Battery rejuvenation techniques: What works, and what doesn’t?

Batteries are a critical component for energy storage in many industries. Lead-acid batteries have been used extensively in renewable energy, telecommunications, banking, manufacturing and battery energy storage systems, etc.

A report by Statista indicates that the lead-acid battery market in India is expected to grow to about US $8.2 billion dollars by 2031. This growth of demand raises further concerns about making sure there's a sustainable supply of materials necessary for battery production and the incorporation of circular approaches for the handling of used batteries at the end of their lifecycles.

As lead acid batteries are bound to remain the primary energy storage solution, reducing their carbon footprints in future and expanding their energy production will be pertinent. According to UNEP, nearly 86% of the total global consumption of lead is for the production of lead-acid batteries, mainly used in motorized vehicles, storage of energy generated by photovoltaic cells, wind turbines and for power back-up supply in various industries. 

The scenario makes it pressing for us to decrease pollution and conserve resources. Hence, it is crucial to prioritize restoration and recycling of lead-acid batteries. In achieving this, a shift to sustainable battery consumption and rejuvenation methods can reduce waste and create new economic prospects. Moreover, these methods are cost-effective and environmentally friendly in meeting the energy demands of a rapidly evolving market. 

To begin with, techniques that rejuvenate batteries, such as the Electrochemical Battery Enhancement Process or EBEP, change the face of maintaining and extending the life of a battery. EBEP is an advanced scientific method designed specifically for enhancing the chemical balance of lead-acid batteries to restore their capacity without dismantling or smelting. 

This eco-friendly process of eliminating sulfation buildup on battery plates makes it an excellent method of eliminating the major causes of decreased performance in lead-acid batteries. Users rejuvenate their batteries using EBEP and can increase the lifespan by considerable amounts, decrease waste, and contribute to a sustainable battery ecosystem. 

Also, aside from the application of EBEP, a good maintenance practice can actually contribute to the extension of a battery's life. Control of temperature is important; a battery must never be placed in a place where it might be affected by extreme heat or cold. Room temperature, that is about 20-25°C or 68-77°F, is ideal. 

If put in naturally climate-controlled environments, it can significantly extend its operational efficiency.

Utilizing smart charging is the third crucial step towards the maintenance of these batteries. Smart chargers prevent overcharging by automatically halting when the battery has reached its full capacity. The chargers also offer features to optimize charging cycles. Individuals must opt for energy-efficient chargers that comply with eco-labels to reduce energy consumption. 

Fourth is desulfation, especially used for lead-acid batteries. This process breaks down lead sulfate crystals in a battery to restore its capacity and life. It is also necessary to restore batteries at select collection points to prevent the spread of hazardous waste.

Next, overcharging the batteries or leaving them unattended for longer periods in the hope of improving their capacity can cause overheating and sulfation reducing their life span. DIY fixes also cause harm to batteries as these introduce moisture or corrosive elements that damage the battery in the long run. Hence, the battery restoration or refurbishment must be done by trained experts.

Batteries should be charged regularly. When batteries are not in use for extended periods, it is advisable to disconnect them and store at a partial charge (around 50%). One must not ignore the warning signs of batteries such as swelling or leakages and avoid using diverse brands or types of batteries in one battery bank. 

Lastly, frequently allowing batteries to drop to 0% can result in permanent damage, hence a complete discharge of batteries is not recommended. Lead Acid batteries can be discharged maximum up to 80% of their capacity to enhance their performance and life.

The battery recycling market worldwide showcases an upward trend of roughly seven-fold over the next decade, attaining US $24 billion by 2033. These figures stress the growing potential of giving batteries a second lifespan. 

Therefore, recognizing and following techniques to rejuvenate/restore and maintaining batteries is essential. By putting these methods into practice and following eco-friendly ways, one can surely prolong the life of lead acid batteries and decrease pollution caused by battery waste in the environment. Ultimately, sustained efforts in this direction will forge a cleaner and greener tomorrow for one and all.

-- Kavinder Khurana, Founder of Energy & Fire Tech.