Battery sulfation usually occurs inside the battery and needs to be opened to see the inside of the battery; it is different from the corrosion we see in our daily life. Sulfation is a white powdery substance that appears on the battery plates, and the lead sulfate crystals adhere to the plates, blocking the ion channels and causing undercharging and a decrease in battery capacity. Battery sulfation occurs in lead-acid batteries, lithium iron phosphate batteries, and lithium ternary batteries.
When the battery power is insufficient, the battery is overcharged, the temperature of the battery is too high, the battery is stored for a long time without full charge, etc., it is easy to have battery sulfation, and there will be lead sulfate crystals adhering to the electrode plate, which will block the ion channels, resulting in insufficient charging, decreased battery capacity, and seriously affecting the performance of the battery.
When a large amount of sulfate collects in the battery, the following may happen:
1. Charging time becomes longer
2. Battery lifespan is reduced
3. The life of the battery shrinks
4. Battery heat increases during the charging process
5. Serious cases go back to lead to battery failure
Battery sulfation is divided into permanent sulfation and reversible sulfation.
1. Permanent (hard) sulfation: When the battery is undercharged, stored for too long (up to weeks or months), and without any maintenance, permanent battery sulfation may occur. Permanent sulfation is sometimes salvageable, but the probability of repair is low and replacement of the battery is recommended.
2. Reversible Sulfation: In our daily life regulate the charging of batteries, we can find signs of sulfation, so that the sulfation buildup on the plates will be reduced and we can repair the problem. Reversible sulfated batteries are usually repaired by overcharging the battery in a full state to correct it or hydrotherapy, etc.
Effectively preventing battery sulfation is not a complicated process, just like our daily maintenance. All it takes is regular battery maintenance and following the best charging practices. Battery sulfation should be avoided by storing the battery for long periods of time, and if it is to be stored for long periods of time, the battery needs to be charged regularly and stored at the right temperature. Once the battery sulfation occurs, the possibility of reversal is very small, so we need to take care of our daily life. The following are steps to prevent battery sulfation:
1. Regularly check the battery terminals for corrosion.
2. After the battery has been used, each time to replenish the power in a timely manner, especially when the vehicle is used for a long time and the vehicle is in a power loss, it is more important to replenish the power in a timely manner
3. Avoid setting aside the battery for a long time, if you set aside the battery for a long time, you need to charge it regularly.
4. Protect the battery from high temperature and heat sources, avoid direct sunlight and too high temperature.
Battery sulfation repair is not an easy task. Prevention is the best cure, just like we treat our body, prevention first, focus on maintenance, we can avoid a series of problems. If there is a problem we will also be able to find out in time and request maintenance personnel to repair, remember personal violations, to protect life, health and safety.
