
Introduction
VRLA or maintenance-free batteries are also known as sealed lead acid (SLA) batteries. This type of battery is suitable for solar applications because of its long life and maintenance-free features. VRLA batteries are designed to be spill-proof, and they automatically vent the gases produced by a chemical reaction within the battery. They do not need to be refilled with water like a flooded cell battery.
A valve regulated lead acid battery is a mature technology that has been used in many solar power systems, so it is usually the most cost-effective option and it has a proven track record in renewable energy systems. They are designed to be used in applications where they will be constantly charging and discharging, as is the case when they are used in solar power systems
What is a Sealed Lead Acid Battery?
A sealed lead acid (SLA) battery has an electrolyte inside the cell and does not contain any water or other liquids such as sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid. These types of batteries were developed in the 1960s to provide power for vehicles that were not using gasoline but rather had an electric motor instead which could recharge itself through regenerative braking systems when needed by recharging energy stored in the battery pack while driving downhill on flat roads at low speeds over long periods of time during cold weather conditions without requiring much maintenance attention from drivers who might otherwise have been required to manually operate valves under certain conditions!
VRLA batteries suppliers have designed these batteries to be spill proof, and they automatically vent the gases produced by a chemical reaction within the battery.
They do not need to be refilled with water like a flooded cell battery.
It has no liquid electrolyte and therefore it is not necessary to add acid or check this for levels.
The VRLA battery can also last much longer than you would expect, as long as you maintain it properly. If you use your solar system correctly, then your batteries will last many years without needing any maintenance at all!
VRLA batteries contain two different lead plates, one positive and one negative, which are submerged in electrolyte fluid.
The battery is charged through the process of electrolysis: the reaction between the two dissimilar metals causes an electric current that powers the charging pump.
The electrolyte fluid used in VRLA batteries contains water mixed with sulfuric acid (H2SO4). This mixture acts as a medium for electrons to move from one electrode to another when electricity is produced.
When the battery is charged, this fluid moves into the plates, which react to produce electricity for later use.
The electrolyte fluid is the medium that allows chemical reactions to occur in a battery. It’s made up of an ionic solution, which means that it contains ions (charged particles). In this case, these ions are lithium ions and water molecules.
Electrolytes are used by batteries because they allow chemical reactions to occur between electrodes at different levels of charge. In this case, two plates form an electrical circuit with their positive and negative ends connected together by wire leads or other conductive materials like carbon fiber or graphite powder coated on metals such as aluminum foil sheets with silver paste added for better conductivity. When you place your solar panels above your roofline so they receive direct sunlight throughout daylight hours during winter days when there isn’t much cloud cover overhead blocking out rays from getting through beyond around six feet high off ground level where most homes stand today (but still not enough protection against radiation exposure), then if you install VRLA batteries inside those same panels instead…
This chemical action means that the lifecycle of a battery is limited, which means you will need to replace your batteries periodically if you want optimal performance from your solar power system.
The lifecycle of a battery is limited, which means you will need to replace your batteries periodically if you want optimal performance from your solar power system. If you do not replace your VRLA batteries every five years, they may lose capacity and require more frequent recharging. Batteries should be inspected regularly and kept in a cool, dry place where they can be easily accessed without being damaged by heat or cold.
We have described maintenance free batteries above. These are widely used in home based solar system installations
VRLA batteries are also known as sealed lead acid batteries, and they are designed to be spill proof. This means that the battery does not need to be refilled with water like a flooded cell battery.
These batteries automatically vent the gases produced by a chemical reaction within the battery, which is why it is highly recommended that you do not overcharge these types of batteries because this can damage them permanently.
VRLA battery operation
The basic operating principle of the VRLA battery can be explained as follows:
One type of lead-acid battery contains lead plates that serve as electrodes and are immersed in the electrolyte, which contains a liquid similar to sulfuric acid. In the same way, the VRLA battery also has a similar type of chemistry and the electrolyte in this type of battery is immobilized.
In the AGM type (Absorbed Gel Matt) In VRLA batteries, the
electrolyte is a matte type of fiberglass, while in gel batteries it is in the form of a paste. At the time of cell discharge, the diluted acid and lead in the battery undergo a chemical reaction that releases water and lead sulfate. And as the discharge process continues, the water and lead sulphate are converted back to acid and lead. For all types of Lead-acid batteries, the charging current must be synchronized with the capacity of the battery in order for the energy to be absorbed. When the charging current value is higher, the electrolysis process takes place, which breaks down the water in the form of O2 and H₂. As these two gases escape, water must be continuously added to the battery.
While they are in the VRLA battery, they keep the gases produced in the battery until that the pressure levels are at a safe limit. In general operating scenarios, the gases can be combined within the battery or, in some cases, use a catalyst or electrolyte.
Even if the pressure exceeds a safe level, the safety valves will open to allow additional gases to escape. This is because the pressure is regulated to the permissible values. For this reason, the batteries are referred to as “Valve Regulated”.
VRLA Life Calculation
During the life cycle of the VRLA battery, the battery will experience deep discharge when the primary energy sources being used are solar power, golf carts and others. The battery is then recharged and after discharging it returns to its capacity to be used again and again.
Whereas in a conventional cycle, the cycle repeats itself. This causes heavier stress on the positive plate where the paste falls from the section of the rack. So for these types of applications there is a technology called Deep Cycle Servicing. This is powered by the AGM battery, which is specially designed to offer longer life for regular cycling and deep applications. To improve durability, this technology is contained in a positive paste-like formulation.
This is done to counteract the pressure that develops at the time of structural changes that occur in the charge or discharge cycle. Then the fusion of the grid and the positive paste allows for expandability and this increases the cycle life.
This is how the cycle life of the battery is calculated as VRLA.
VRLA vs. Lithium-Ion: Which is Better?
VRLA batteries are the preferred UPS due to their reliability and low initial voltage -Power source’s initial cost and ease of management. However, as the price of lithium-ion batteries has dropped in recent years, they are quickly becoming the preferred choice for data center UPSs.
Are lithium-ion batteries the new thing, of Default?
What are the differences between VRLA and lithium-ion? And most importantly, which one is better?
Here are 4 things to consider when considering which battery to use.
- Battery Life
To know how much you’re really investing in a battery, you need to consider its lifespan.
How quickly you need to replace the battery will determine the ultimate value and overall benefits. Vendors measure battery life in two different metrics: durability and calendar life.
Shelf life is the estimated time a battery will last before reaching 80% of its energy capacity. , indicating the end of battery life. Lifetime is determined by assuming the battery will function under every day “real world” conditions; therefore may vary.
Battery life is the estimated time that the manufacturer has determined that the battery will last if kept on trickle charge throughout its lifetime. Living, preserved in perfect condition, without power outages.
A typical VRLA battery life is 3-6 years. Although more expensive at the time of purchase, the lithium-ion battery has a service life of more than ten years.
- Size and weight
Li-ion batteries not only take up less space due to their high energy density, they are also much smaller. Compared to VRLA batteries, lithium-ion batteries are 70% smaller and 60% lighter.
- Maintenance
Li-Ion batteries are equipped with a built-in battery management system (BMS) fitted. In contrast, VRLA batteries require additional costs if you want to perform regular resistance checks or add a BMS. The BMS provides continuous monitoring of battery status, extending battery life and preventing unsafe temperatures by allowing full control over charging and discharging.
- Energy vs. Power
Deciding which battery is best for your data center can depend on your specific power needs. UPSs require batteries that can deliver large amounts of power in 5 to 10 minutes. The difference between VRLA and Lithium Ion batteries is the remaining capacity after the required runtime.
Battery energy is measured by power x hours, which means the battery is delivering 100 volts at 10 amps, can support 1000w.
In short, an energy cell delivers a large amount of energy in a short period of time, using almost the entire energy capacity of the battery. A power cell is designed to provide a relatively small amount of energy over an extended period of time.
Lithium-ion batteries are designed to be power cells or cells, while VRLA batteries are by design limited only as power cells.
So which is better?
Although the initial cost of Li-Ion batteries is higher than that of VRLA, they require fewer replacements (if any) over the life of the UPS, eliminating the risk of downtime when changing batteries. The lithium-ion battery has up to ten times more discharge cycles and about four times less self-discharge. While lithium-ion batteries have stricter shipping regulations and higher manufacturing costs, they weigh about three times less than VRLAs but have the same power potential. To top it off, their charging capabilities are four times faster.
Conclusion
This is the single most important decision for any solar installation. The type of battery you choose will determine how long your power supply will last and how much it costs to run. We recommend that you consider these factors when choosing a replacement battery for your system.
If you have any questions or concerns about these batteries or any brand we carry, contact us today!