A car battery is an indispensable element of any car, it is an autonomous power source for various electrical systems when the engine is off. Battery performance depends on the type of battery and the degree of charge. One of the most common types of batteries for modern cars is a calcium battery. It has its own characteristics regarding the process of operation and recharging.
1 Types of car batteries
Most modern cars of domestic and foreign production use rechargeable batteries, which can be divided according to manufacturing technology and characteristics into 4 main types:
- Low antimony (Sb/Sb). An old type of battery, which is used mainly on domestic cars and old, used foreign cars. They consist of dense lead plates with the addition of antimony (6-7% in the composition), they are considered serviceable, since water is added to them through special holes (cans) on the body.
- Calcium (Ca/Ca). The most common type of maintenance-free batteries, in which the lead plates are alloyed with a small amount of calcium during the production process (max. 0.1% of the total alloy).
- Hybrid. A universal type of battery in which the plus and minus plates are made of different alloys. As a rule, the plus consists of lead with the addition of antimony, cadmium or other suitable metals, and the second part is made using calcium or silver.
- Gel (GEL) and AGM. The most expensive batteries differ from conventional ones in that the electrolyte in them is not in a liquid state, but is made as an impregnation of a fiberglass composition or in the form of a gel with silicon oxide.
Each of the presented types of batteries for the car has its own advantages and disadvantages. Ordinary antimony units with distilled water are easily recharged with special electrical devices, while they can be completely discharged, unlike gel or calcium batteries, which are strongly not recommended to be completely discharged.
AGM batteries, like GEL batteries, have a higher price, but also a longer service life. Contrary to popular belief that these two types of batteries are identical, they have different design features. Gel batteries are equipped with lead plates, between which silica gel is poured. Due to the large number of pores, it retains the electrolyte well, and the solid structure that binds the plates prevents them from shedding and short circuiting.
In AGM versions, the connecting element between the plates is made in the form of absorbent fiberglass, which helps to increase the capacity and resistance to low temperatures. The service life of AGM batteries is the highest, but the price of a decent model is 2-3 times higher than the cost of a battery with normal characteristics.
However, the most common on the market are calcium batteries. Now such units are installed on almost every second car.
2 Production technology - what is the difference between calcium batteries?
Lead-calcium batteries are made using lead plates, which are alloyed with a small amount of calcium during the manufacturing process. There are also calcium-silver species (Ca / Ag), in the plates of which, especially in the minus area, a certain amount of silver is added.
The use of silver has prevented many of the problems that motorists face with conventional calcium batteries. But the cost of silver batteries far exceeds the price of standard options, so they are more often used on luxury or premium cars.
Unlike antimony batteries, whose grids are alloyed by casting, calcium batteries are made using stamping technology. This allows the production of more advanced and complex plates, which are subjected to special perforation during production.
Unlike the usual types of batteries, calcium devices are completely maintenance-free, which somewhat complicates the process of maintenance and additional recharging.
3 Features of calcium batteries - advantages and disadvantages
Due to the special technology and properties of calcium as an alloying element, batteries of this type have a number of advantages over other types, and especially low antimony batteries, namely:
- Increased service life. Under normal operating conditions, high-quality calcium batteries last from 4 to 6 years without the need for additional maintenance.
- High vibration resistance. Due to the treatment of lead gratings with calcium, their strength is significantly increased, which also contributes to an increase in corrosion resistance.
- They have a low level of self-discharge and are protected from the effects of overcharging at a current of more than 14.8 volts.
- They can have more plates in the composition, which contributes to an increase in power and a longer preservation of the charge of such a battery.
With all the advantages of these batteries, they have one, but a very significant drawback, which is high sensitivity to strong discharges. Unlike hybrids, gel or antimony types of batteries, even with a single drop in the charge level to below 11.8 volts (deep discharge), a Ca / Ca battery loses up to 70 percent of the declared capacity, and its service life is inevitably reduced by 1.5 times .
It is for this reason that if the car has a Start-Stop system, it is used in traffic jams, and vehicles are used exclusively on short city trips, it is not recommended to install this type of battery in it. The best solution for such motorists is hybrid models with calcium and antimony, from more expensive and even more reliable options - silver or complex gel, as well as fiberglass batteries.
4 Servicing Ca/Ca batteries - preparation for charging
For normal operation of a calcium battery, it must be properly maintained, while some manufacturers recommend recharging their devices at least once a month.
If serviced batteries of a conventional type can be charged without problems with standard semi-automatic devices or simple rectifiers, then calcium types of batteries are charged with a special device that is capable of constantly delivering a voltage of at least 16.1 V and not boiling the internal electrolyte.
It is worth saying that the “boiling” of such batteries is generally contraindicated, since as a result of this process acid vapors are released that destroy the bonds formed on the plates, due to the fact that in such batteries they are installed very tightly to each other.
And due to the separation of the electrolyte during charging into a lighter watery part, which is concentrated at the top, and its heavier elements (sulfuric acid), which mainly settle at the bottom, a hydrometer is not used to reliably measure the density of calcium batteries, unlike serviced options.
The need for charging is determined, as with any other types of batteries - using a voltmeter, measure the available voltage. If it drops below 13.1 volts, then the battery needs to be recharged. Indicators of 12 V or below mean a critical limit, loss of capacity upon reaching it is inevitable, and, as practice shows, it is almost impossible to charge a calcium battery in this case up to 100%.
5 Charging the battery - step by step instructions and useful tips
Calcium batteries are charged following a strictly defined algorithm, and in several stages. There are different versions, each of which has its opponents and supporters. Some experts believe that this type of battery should be charged at a maximum voltage of at least 16.1 V. Others believe that excessive voltage can aggravate the situation and ruin the device, as it leads to disruption of the bonds between the plates and boiling water.
Individual manufacturers' recharging recommendations may vary due to battery design, silver content, capacity, and other factors. Therefore, experts recommend using a universal charging scheme. First, a suitable electrical device (Orion Vympel-55, Coulomb, Bosh Max, etc.) is set to a maximum voltage supply of 16-16.1 Volts and a current strength of not more than 10% of the rated capacity. That is, with the declared 55 amperes - 5.5, with 60 - 6.0, etc.
In this mode, the battery is charged for several hours until the current drops to 0.7-0.5 A. After that, the device is turned off for a while, then several modes are set again - maximum and medium (16.1 V and 13.1 B, respectively), and in parallel set an indicator of 2.5-3 Amperes. This will cause the voltage to drop smoothly, while the current will change from 3 A to zero.
As soon as the battery is charged to the required level, the maximum set voltage will be reached in a few seconds, and the fall to the set minimum will take several minutes. As mentioned above, in no case should the insides boil, this will not only reduce the performance of the lead battery, but if the process is too long, it will lead to a short circuit, and, as a result, to the complete failure of the battery.
All of these actions are recommended to be carried out exclusively at a comfortable temperature in the room, it should be at least 20 and not more than 30 degrees. The battery is installed on a flat surface, do not shake or turn over, especially when electrical appliances are connected to it.
When buying a car battery, pay attention to the manufacturer's markings. Usually they indicate current and voltage, capacitance and some other features. The best choice would be a hybrid or calcium version of the battery containing silver particles. Gel batteries or models with plates made using AGM technology are more durable, but they have their own nuances in the charging process and are more expensive.
If you operate your car on long trips, it is equipped with systems for automatically turning off or dimming the lights in the cabin or in the headlights, there are no strong temperature changes in the region, then the classic calcium-lead version of the maintenance-free battery will be a good choice.
In the city, with a permanent Start-Stop system or electronic ignition, choose hybrid models, gel or calcium EFB or AGM battery options with thicker plates with a micro-hybrid system, which was developed for cars with just such starting systems.
Battery technologies.
When describing the advantages of a battery (battery), we often hear such expressions as “calcium technology”, “hybrid technology” and others. In this article, you can get acquainted with some battery production technologies. And depending on the needs and characteristics of the operation of your car, you can decide for yourself which technology is an advantage in your particular case.
All the technologies discussed below are associated with one or another alloying component that is added to lead to achieve certain properties.
antimony technology (Pb /Sb).
This technology is considered one of the first. In the production of batteries, antimony was added to the lead alloy to increase strength, since unalloyed lead alloy was destroyed by strong vibrations.
The technology of alloying lead with antimony increased the strength of this alloy, which made it possible, in principle, to use batteries in cars.
Having a low cost and relative resistance to deep discharges, this technology has a number of disadvantages:
The process of electrolysis, in which water "breaks down" into hydrogen and oxygen, which begins to negatively affect the positive plates, oxidizing them. This significantly reduces battery life.
In addition, during electrolysis, explosive gas is formed (it is formed by mixing oxygen and hydrogen released from water). Such gas is explosive and harmful to humans.
The operation of an antimony battery requires the motorist and timely maintenance. This is due to the fact that water is constantly evaporating, so you have to monitor the electrolyte level and add distilled water. In this case, the battery is discharged and requires periodic measurement of the charge level.
Batteries with fast self-discharge require periodic recharging during storage, and when used in a car, “downtime” of the car will negatively affect the charge. There are also restrictions on additional equipment in a car that consumes energy.
This technology is already outdated, and such batteries have long been out of stock in our stores.
Low antimony technology.
The technology of antimony production of batteries had so many disadvantages that it forced the developers to decide to reduce the antimony content in the lead alloy. This is how a low antimony technology appeared, in which the content of antimony in the lead alloy was reduced to 2%, and the solution of the initially important task of strengthening the structure of the alloy was achieved by adding other components.
Compared to batteries with antimony technology, batteries with low antimony technology have become more resistant to self-discharge, safer and less demanding for maintenance.
In our stores, for example, the Tyumen battery (TyumenB attery) 3ST-215 refers to low antimony technology for the production of batteries.
calcium technologyCa/Ca
Despite the reduction in the content of the antimony alloying element to 2%, the main disadvantages, in the form of the need for constant maintenance of the battery, still remained. This technology was replaced by calcium technology, in which the plates began to be made from a lead-calcium alloy. Such batteries completely solved the problems of antimony technology in terms of maintenance, as they became completely maintenance-free. Durable calcium alloy eliminates problems associated with high water consumption. Due to the low self-discharge, it became possible to store the battery without recharging for a sufficiently long period of more than a year at low temperatures.
In addition, the structural characteristics have also improved markedly: the plates have become thinner, it has become possible to manufacture the grating from a single rolled sheet, and not to cast it.
So the benefits:
1) Low self-discharge.
2) Reducing the weight of the battery.
3) Reducing water evaporation, maintenance-free batteries.
4) Resistant to overcharges.
But there are also disadvantages to this technology. Calcium technology batteries do not tolerate deep discharges. It should be understood here that with a deep discharge, such a battery can significantly reduce its capacity.
And one more, no less important drawback. Having achieved a durable lead alloy by alloying with calcium, we attributed its thin plates and a reduction in the weight of the battery to its merits. Indeed, with this technology, lead was required less, since the lead in this alloy began to work more efficiently. But precisely because of the small amount of lead in the plates and the thinness of the plates, these structural elements have to work more than actively. The main load is taken by the positive plates.
Manufacturers such as Titan (Titan), Tubor (Tubor), Banner positive plates are cast, which has a very positive effect on battery life (5-6 years).
In our stores you can find calcium batteries of such brands asFurukawaBattery , Topla and others.
Ca/Ca+Silver
This is an advanced calcium technology in which the electrode plates are additionally alloyed with silver. With this technology, also from the pluses 1) low weight, dimensions of the battery with a sufficiently large capacity, 2) low degree of self-discharge, 3) tolerates discharge-charge cycles even better than a calcium battery, 4) and also practically does not require maintenance.
Although the technology mitigates the disadvantages of calcium technology, it does not completely eliminate them.
In our stores, batteries of calcium technology + silver are represented by a wide range: this is the Tyumen bear (Ca/ CaSilver , and Titan (TitanEuroSilver, TitanArcticSilver, TitanAsiaSilver , Atlas and others.
hybrid technologySb/Ca.
Taking into account the disadvantages and advantages of antimony and calcium technologies, manufacturers decided to partially use each technology in the production of batteries, taking the advantages of one and the other technology, hence the name hybrid.
Hybrid technology is called lead-calcium technology with the addition of antimony.
The technology consists in the fact that the positive electrode grid is made of a low antimony lead alloy (see above antimony up to 2%), and the negative electrode grid is made of a lead-calcium alloy. The positive grid is several times thicker than the calcium technology, which means it has a sufficient supply of lead, which greatly improves wear resistance. These plates are cast, not "cut" from rolled sheet as we previously mentioned. Thanks to this design of the positive electrode, the battery life of the hybrid technology is significantly increased.
Also, the battery can be left for a long time without additional charging. The hybrid technology battery is no longer so sensitive to deep discharges. It remains unattended. But if there is a need, then the motorist can add water. With this technology, there is more lead in the battery (by about 30%) than in calcium, this, of course, affects the price, but the increased service life, unpretentiousness in maintenance and operation makes this price, of course, justified.
So, the advantages:
1) Increased number of charge-discharge cycles.
2) Calcium plate reduces boil-off.
3) Increased battery life.
In our stores, batteries of hybrid technology are represented by such brands as: TyumenB attery (Tyumen),Tyumen Bat Bear (Tyumen) and others.
In the next article, we will consider the next step in the evolution of battery production - AGM batteries, gel batteries and all possible modifications of Heavy duty, Heavy Duty Extra.
One of the most important details in any car is the battery, the owner of the vehicle feels its advantages and disadvantages especially sharply in the cold season, when the ambient temperature drops below zero.
In order not to experience problems starting the car in any weather, choosing the “right” battery is of paramount importance. Many motorists are thinking about purchasing calcium batteries: the advantages and disadvantages of this device should be considered in detail before making a choice.
Calcium batteries (Ca/Ca) are a type of battery whose plates are made of lead alloyed with calcium (calcium). The amount of the last element as a percentage is extremely small. How much exactly? - Calcium in the composition is not more than 0.1% of the total mass of the plate, so the name "lead-calcium batteries" would be more correct, but a simplified wording has become entrenched in everyday life. As an alloying element in such batteries, calcium replaced antimony, which was used for these purposes for a long time, but had a number of drawbacks, which required the selection of another substance to eliminate them.
Separately, it is worth dwelling on such a type of battery as silver-calcium batteries (designation - Ca / Ag) - motorists often call them simply “silver”. The plates of such batteries are made of an alloy of lead and calcium, but, unlike a conventional device, silver is added to the alloy during the production process. The presence of the latter in the composition of the plate allows you to get rid of almost all the disadvantages of calcium batteries (more on this below), while maintaining their advantages. Almost the only disadvantage of silver-containing batteries is their high price, which is explained by the complexity of manufacturing calcium-silver batteries and the use of expensive raw materials.
Production technology
The technological process for manufacturing batteries (also known as "calcium technology") has some differences from the manufacturing scheme for antimony batteries. First of all, this concerns gratings, which, in the case of a lead-antimony alloy, are produced by casting. But when the method was tested for a lead-calcium alloy, it turned out that calcium simply burns out of the lattices with this approach.
For this reason, calcium battery grids are produced using stamping technology, which means that the prefabricated solid alloy strip is perforated. Thanks to this method, it becomes possible to produce plates with an improved, more complex shape. At the same time, the outer frame of the plate is preserved during the stamping process.
At present, calcium car batteries have not ousted traditional antimony batteries from the market, primarily due to the complexity of the production process of lead-calcium grids, so manufacturers produce maintenance-free batteries of both these classes, as well as hybrids - something in between.
Comparison of calcium batteries with other types of batteries
Ca/Ca car batteries have their advantages and disadvantages when compared with other types of batteries. To determine which battery is best, consider the differences between calcium batteries and their antimony and hybrid counterparts.
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Options |
Calcium battery |
antimony lead battery |
hybrid battery |
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Alloying element of lead plates (as marked - / +) |
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Start of the electrolyte electrolysis process |
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Unattended / low maintenance |
serviced |
serviced |
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Price |
Relatively expensive (taking into account the average cost, such a device will cost at least 3 thousand rubles) |
On average, the cost of a lead device is 1.5 times cheaper than a calcium one. |
On average, 1.5 - 2 times cheaper than calcium |
Table 1. Main differences between calcium, lead (antimony) and hybrid batteries.
Calcium and hybrid batteries are considered progressive devices and are more popular among modern motorists due to their improved technical characteristics.
Advantages of calcium batteries
If we talk about the pros and cons of a calcium battery, then, first of all, it is worth dwelling on the advantages of a battery of this class (there are many more of them than disadvantages):
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Benefits of calcium batteries |
Note |
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Long service life |
On average, the life of a calcium battery is about five years with proper operation. |
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|
Features low self-discharge |
When compared with low antimony varieties, the similar characteristic of calcium batteries is almost 70% lower. |
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Increased strength of battery plates |
This makes the plates resistant to vibration. |
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Decreased water electrolysis process |
Due to this, calcium batteries are mostly maintenance-free (about 90%). |
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Reducing the intensity of corrosion processes |
Extends battery life. |
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Overcharge protection |
Calcium batteries are characterized by the ability to withstand voltages up to 14.8 V. |
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|
Possibility of manufacturing thinner plates |
Manufacturers have the opportunity to produce batteries with an increased number of plates, which means more power. |
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Ideal for beginner drivers |
The Ca / Ca car battery (in most cases) is maintenance-free, so the owner does not need to carry out additional manipulations, such as measuring the level and density of the electrolyte - whether or not the motorist has experience with such devices does not matter. Having installed a new calcium battery, you can simply forget about it for almost the entire period of operation, periodically paying attention to recharging. |
Table 2. Advantages of calcium batteries
IMPORTANT! Such batteries are optimally suited for installation in cars with fully functional electrical equipment, relatively new models - it is desirable to have a system in the vehicle that independently turns off music, lights, side lights, in case the motorist has shown inattention or forgetfulness.
Cons of calcium batteries
Unfortunately, calcium batteries for a car are not without some disadvantages, among which the following should be noted:
|
Flaws |
Note |
|
|
Sensitivity to deep discharges |
This is the main disadvantage and the main difference between calcium batteries and their hybrid or antimony counterparts. Batteries of this class are not recommended to be discharged below 12 V. Just one deep discharge is enough for such a battery to lose a fifth of its capacity. A single full discharge - and the battery will lose half of its capacity, while a device that has survived 9 - 10 discharges becomes completely unusable. |
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High price |
It is explained by the complexity and high cost of the production process. |
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Not suitable for "urban style" driving mode |
Long downtime (if, for example, the owner uses the car only to get from home to work and back), driving at a start-stop rhythm has a detrimental effect on calcium batteries. |
Table 3. Disadvantages of calcium batteries
ATTENTION! Calcium batteries are only suitable for use in automobiles. It is better to refrain from installing devices of this class in a boat or boat, where they can be subjected to a deep discharge.
Features of maintenance and operation of calcium batteries
Since maintaining the charge at the proper level is of paramount importance for the correct operation and long-term operation of a calcium battery, motorists will find it useful to know what are the features of the operation of calcium batteries, how it differs from the use of similar devices of other classes:
1. If a car with a calcium battery is operated in "city mode", "preventive" charging will help maintain its performance. You can purchase a special device (a high-quality model is not cheap, but the cost of it pays off) and fully charge the battery at least once every 4 weeks. Then long downtime and movement over short distances will not affect its service life. In all other cases, the device will require recharging half as often;
2. It is recommended to charge a modern lead-calcium battery up to 14.4 V, while manufacturers indicate that a current charge of no more than 1/10 of the declared capacity is required.
3. The voltage at the terminals should be measured regularly with a voltmeter. If the device shows 12V, the device needs to be charged immediately, otherwise it will be almost impossible to avoid capacity loss;
4. Deep discharge leads to the fact that an irreversible chemical reaction occurs in the plates, as a result of which an insoluble residue is formed in the form of calcium sulfate - such acidic deposits block the transfer of charge. Many motorists, out of habit, spend CTC with a calcium battery, which has a detrimental effect on the battery;
5. "Boiling" with a calcium battery is strictly contraindicated. It leads to a decrease in the technical characteristics of the device or its complete failure - even if there is no visible boiling, at a certain moment the release of gases begins, leading to the destruction of the spreading of the plates;
6. Such a device as a hydrometer, if the car is equipped with a calcium battery, is absolutely useless. A modern battery with lead-calcium alloy plates is designed so that the electrolyte in it is no longer in a free state - it is characterized by stratification into a more watery part that accumulates on the surface of the cans, and an electrolyte of increased density, which is at the bottom;
7. Currently, fakes have begun to appear. Marking will help to identify a non-original device and distinguish a high-quality battery. On the battery (on the case) should be indicated: starting current, voltage value and nominal capacity, as well as the date when the device was released and detailed information about the manufacturer. Read more about how to distinguish a fake - here
Conclusion
In order to select a battery suitable for a particular vehicle, three main parameters should be taken into account: the model and modification of the vehicle, as well as the conditions (including intensity) of its operation. If you have any doubts when choosing, it is better to seek the advice of specialists.
As for calcium batteries, they are suitable for motorists who drive long distances and prefer high ride quality. A calcium battery requires only timely recharging - then the device will be used for the period declared by the manufacturer and even longer.
The experience of motorists using batteries of this class will be interesting and useful to anyone who is thinking about choosing a battery and wants to extend its service life. Tell us about your experience with calcium batteries - are they worth the money they ask for?
Sb/Sb production technology
Sb/Sb is a low antimony (lead) battery. During battery production antimony (Sb) is added to the plates as a result, the plates acquire strength and are not afraid of temperature differences. Batteries with this technology have a slightly higher degree of self-discharge.
Sb/Ca or Ca+ production technology
Sb/Ca or Ca+ is a hybrid battery with added Calcium (Ca).This so-called second generation battery. In these batteries, one of the plates is with calcium additives, and the other with antimony.
Characteristics
- Low degree of self-discharge,
- good starting characteristics,
- minimum water consumption
- high corrosion resistance
- increased strength of the electrodes
Ca/Ca production technology
Ca/Ca is a calcium battery.In this type of battery, calcium (Ca) is used in the production of grids. All positive and negative plates are alloyed with a small amount of calcium. As a result the battery reduces self-discharge, starting currents increase, during operation, the loss of water is reduced and as a result, these batteries can be produced in unattended cases.
It must be remembered that batteries produced using this technology afraid of deep discharges. 
AGM is an advanced lead acid technology of Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM).
An absorbent glass mat is installed in the AGM battery - this is a special fiberglass separator that absorbs all the electrolyte in the battery and provides high resistance to cycling. AGM technology Provides three times longer battery life and allows the battery withstand multiple charge-discharge cycles without loss of performance.
This technology ideal for vehicles with start-stop system with regenerative braking, mobile homes, all types of water transport.
EFB production technology
EFB is an improved liquid electrolyte technology. A polyester material is added to the + plate, which helps to fix the active mass on the plate, which significantly increases the battery life.
An additional polyester element is used between the plate and the separator, which is a micro-mesh. This micro-grid keeps the active mass inside the plate and prevents it from washing out. As a result increased resistance to deep charge-discharge and provided higher infectivity.
The fiberglass pile glued to the separator helps to keep the plates in the correct position.
EFB batteries can be used with a partial charge and for a long time do not require a deep charge-discharge. This is possible thanks to the polyester material that is added to the positive surface of the plate. This helps to fix the active material of the plate, which increases the service life.
This type of battery is suitable for vehicles equipped with a Start-Stop system without regenerative braking, as well as for vehicles with increased energy consumption.
With enviable constancy among motorists and people who "sympathize" with them, including "authoritative experts", there are fierce disputes about which batteries are better: calcium or antimony oil. It should be noted that both the first and second technologies have their advantages, but "calcium" is traditionally considered more advanced. Therefore, contrary to common practice, we decided to focus readers' attention on the reasons why you should not buy such batteries. There are only two of them, but more on that later. And now a few introductory lines, so that you better understand what is at stake.
In order to answer the question that interests us, and solve the eternal dilemma, it is worth turning to the origins. So, what are the technological differences between calcium batteries and oil-antimony batteries? There are few of them. Strictly speaking, the difference lies only in the method of production of the plates, or rather, the materials from which they are made. It is known that lead is a soft metal, and products made from it do not have a high degree of structural rigidity. In order to strengthen the grids or electrodes, antimony was used more than 100 years ago. With its help, lead plates were alloyed. If we talk about more modern batteries, then doping in this case occurs with the help of calcium, which is added to the composition of the material in the same way as antimony.
What does it give?
Firstly, with the help of calcium, engineers managed to solve one of the most important problems in the battery industry. You probably understood that we are talking about increased water consumption. Thus, the intervals between battery maintenance have increased significantly, reaching 6-12 months versus 1-2 in the case of antimony. In addition, the calcium technology for the production of automobiles and made it possible to significantly reduce the weight of products. And, finally, the characteristics of the starting current have increased, which is also extremely important.
Now about the main
Speaking about the motives for not buying calcium batteries, it is worth noting two important aspects that will certainly interest all car owners:
- Price. Batteries made using modern, calcium technology are somewhat more expensive than conventional oil-antimony batteries. The difference in price with a similar capacity can be 30-50%.
- Critical levels. Calcium batteries do not recover after 2-3 deep discharges. That is, it is enough to forget to turn off the light during the day, and after a few hours a battery worth 3-5 thousand rubles can be thrown away.
It is for these two reasons that the popularity of calcium batteries is gradually falling. They are also being replaced by quite expensive, but more reliable batteries made using hybrid technology, when one of the plates is made of an alloy of antimony and lead, and the second is made of lead and calcium. Thus, today there is no longer a choice between antimony and pure calcium technology.