Effect of Temperature on Battery

Effect of Temperature on Battery

“Does temperature affect the lifespan of my battery?”

On Wednesday, 9th May 2018, we answered the question “How does temperature affect my battery?” on #LearnWithHHS.

 

The working performance, lifespan, voltage and chemical reactions of a battery can be affected by temperature — hot or cold. The effect of temperature on a battery is dependent on the technology and design of the battery.

The general optimal operating temperature of some batteries, e.g Lead-acid batteries is about 25°C (77°F). Therefore, your battery will discharge at a normal rate when stored at this temperature. The hotter a battery, the faster chemical reactions will occur. Although the high temperatures sometimes cause increased performance of the batteries, they will result in faster discharge and a corresponding loss of battery life. At temperatures below the normal operating normal temperature, 25°C (77°F), batteries have a decreased capacity and longer life.

According to Battery University, each 8°C (15°F) rise in temperature cuts the life of a sealed lead acid battery in half. As cited from Solar Shop Nigeria, “As a rule of thumb, for every 10°C increase in temperature the reaction rate doubles. Thus, a month of operation at 35°C is equivalent in battery life to two months at 25°C.”

ALSO READ: Depth of Discharge and how it affects the lifespan of my battery

Important things to note while siting your battery bank location

Here are relevant steps you should note while sitting where your batteries will be kept in order to ensure optimum performance:

1. Keep your batteries away from direct sunlight or sources of heat.

2. Keep your batteries in racks. Why? Keeping them on the ground usually lowers their temperature.

3. Install your batteries in well-ventilated areas for optimum performance.

4. For a large battery bank, a cooling system can be used with a temperature sensor that maintains the room temperature at 25°C (77°F) all the time. See Kigbe MiniGrid Battery Bank.

ALSO READ: Things to consider before going solar

In conclusion, you must always take note of temperature while installing batteries for your power backup or solar system for them to last as long as expected.

We hope you’ve learned something new today!

Did you know we have a weekly tweet-chat – #LearnWithHHS on Twitter where we discuss questions popularly asked and proffer solutions to problems in the renewable energy (solar) industry? Join us every Wednesday at 3:30 PM WAT.

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