Battery

Battery and Its Role in the Ignition System

The automotive battery serves as the primary power source when the engine is off. It supplies electrical current to:

• Starter motor – to crank the engine.
  
  

• Ignition system – including the ignition coil, distributor (in older systems), and spark plugs, enabling combustion to start.
  
  

• ECU (Electronic Control Unit) – in modern vehicles, it controls ignition timing and fuel injection.
  
  

Key Functions:

• Provides 12 volts DC for ignition system operation.
  
  

• Delivers high current to start the engine.
  
  

• Stabilizes voltage across the vehicle’s electrical system.
  
  

Battery Failure Symptoms:

• Slow cranking or clicking sound during startup.
  
  

• Dim dashboard lights or headlamps.
  
  

• Intermittent or no spark reaching spark plugs.
  
  

• Complete no-start condition.
  
  

Maintenance Practices:

• Regularly check voltage using a multimeter (12.6V fully charged, 12.4V = ~75%).
  
  

• Clean battery terminals to prevent corrosion.
  
  

• Check electrolyte levels (in non-sealed batteries).

1. Lead Acid Battery

The Lead Acid Battery is the most traditional and widely used type of car battery. It operates on the principle of a lead and lead oxide reaction within a liquid electrolyte, usually a mixture of sulfuric acid and water. However, due to the nature of the liquid electrolyte, evaporation can occur over time, leading to a decrease in battery performance. As a result, these batteries require periodic maintenance and topping up with distilled water.

Further, there are two types of wet cell batteries, which are mentioned below.

SLI Battery

SLI (Starting, Lighting, Ignition) batteries are the most common type used in vehicles around the world. The SLI battery's design focuses on delivering a high amount of current in a short period, primarily required during engine cranking. Once the engine starts, the alternator takes over, supplying power to the vehicle's electrical systems and recharging the battery.

Deep Cycle Battery

Deep Cycle batteries, also known as marine batteries, are specifically designed to provide a steady and consistent flow of current over an extended period. Unlike SLI batteries, these are built to endure deep discharges and repeated cycles without losing their effectiveness.

Deep Cycle batteries use thicker plates and a denser active material to withstand repeated charge and discharge cycles. They are intended for applications that demand continuous power over time, such as boats, golf carts, RVs, and solar energy systems.

Advantages of Lead Acid Battery

• Reliability: Lead Acid Batteries are known for their robustness and consistent power supply.

• Affordability: They are cost-effective compared to other types of batteries.

• Accessibility: Lead Acid Batteries are readily available in the market.

Disadvantages of Lead Acid Battery

• Maintenance: Regular maintenance, including topping up with distilled water, is necessary.

• Evaporation: Evaporation of the liquid electrolyte can affect battery performance over time.

2. VRLA Batteries (Valve-Regulated Lead-Acid Batteries)

VRLA batteries, also known as sealed lead-acid batteries, are an advancement in battery technology. These batteries are sealed and maintenance-free, eliminating the need for topping up with distilled water. They do not vent gases and are ideal for use in confined spaces with limited ventilation.

Types of VRLA Batteries:

• Gel Cell Battery: Gel Cell Batteries feature a "gelified" electrolyte instead of a liquid one. They are highly resistant to heat, spillage, physical shock, and electrolyte evaporation. Gel Cell Batteries have a longer cycle life, are maintenance-free, and offer extended battery life.

• Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) Battery: AGM Batteries have the electrolyte held in glass mats, preventing spills and leaks. They function similarly to wet cell batteries but without the risk of spilt battery acid. AGM batteries are maintenance-free, safer, and corrosion-resistant.

3. Lithium-Ion Battery

Lithium-Ion Batteries are gaining popularity, especially in electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). These batteries have a high power-to-weight ratio, excellent energy efficiency, and low self-discharge. They are also recyclable, making them an eco-friendly option.

Advantages of Lithium-Ion Battery:

• High Energy Efficiency: Lithium-Ion Batteries provide more power while being lighter in weight.

• Green Option: They are eco-friendly, with recyclable materials.

Disadvantages of Lithium-Ion Battery:

• Higher Cost: Lithium-Ion Batteries can be more expensive than other types of batteries.

• Safety Concerns: Overheating is a safety concern in some cases.

4. Sodium Ion Battery

Sodium-Ion Batteries are the new standard being developed to address the challenges posed by Lithium-Ion Batteries. Sodium is more abundant and easier to extract than lithium and cobalt, making it a sustainable and affordable option.

Advantages of Sodium-Ion Battery:

• Abundant Resource: Sodium is plentiful and easy to extract.

• Sustainable Production: Sodium Ion Batteries offer a more sustainable production process.

Disadvantages of Sodium-Ion Battery:

• Ongoing Development: Extensive research and development are underway for commercial use.

5. Solid-State Battery

Solid-State Batteries are an emerging technology that uses solid electrodes and a solid electrolyte instead of liquid or gel ones found in traditional Lithium-Ion Batteries. They promise fast charging and high power output.

Advantages of Solid-State Battery:

• Fast Charging: Solid-State Batteries enable rapid charging.

• High Power Output: They offer enough power to compete with internal combustion engine (ICE) cars.

Disadvantages of Solid-State Battery:

• Manufacturing Challenges: Solid-State Batteries present manufacturing and adoption challenges.

• Timeframe: It may take several years before they become widely available in the market.

6. Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) Battery

The Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) battery is a popular type of rechargeable battery known for its versatility and eco-friendliness. It has gained significant traction as a reliable alternative to conventional lead-acid batteries due to its higher energy density and ability to be recharged multiple times.

NiMH batteries use a combination of nickel oxyhydroxide (NiOOH) positive electrodes and a hydrogen-absorbing negative electrode made of a metal alloy. During charging, the battery's positive electrodes undergo oxidation, and the negative electrode absorbs hydrogen, leading to the formation of metal hydride. In the discharging process, the reverse reaction occurs, generating electrical energy.

Advantages of NiMH Battery

• Higher Energy Density: NiMH batteries offer a higher energy density compared to conventional lead-acid batteries, providing longer runtimes for devices and applications.

• Rechargeable: NiMH batteries can be recharged numerous times, reducing the need for frequent replacements and minimizing electronic waste.

• Eco-Friendly: These batteries are more environmentally friendly compared to traditional disposable batteries, as they can be recycled.

Disadvantages of NiMH Battery

• Self-Discharge: NiMH batteries have a higher self-discharge rate than some other rechargeable batteries, which means they lose charge over time when not in use.

• Memory Effect: Although not as prevalent as in older NiCd batteries, NiMH batteries can still experience a memory effect if not properly charged and discharged.

7. Silver Calcium Battery

Silver Calcium batteries represent an innovative evolution in automotive battery technology, offering enhanced performance, improved efficiency, and longer lifespan compared to traditional lead-acid batteries.

These batteries utilise a construction that incorporates calcium and silver alloys into the positive grids. The addition of silver enhances the battery's mechanical strength and improves its resistance to corrosion, making it more durable and efficient. The advanced grid design and the use of calcium alloys in the negative plates contribute to the battery's low self-discharge rate and prolonged shelf life.

Advantages of Silver Calcium Battery

• Higher Starting Power: Silver Calcium batteries deliver superior cranking power, ensuring quick and reliable engine starts, even in challenging weather conditions.

• Reduced Maintenance: These batteries have lower water consumption and self-discharge rates, reducing the need for frequent maintenance and electrolyte refills.

• Longer Lifespan: Silver Calcium batteries typically have a longer service life compared to conventional lead-acid batteries, making them a cost-effective investment.

Disadvantages of Silver Calcium Batteries:

• Higher Cost: The advanced technology and improved performance of Silver Calcium batteries come with a slightly higher price tag than traditional lead-acid batteries.

References: 

Bromberg, L. (2020). Automotive battery fundamentals and maintenance. SAE International. https://doi.org/10.4271/2020-01-0123

Dawson, J., & Wilson, T. (2019). Types of batteries used in electric and conventional vehicles: A comparative study. Journal of Automotive Engineering, 233(6), 1025–1037. https://doi.org/10.1177/0954407018820276

Gaines, L., & Sullivan, J. (2018). Overview of automotive battery technologies and sustainability. Energy & Environmental Science, 11(2), 434–450. https://doi.org/10.1039/C7EE02246B

Kumar, A., & Singh, R. (2021). Advances in lithium-ion and alternative battery technologies for automotive applications. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 145, Article 111074. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2021.111074

U.S. Department of Energy. (2022). Types of car batteries and how they work. Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy. https://www.energy.gov/eere/vehicles/articles/types-car-batteries

Wang, Y., & Zhang, S. (2020). Solid-state batteries: The future of electric vehicle energy storage. Journal of Power Sources, 450, Article 227663. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpowsour.2019.227663