Battery Maintenance and Failure Modes

Proper maintenance of a lead-add battery can extend its cycle life. The five principles of maintaining lead-acid batteries are as follows  

FIGURE 1.32 Effect of DOD on battery life. (From Linden, D., and Reddy, T. B. (Eds.), Handbook of Batteries, 3rd ed., McGraw-Hill, New York, 2002.) 

Batteries for high-temperature applications can start with a lower initial specific gravity electrolyte to allow extra water to be placed into the battery. Research has shown that adding more expander into the negative paste will also improve the battery performance at high temperature. 

Electrolyte inside the battery cells has two functions, which is to conduct electricity and heat. If the electrolyte is below the plate level, the area that is not covered by the electrolyte is not electrochemically active. The inactive area causes a concentration of heat in other parts of the cell and promotes grid corrosion. Periodically adding water to maintain the electrolyte level can provide an indication of charging efficiency. If the water consumption 

Keep the battery clean. Keeping the battery clean will minimize the corrosion of the cell post and connectors. Batteries commonly pick up dry dirt and need to be cleaned periodically. If an electrolyte spill occurs, the electrolyte can be neutralized by an alkaline solution such as baking soda with hot water in 1 kg of baking soda to 4 kg (4 L) of water. 

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