Page 15 - PS Battery Guide May 18

Battery guide For PowerSpout

costly but can realistically last up to ten years with careful maintenance provided
they are not abused.

These batteries are often taller than the lower cost ones and they can be charged
at higher voltage with correspondingly higher water consumption.

Sealed lead acid batteries (SLA)
Sealed batteries cost more than "flooded" ones but have the advantage that no
topping up is required (or even possible). Some (confusingly) have liquid
electrolyte inside them but the best ones are of either the gel or the AGM type.
These are also known as SLA or "Valve Regulated Lead Acid" or VRLA as opposed
to FLA batteries.

These batteries are sealed and cannot be re-filled with water if they lose it
through escape of hydrogen and oxygen gasses. Controlling the rate of charge is
vitally important or the battery will be ruined.

The earliest type was the gel battery that is particularly vulnerable to damage
from overcharging. Gel batteries are a niche product. Nowadays the more
common type is the Absorbed Glass Mat type that is somewhat more robust.

These batteries are safer to transport, as the acid cannot be spilt. They need no
maintenance but they can still be damaged by overcharging or undercharging
and there is no remedy for this damage, as they cannot be "equalised" like a
flooded battery. Consequently the practical choice for a hands-on battery owner
is the flooded battery. But there are many situations where a "fit and forget"
battery is needed and sealed batteries are chosen in spite of the much higher
price.

© 2018 EcoInnovation Ltd (NZ) Page 15
Last reviewed 19/6/18