The Sealed maintenance-free batteries can make all the difference to how you store and use your appliance. As we have emerged into a lifestyle where space and utility are a major concern; hence our gadgets and electronics must be more ‘space-saving.’ This is the reason why the demand and popularity of Sealed maintenance-free batteries are on the rise. Not just this, but the Sealed batteries are also known to be eco-friendly and maintenance-free. Thus, you no longer have to worry about harming the environment or how to take care of your appliance. Another major aspect of this battery type is that it is also free from a water loss that occurs during the charge-discharge cycle. Here, the principle applied comprises the Oxygen recombination principle. So, let us take a look at the features of sealed acid batteries and what makes them special.
As the name suggests, the Sealed Maintenance free batteries are encapsulated or covered in a valve-regulated enclosure. This also offers a spill-proof utility, safe operation, and trouble-free storage in any which way. The best part is that this battery type is free from the use and application of electrolytes, and the reaction is completed using just the gases released during the charging process. This is done as the gases recombine during the Oxygen cycle to complete the required reaction. Let us take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of Sealed Maintenance free batteries:
The Advantage Of A Maintenance-Free Sealed Battery
Let us take a look at some of the main benefits of this battery type:
- Being compact, it can be easily stored away.
- Due to its compact nature, this battery type can be placed in any position, vertical or horizontal.
- The main advantage of the sealed batteries is that these can be installed in the appliance or the equipment and then transported, hence bringing down accidents due to spillage or leakage.
- These battery types are far more economical than the other types.
- These are known to charge faster as compared to the unsealed types.
- The sealed batteries types can be used for a longer duration of time.
- The best part is that you do not have to worry about the ventilation of the sealed batteries.
- These are the best options when dealing with extreme weather conditions.
The Disadvantages Of The Sealed Maintenance-Free Battery
However, there are a few aspects that you do need to take care of when dealing with this battery type:
- These cannot be repaired.
- This battery type becomes useless once the seal is broken.
- Initially, this costs a bit more than the other battery types
- It can be severely dangerous when any internal failures occur.
- When in the case of the total discharge, jumpstarting is not possible.
What Is The Difference Between A Sealed And Unsealed Battery?
The main difference between the two battery types is that the unsealed batteries comprise ‘fluids’ which is a combination of Sulfuric Acid and water. As these can flow freely, they are known as flooded batteries. On the other hand, the Sealed batteries are maintenance-free as they do not comprise any fluids or electrolytes. Not just that, but this battery type is also quite easy to maintain. As for the unsealed battery types, you will locate a cap on the surface and have to prevent it from opening.
Advantages of the Unsealed batteries:
- These powerful types can be used for high-performance applications like starting an engine.
- The unsealed battery types are long-lasting and can serve you for years to come.
- The maintenance and servicing of this battery type are relatively simpler.
- These make for the perfect backup options.
- These are long-lasting as compared to the sealed options.
Disadvantages of the Unsealed Batteries
- Usually, these suffer from cases when the fluids within them tend to freeze during lower temperatures.
- This battery type requires a good amount of optimum ventilation system.
- The unsealed batteries can suffer from leakages as they comprise fluid electrolytes in them
- Too much moving and shaking can damage this battery type.
How to Take care of the Sealed Maintenance Free Batteries?
Here are a few tips on how to take care of the SMF batteries:
- It is required to ensure that you do not end up with deep discharge; hence, a minimum cut-off voltage of 11. 5 V in a 12 V battery needs to be maintained.
- Likewise, no load drain needs to be maintained a.s well.
- Be sure to charge the battery soon to be ready before the next power failures.
- In case of inactivity, it is required that you charge the appliance once a week for smooth running in the future.
Also Read: Best Inverter Battery In India
Sealed Maintenance Free Batteries: The Conclusion
The Sealed maintenance-free batteries are also known as Valve Regulated Lead Acid or VRLA batteries. However, contrary to the namesake, these battery types also require some basic maintenance and care. Various aspects like keeping the top of the batteries clean, the cables tight, and keeping the batteries charged or recharged accordingly are all part of its maintenance. The main aspect of the battery being ‘so-called’ maintenance-free is that it does not feature fluids for electrolytes.
The main working of this battery type comprises the charging gases being recombined back into the water contained within the battery. Likewise, the uncombined gases are released with the help of a pressure valve at the required pressures. However, one must know that there are three main types of sealed maintenance-free batteries:
The 6 Volt 4.5 Ah Type:
These find widespread application in case of emergency and telecom instruments. Usually smaller in size, these have a 4.5 Ampere hour current capability.
The 12 Volt 7.2 Ah Type:
These fine widespread applications for offline usage and are known to deliver a huge amount of current.
The Big Type:
This type of Sealed maintenance battery is used for the SMF battery used for the online UPS.