting idle for long periods
5. Poor mounting
• Loose battery holding or cover allow the battery vibrate or bounce during vehicle
operation.
• It can loosen the plate connections, cable connections or even crack the battery
case.
6. Cycling
• Cycling is simply the discharging and recharging of the battery.
• This problem reduces battery capacity and lead to premature short circuiting
between plates.
• Fortunately, the new envelope design reduces this problem.

BATTERY MAINTENANCE
• Making visual inspection of battery
• Cleaning the battery top, terminal and cable clamps.
• Checks the electrolyte level.
• Inspect the case of cracks, loose terminal posts and other signs of physical
damage.
• Check for missing cell plug cover and caps.
• Checks battery terminal, cable connectors, metal parts and trays for corrosion
damage,
• Check the heat shield for proper installation on vehicle so equipped
 • Testing the battery.

ROUTINE CLEANING
• Top terminals battery may corrode around the terminals and clamps.
• Apply a solution of baking soda (45 cc) and water (1 Lt) or ammonia and water.
• Using the bristle, brush the battery top and sides with the baking soda and water
solution
• After cleaning, rinse the battery and cable connections with clean water and dry
it’s.
• To retard corrosion, coat the terminals and cable clamps with anticorrosion
compound.

Vent plug

Shell connector

Grid

Separators

Plates

Container and cover