Types of Inverter Batteries

An inverter battery is an electrochemical device that is used for storing electrical energy. It is a type of rechargeable battery that works with an inverter to provide continuous power supply in the case of main supply outages. An inverter battery charges when main power supply is available and it delivers the stored electrical power when the main power supply is disrupted.

In this article, we will explain the different types of inverter batteries along with their advantages and disadvantages. But before that let us get an overview of inverter batteries and know about their specifications.

What is an Inverter Battery?

An inverter battery is a type of rechargeable battery that is used to store electrical energy in an uninterruptible power supply system. This stored electrical energy is provided back to the load in case of main supply outage.

The inverter battery is the most important component of a backup power system because it supplies the necessary power when there is no power supply available from the main grid.

The inverter batteries are so designed that they can withstand with multiple charging and discharging cycles. In other words, the inverter batteries are designed by using deep-cycle battery technology so that they can provide repeated charging and discharging capabilities without affecting their performance.

Factors to Consider When Selecting an Inverter Battery

The following are some important factors that we need to consider when selecting an inverter battery −

Battery Capacity − The battery capacity is defined as the amount of electricity that the battery can store or deliver. It is measured in Ah (Ampere-Hours).

Battery Type − Different types of batteries are available in the market. Some of the common types of batteries are lead-acid battery, lithium-ion battery, and nickel-cadmium battery. We should select a right battery according to the needs of our application.

Battery Brand − A reputed battery brand ensures high-quality product. Thus, it is advisable to purchase a battery from a reputed brand so that we can get best quality product and better after sale service.

Requirements of Battery Maintenance − We should select a battery which requires least maintenance.

Battery Lifespan − We should select a battery which has a longer lifespan. It helps in reducing the replacement cost.

Compatibility with the Inverter − The battery we are purchasing must be compatible with our inverter to give better performance and higher efficiency.

Price Range − We should consider our budget range and select an affordable inverter battery that meets our requirements.

This is all about basics of inverter batteries and their specifications. Let us now discuss about different types of inverter batteries, their advantages and disadvantages.

Types of Inverter Batteries

The following are some commonly used types of inverter batteries −

• Lead-Acid Battery

• Tubular Battery

• Lithium-Ion Battery

• Nickel-Cadmium Battery

• Gel Battery

Let us discuss about each of these types of inverter batteries in detail.

(1) Lead-Acid Battery

The lead-acid battery is a type of inverter battery in which the positive electrode is made up of lead dioxide and the negative electrode is made up of lead. In these batteries, the dilute sulfuric acid (H2SO4) is used as the electrolyte.

If we talk about the construction of a lead acid battery, then it consists of a container made up of plastic. In this plastic container, the lead plates immersed in a dilute H2SO4 solution are enclosed.

Advantages of Lead Acid Battery

The following are some major advantages of the lead-acid batteries −

• The cost of lead-acid batteries is quite low. Hence, they are an affordable option to use as an inverter battery.

• Lead-acid batteries are compatible with a wide range of inverters.

• Lead-acid batteries are mature battery technology; hence they are easily available.

• These batteries have a robust construction that can handle diverse environmental conditions.

Disadvantages of Lead Acid Battery

Apart from the advantages, the lead acid batteries also have certain disadvantages. Some of the key disadvantages of these batteries are listed below −

• Lead acid batteries have a limited number of charging and discharging cycles and a shorter lifespan.

• Lead acid batteries need regular maintenance to prevent degradation of their performance.

• These batteries have larger size and heavy weight.

• In these batteries, toxic materials like lead and sulfuric acid are used. These materials can pose environmental issues.

(2) Tubular Battery

Tubular batteries are basically the types of lead-acid batteries in which the positive plate is nestled within a tube wrapped in a cloth. This design is given to hold the power of its electrodes.

The tubular batteries are known for their higher efficiency and low maintenance requirement. Thus, these batteries are more durable and have better performance than normal lead-acid batteries. However, the tubular batteries have larger size than normal lead acid batteries.

Advantages of Tubular Battery

The following are some key advantages of the tubular batteries −

• These batteries provide long-term backup power supply.

• The lifespan of tubular batteries is relatively longer.

• We can get a longer warranty period on the tubular batteries.

• Tubular batteries have high charging and discharging rates.

• Tubular batteries have high energy efficiency.

Disadvantages of Tubular Battery

The major disadvantages of tubular batteries are listed below −

• Tubular batteries are relatively expensive.

• These batteries are larger in size and thus require more space.

• Tubular batteries require regular maintenance.

• Due to use of toxic materials like lead, they pose some environmental issues.

(3) Lithium Ion Battery

The lithium-ion battery, also called as li-ion battery, is a type of rechargeable battery used in inverter systems to store electrical energy for backup power.

In these batteries, the lithium-ions are main components that participate in chemical reactions to produce electrical energy.

The cathode of a lithium-ion battery is made up of a lithium compound like LiCoO2 or LiMn2O4 and the anode is made up of graphite.

The electrolyte used in the lithium-ion batteries is solution of lithium salt.

These batteries are used in inverter systems because of their high energy density and longer life cycle.

Advantages of Lithium-Ion Battery

The main advantages of lithium-ion batteries are listed below −

• Li-ion batteries have high energy density. Thus, they can store more energy in smaller size.

• Li-ion batteries have a larger number of charging and discharging cycles. Thus, their lifespan is relatively longer.

• The self-discharge rate of li-ion batteries is lower.

• Li-ion batteries take less time to recharge.

• These batteries require less maintenance.

• Li-ion batteries pose less hazards to environment.

Disadvantages of Lithium-Ion Battery

The major disadvantages of lithium-ion batteries are given as follows −

• Li-ion batteries are comparatively more expensive.

• Li-ion batteries are quite sensitive to high temperature and have the risk of bursting.

• Li-ion batteries require more protection against over-charging and discharging.

• The performance of li-ion batteries degrades with time.

(4) Nickel-Cadmium Battery

The nickel-cadmium battery is a type of rechargeable battery used in inverter systems to store electrical energy and provides it back as backup power.

In a nickel-cadmium battery, the cathode is made up of nickel-oxide hydroxide and the anode is made up of metallic cadmium. Between these electrodes, an alkaline electrolytic solution is poured. These batteries are not very commonly used as inverter batteries because of environmental issues.

Advantages of Nickel-Cadmium Battery

The following are the key benefits of the nickel-cadmium batteries −

• Nickel-cadmium batteries are capable for delivering high current outputs.

• These batteries can tolerate overcharging.

• Nickel-cadmium batteries have longer life cycle.

• Nickel-cadmium batteries have a lower self-discharging rate.

Disadvantages of Nickel-Cadmium Battery

The following are the main disadvantages of the nickel-cadmium batteries −

• Nickel-cadmium batteries have noticeable memory effect. This effect can decrease the capacity of the battery over time.

• In nickel-cadmium batteries, cadmium is a toxic heavy metal. This has to be disposed properly, otherwise, it can pose several environmental issues.

• Nickel-cadmium batteries have low energy density. Thus, these are capable of storing less amount of energy per unit volume.

(5) Gel Battery

The gel battery is a type of rechargeable lead acid battery in which the electrolyte is used in the gel form, instead of liquid form.

The gel batteries are commonly used in inverter systems to store electrical energy. These batteries are basically the types of value regulated batteries.

Gel batteries have very low production of gases and fumes. Theus, these require virtually zero ventilation. In other words, the gel batteries are specially designed to used in places where limited ventilation is available.

Advantages of Gel Battery

The major advantages of the gel batteries are given below −

• Gel batteries require zero maintenance.

• Since no liquid electrolyte is used in these batteries, they are spill proof as well.

• Gel batteries have robust construction.

• These batteries are suitable to use in applications that require deep cycle.

• Gel batteries have longer lifespan.

Disadvantages of Gel Battery

The main disadvantages of gel batteries are listed below −

• Gel batteries have high initial cost.

• To recharge gel batteries, special chargers and regulators are used.

• Overcharging can damage the gel batteries.

• The charging time of gel batteries is relatively longer.

Conclusion

This is all about the types of batteries used in inverter systems. In this article, we highlighted the five most common types of inverter batteries along with their advantages and disadvantages.

FAQs Related to Types of Inverter Batteries

The following section covers some most commonly asked questions related to types of inverter batteries.

1. What is the best battery type for inverter?

Lithium-ion batteries are considered best battery type for inverters because of the following reasons −

• High energy density

• Longer cycle life

• Fast charging

• Mature technology

2. What weakens inverter battery?

There are several factors that weakens an inverter battery, they are −

• Repeated overcharging and deep discharging

• Extremely high and low temperatures

• Improper maintenance

• Corrosion of metallic parts like terminals

• Aging

3. Can an inverter battery blast?

Yes, under certain conditions like overcharging, overheating, short circuit, etc., the inverter batteries can blast.

4. Is inverter battery harmful for health?

Although, most inverter batteries do not have any kind of harm on health if they are managed with care. But they can pose some health risks if someone comes in direct contact with chemicals and toxic metals used in the batteries.

5. How do I keep my inverter battery healthy?

Some of the common practices are listed below that we can follow to keep our inverter battery in healthy condition −

• Regular maintenance and cleaning

• Use a right inverter system

• Avoid repeated overcharging and deep discharging

• Use a voltage regulator for charging with stable voltage, etc.