ECJ EUROPEAN Cleaning Journal

Mike Wallace at US Battery offers an overview of the various battery types that can be used with professional cleaning machines. 

The increasing amount of battery-powered equipment in the professional cleaning sector provides a benefit for those companies - and the industry in general - wanting to be energy efficient and environmentally friendly. As an example, all battery-powered cleaning machines require the use of deep-cycle batteries but over the decades significant advancements in battery technology allow for more choices of various chemistry (battery types) to come to the forefront.

The battery types that are available on the market include Flooded Lead Acid (FLA), Advanced Glass Matt (AGM), and Lithium Ion (Li). The reason all three exist, and why none of them have been phased out, is that each of these chemistries provide certain benefits in specific applications, usage and recyclability. Here’s a way to fully understand each battery type, with their benefits and drawbacks.

Flooded Lead Acid (FLA)

Flooded lead-acid (FLA) batteries are the industry standard and are still widely used because they are safe, cost-efficient, reliable and offer a wide range of capacities. Given the fact they are nearly 100 per cent recyclable, it makes them a good choice for those who are also environmentally conscious. Updates to the modern FLA battery include improved initial capacity, faster cycle-up to peak capacity and enhanced cycle-life from the advancements of using tetrabasic lead sulphate crystals formed in a more uniform pattern for positive electrodes.

Although advances have made FLA batteries more cost-efficient and longer lasting, they do require regular maintenance in the form of periodic water replacement and cleaning. It’s important to make sure these batteries are kept fully charged to prevent sulphation and to avoid freezing in cold weather.

Benefits: The most cost effective battery power; nearly 100 per cent recyclable: long cycle life; extremely reliable and used in many industries.

Drawbacks: Heavy (compared to Li batteries of the same voltage and amp-hour rating); require maintenance (need to check electrolyte levels and refill with water); must be kept fully charged during storage or batteries need to be charged (boost charger or equalising charge) 
after certain period of storage time; requires ventilation.

Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) lead acid

Absorbed Glass Matt (AGM) batteries are very similar to flooded lead acid batteries with the key difference being the sealed construction of AGMs. The electrolyte is contained in absorbed glass mats that surround the battery’s electrodes, very similar to a sponge. The batteries are sealed and thus require no maintenance. These batteries have also continued to advance in design through improved positive electrode corrosion resistance and the addition of carbon-enhanced negative active materials to improve charge acceptance.

AGM batteries have a higher cost compared with FLA batteries but they are an excellent option for applications with difficult-to-access battery compartment, because the vented gases during charging had been minimised by the valves installed on the batteries. They also have the same advantages as FLA batteries such as recyclability, safety and robustness. This makes them a great choice for those looking for maintenance-free batteries without the high cost of lithium-ion.

Benefits: no maintenance; nearly 100 per cent recyclable; spill-proof and shock resistant; can withstand colder temperatures (compared to FLA batteries); can be used in smaller spaces with less ventilation; low self-discharge rate.

Drawbacks: Higher in cost (compared to FLA batteries of the same voltage and amp-hour rating); shorter cycle life than FLA Batteries in heavy duty (deep cycle) condition; heavy (compared to Li batteries of the same voltage and amp-hour rating)

Lithium Ion

Lithium-ion batteries with LFP chemistry are safe, require zero maintenance, have reduced weight, are faster charging and have a higher average cycle life compared to other battery types. Since cycle life claims on Lithium batteries are wide-ranging - anywhere from 2,000 to 5,000 cycles - this is often based on individual cell testing and can be very misleading. Compare with your current battery’s amp-hour (Ah) rating to start, or add one with a higher Ah rating if you need more capacity from your cleaning machine.

Most Li batteries have built-in Battery Management System (BMS), that constantly monitors battery status. Some Li batteries have UL Certification and IP ratings to ensure they are safe to use in cleaning machine environments, so dirt and moisture aren’t a problem. Beware of batteries that are labelled, ‘Meets UL Standards’ as they are not tested or have actual UL Certification.

Benefits: No maintenance; built-in Battery Management System (provides safety, charge status and protection of lithium cells); longer cycle life; reduced weight (compared to similar voltage and amp-hour rating of other chemistries); low self discharge rate; roughly four to five times the cycle life compared to other battery types.

Drawbacks: Higher cost (compared to similar voltage and amp-hour rated chemistries); not recyclable; some Li cell types are better than others (check with manufacturer).

Knowing the benefits of each battery type can help cleaning professionals make an  informed decision on the next set of batteries for their cleaning machines.  As machines become more efficient, the way they are powered also becomes more important to efficiency and maintaining a handle on overall costs.

www.usbattery.com