Lead Acid Batteries
Sealed lead acid batteries (also known as SLAs) are a modification of the original flooded style battery that effectively prevents the user of the battery from accessing the cell compartments. They are designed to be maintenance-free, leak-proof and position insensitive, and have enough acid within the battery to maintain the chemical reaction for prolonged periods.
Benefits of Lead Acid Batteries
Lead acid batteries can supply high surge currents despite having a very low energy-to-weight ratio and a low energy-to-volume ratio, meaning that they are able to meet small and large power applications such as backup power supply storage. Their robustness and long lifetime make sealed lead acid batteries ideal for renewable energy systems: in fact, they are the most commonly used batteries across photovoltaic (PV) applications, such as solar panels, where they capture surplus energy and store it for later use. They are available in a wide range of sizes and voltages to suit your requirements, typically with voltages of 6V to 24V.
What Are Lead Acid Rechargeable Batteries Used For?
Lead acid batteries are widely used in power storage, such as uninterruptible power source from automobiles to larger-scale power systems.
- Emergency lights
- Uninterruptible power supplies (UPS)
- Alarm systems
- Communication systems
How Do Lead Acid Batteries Work?
The oxygen in the active material (lead dioxide) of the battery reacts with hydrogen ions to form water, and the lead reacts with sulphuric acid to form lead sulphate. The ions moving through the electrolyte then create the current flow.
Can Sealed Lead Acid Batteries Be Recharged?
In the case that sealed batteries have become drained, they can be recharged with the appropriate charger.
**Types of Lead Acid Batteries **
AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat)
AGM batteries contain a special glass mat that is made to wick the battery electrolytes between the battery plates. Only enough liquid is stored in the battery to keep the specially designed glass mat wet, so if the AGM battery is broken, no free liquid can leak out. AGM lead acid batteries are preferred when a large number of amps are required. The life expectancy remains excellent in most cases if they are not discharged more than 60% between recharges and/or recharged fully every 3-6 months.
Gel Batteries
Gel batteries are named as such because silica is used within the battery to turn the acid into a thick, gel-like liquid and prevent the batteries from leaking. This gel allows the electrons to flow between plates but doesn't offer the same power capacity as the same physical size AGM batteries would. Gel batteries alternatively excel in slow discharge rates and slightly higher operating temperatures, with an excellent deep cycle capability. Follow the recharging instructions provided by the suppliers. Otherwise, these lead acid batteries will suffer a premature failure.
Valve Regulated Lead Acid (VRLA) Batteries
Valve Regulated Lead Acid (VRLA) batteries are a type of rechargeable battery. These sealed batteries require no water addition and virtually no maintenance. Plus, VRLA technology can be applied to both the gel and AGM variants to include a valve that releases gas if the pressure becomes too high. These lead acid batteries are ideal for applications where leak prevention and minimal maintenance are critical, such as in UPS systems, telecommunications, and emergency lighting systems.
Flooded Lead Acid Batteries
Flooded lead acid batteries, also known simply as wet cell batteries, are the traditional type of lead acid battery. They consist of freely suspended plates submerged in an electrolyte solution. This design allows for efficient ion movement between plates, which is essential for battery operation. However, they require regular maintenance, such as topping up with distilled water to compensate for water lost during the charging process. Flooded lead acid batteries are commonly used in automotive, marine, and stationary power applications where regular maintenance can be assured.
Lead Acid Battery Solutions at RS Hong Kong
At RS Hong Kong, we pride ourselves on being the trusted lead acid battery supplier with a comprehensive selection of high-quality options to meet any customer requirement. Whether you need to buy lead acid batteries, power cords, MOSFETs, hook-up wires or other electrical supplies for a small-scale project or large-scale industrial applications, our extensive range ensures that you can find exactly what you need. Our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction guarantees that each battery offers reliability and performance, supporting your systems with sustained power and efficiency.
Delivery Options in Hong Kong
RS Hong Kong offers a variety of delivery options tailored to meet the demands of your lead acid battery needs. For more information, please refer to our Delivery page. Please note that delivery to GPO Boxes, restricted areas, or outlying islands is not available. For further information on our delivery services or to enquire about our comprehensive product range, please contact our Customer Service team at 852 2421 9898 or HKEnquiry@rs.rsgroup.com.