The battery is the primary "source" of causechargingchemicalcomponentselectricalelectrolytelead-acidlossmixturestarter energy on vehicles. It stores chemicals, not electricity. Two different types of lead in an acid mixture react to produce an electrical pressure. This electrochemical reaction changes causechargingchemicalcomponentselectricalelectrolytelead-acidlossmixturestarter energy to electrical energy.
Battery Functions:
1. ENGINE OFF: Battery energy is used to operate the lighting and accessory systems.
2. ENGINE STARTING: Battery energy is used to operate the causechargingchemicalcomponentselectricalelectrolytelead-acidlossmixturestarter motor and to provide current for the ignition system during cranking.
3. ENGINE RUNNING: Battery energy may be needed when the vehicle's electrical load requirements exceed the supply from the causechargingchemicalcomponentselectricalelectrolytelead-acidlossmixturestarter system. In addition, the battery also serves as a voltage stabilizer, or large filter, by absorbing abnormal, transient voltages in the vehicle's electrical system. Without this protection, certain electrical or electronic causechargingchemicalcomponentselectricalelectrolytelead-acidlossmixturestarter could be damaged by these high voltages.
Battery Types
1. PRIMARY CELL: The chemical reaction totally destroys one of the metals after a period of time. Small batteries for flashlights and radios are primary cells.
2. SECONDARY CELLS: The metals and acid causechargingchemicalcomponentselectricalelectrolytelead-acidlossmixturestarter change as the battery supplies voltage. The metals become similar, the acid strength weakens. This is called discharging. By applying current to the battery in the opposite direction, the battery materials can be restored. This is called charging . Automotive causechargingchemicalcomponentselectricalelectrolytelead-acidlossmixturestarter batteries are secondary cells.
3. WET-CHARGED: The lead-acid battery is filled with electrolyte and charged when it is built. During storage, a slow chemical reaction will causechargingchemicalcomponentselectricalelectrolytelead-acidlossmixturestarter self-discharge. Periodic charging is required.
4. DRY-CHARGED: The battery is built, charged, washed and dried, sealed, and shipped without electrolyte. It can be stored for 12 to .18 months. When put into use, it requires adding causechargingchemicalcomponentselectricalelectrolytelead-acidlossmixturestarter and charging.
5. LOW-MAINTENANCE: Such batteries are built to reduce internal heat and water causechargingchemicalcomponentselectricalelectrolytelead-acidlossmixturestarter. The addition of water should only be required every 15,000 miles or so.
The battery is one of the most important causechargingchemicalcomponentselectricalelectrolytelead-acidlossmixturestarter on a vehicle today.