Official Autel distributor for Germany - Austria

Contact: Mike Richter
Tel. 0049 (0) 173 5887265 
Mail: autel-diagnostic@mail.de

The terms "battery" and "accumulator" are often used interchangeably, but refer to different types of electrical energy storage. A battery consists of one or more electrochemical cells that generate electrical energy through a chemical reaction. When the chemical reaction is complete and no more energy can be generated, the battery is "spent" and must be disposed of or recycled. An accumulator (also referred to as a "rechargeable battery") is an energy store that can chemically store electrical energy and release it again when needed. Rechargeable batteries consist of one or more cells that can be charged during use by connecting to an external power source (such as a charger). The charging process creates a chemical reaction that recharges the battery's electrodes with energy. A battery can therefore be charged and discharged several times before it reaches the end of its life and needs to be disposed of or recycled. In summary, a battery is a non-rechargeable energy source while an accumulator is a rechargeable energy source.

 

A standard car battery usually has 6 cells. Each cell consists of a negative and a positive electrode immersed in sulfuric acid, which serves as the electrolyte. The six cells are connected in series so that the voltage of the individual cells is added and the total voltage is 12 volts. Each cell of a lead-acid battery has a typical nominal voltage of 2 volts, so the total voltage of the car battery is 12 volts. The chemical reactions in each cell allow the battery to generate electrical energy that is used by the vehicle's electrical system.

It is important to note that there are also batteries that have more than 6 cells and can therefore produce a higher voltage. For example, there are vehicles with a 24-volt system that have a 12-cell car battery. However these are typically used for forklifts etc and are not as common as standard 12 volt car batteries.

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The car battery consists of several elements that work together to store and provide electrical energy:

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1. Housing: The housing of the car battery is usually made of plastic and serves to protect and insulate the internal elements.

2. Electrolyte: The electrolyte is a solution of sulfuric acid and water that is found in the car battery. It serves as a conductor for the electrons between the electrodes and generates electrical energy through its chemical reactions.

3. Positive and Negative Electrodes: The car battery has two electrodes, the positive electrode and the negative electrode. The positive electrode is made of lead oxide and the negative electrode is made of lead. They are immersed in sulfuric acid and together form a cell.

4. Separator: The separator is a plastic sheet placed between the electrodes to prevent them from touching and causing a short circuit.

5. Connectors: The connectors are metal and are used to connect the car battery to the vehicle's electrical system. The negative terminal is connected to the vehicle body while the positive terminal is connected to the electrical system.

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Battery acid density refers to the concentration of electrolyte in a lead-acid battery. Battery acid density is commonly measured in "kg/L" or "g/mL" units and indicates how much sulfuric acid is dissolved in a given amount of water. The acid density is an important factor in the performance of a battery as it provides information on how much electrical energy a battery can store. A higher acid density usually means better performance because there is more electrolyte in the battery. Lower acid density results in lower performance and can shorten battery life. The acid density can be determined by measurements with an acid siphon or a refractometer. A typical acid density for a lead-acid battery is between 1.20 kg/L and 1.30 kg/L. It is important to check the acid density regularly and, if necessary, top up with water or charge the battery in order to ensure sufficient battery performance and service life.

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1.28 g/cm³ = 100% state of charge

1.22 g/cm³ = approx. 70% state of charge

1.18 g/cm³ = approx. 50% state of charge

1.12 g/cm³ = approx. 20% state of charge

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It is important to note that the acid density also depends on the type of lead-acid battery as there are different types of lead-acid batteries such as starter batteries and cyclic batteries designed for different applications and performance requirements.

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There are several types of car batteries that vary in chemistry and performance.

Here are the main types:

1. Lead-acid batteries (wet cell/EFB): These are the most commonly used automotive batteries and are made from a mixture of lead and sulfuric acid. They are inexpensive and have sufficient power for most vehicles.

2. AGM batteries: AGM stands for Absorbent Glass Mat and describes a technology in which the electrolyte is embedded in a special glass fiber mat. These batteries have a higher capacity and can be charged quickly. However, they are more expensive than lead-acid batteries.

3. Gel Batteries: Gel batteries contain a gel as an electrolyte that holds the acid and has a higher capacity than lead-acid batteries. However, they are more expensive and require special chargers.

4. Lithium-Ion Batteries: Lithium-ion batteries have higher performance and longer life than lead-acid batteries. However, they are very expensive and are mainly used in hybrid and electric vehicles.

5. Nickel-Metal Hydride Batteries: Nickel-metal hydride batteries are a type of rechargeable battery that have higher capacity and longer life than lead-acid batteries. They are mainly used in hybrid vehicles.

The choice of battery type depends on various factors such as vehicle type, performance and personal preference of the driver. It is important to choose a battery that meets the needs of the vehicle and provides adequate performance.

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Vehicle battery maintenance is important to ensure long battery life and reliable performance. Here are some vehicle battery maintenance tips:

1. Check the battery voltage regularly: use a voltmeter to measure the voltage of the battery. A typical voltage for a fully charged car battery is between 12.6 and 12.8 volts.

2. Check the battery acid density regularly: Check the acid density with an acid siphon or refractometer to ensure that the electrolyte is at the correct concentration. If necessary, top up with distilled water to correct the acid density.

3. Keep the battery terminals clean: Periodically check the battery terminals for corrosion and clean them with a wire brush and corrosion remover if necessary.

4. Charge the battery regularly: If the vehicle will not be used for a long period of time, connect it to a charger to ensure the battery remains fully charged. Regular charging also helps extend battery life.

5. Avoid over-discharging: Avoid completely discharging the battery as this can shorten battery life. Charge the battery in time before it is completely discharged.

6. Check the battery for damage: Check the battery regularly for damage such as cracks or leaks. If you find any damage, you should replace the battery.

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A vehicle battery should be properly charged to maintain its performance and lifespan. Here are some steps to properly charge a vehicle battery:

1. Choose the right charger: Choose a charger that is suitable for the type of battery and capacity. Ensure that the charger is correctly sized for the vehicle battery and meets the recommended charging time and charging voltage.

2. Connect the charger: Connect the charger to the battery by connecting the positive cable to the positive terminal and the negative cable to the negative terminal. Make sure the connection is secure and tight.

3. Set the charging time and charging voltage: Set the charging time and charging voltage according to the manufacturer's recommendations. A typical charge voltage for a 12 volt car battery is between 13.8 and 14.8 volts.

4. Monitor the charging process: Monitor the charging process and make sure that the battery is not being overcharged. Overcharging can damage the battery and shorten its lifespan.

5. Fully charge the battery: Run the charger until the battery is fully charged. Check the battery voltage with a voltmeter to ensure the battery is fully charged.

6. Disconnect the charger: Disconnect the charger after the battery is fully charged. Disconnect the negative cable first, then the positive cable to avoid sparking and accidentally overcharging the battery.

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By following these steps, a vehicle battery can be properly charged and maintain its performance and lifespan.

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New cars have a 48V electrical system. This system is called a "mild hybrid" and is a type of hybrid powertrain that uses a 48-volt system that assists the combustion engine's power and recovers energy that is normally wasted during braking._cc781905-5cde-3194-bb3b -136bad5cf58d_Compared to a conventional 12V on-board network, the 48V system has the advantage that it enables higher performance limits and thus more electrical devices can be operated. It also enables more efficient energy recovery when braking, thus reducing fuel consumption.   The 48V system consists of a lithium-ion battery with a higher capacity than conventional car batteries, a 48V starter generator that starts the engine and recovers energy, and a 48V on-board network that powers the vehicle's electrical components.

The 48V electrical system is a relatively new technology used in some models from car manufacturers such as Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen. However, it is expected that this technology will become more widespread in the future as it offers an efficient way to improve the performance and fuel economy of cars.

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