What is a valve regulated lead acid battery?

A valve regulated lead acid (VRLA) battery is also known as sealed lead–acid (SLA) battery is a type of lead-acid battery. In this type of battery, the electrolyte that does not flood the battery but it’s rather absorbed in a plate separator or silicon is added to form a gel.

Do flooded lead acid batteries need distilled water?

In ordinary flooded lead acid batteries, these gases are allowed to escape hence the need to have distilled water added from time to time to replace the lost water. In contrast, VRLA batteries retain the generated gases within the battery as long as the pressure remains within safe levels.

What happens when a lead acid battery is charged?

In all lead acid batteries, when a cell discharges charge, the lead and diluted sulfuric acid undergo a chemical reaction that produces lead sulfate and water. When the battery is put on the charger, the lead sulfate and water are turned back into lead and acid. The charging current is very important for this process to take place.

What are lead-acid batteries used for?

Lead-acid batteries are the most widely used energy reserve for providing direct current (DC) electricity, primarily for uninterrupted power supply (UPS) equipment and emergency power system (inverters). There are two basic cell types: Vented and Recombinant Valve Regulated Lead-acid (VRLA) Batteries.

What is a flooded lead-acid battery?

Vented Lead-acid Batteries are commonly called “flooded” or “wet cell” batteries. These have thick lead-based plates that are flooded in an acid electrolyte. The electrolyte during charging emits hydrogen through the vents provided in the battery. This reduces the water level and therefore periodic addition of distilled water is required.

Do lead-acid batteries release hydrogen gas?

It is common knowledge that lead-acid batteries release hydrogen gas that can be potentially explosive. The battery rooms must be adequately ventilated to prohibit the build-up of hydrogen gas. During normal operations, off gassing of the batteries is relatively small.