Hybrid batteries appeared a long time ago. But due to the high cost of production, they were not mass-produced. With the development of the chemical industry, as well as the automotive industry, the situation has changed radically. Hybrid batteries are currently ubiquitous. Moreover, they replaced almost all other types of batteries from the market. Let's look at the key features of these batteries, their advantages and disadvantages.
Innovative hybrid technology
The innovative technology of hybrid batteries combines all the best sides of various types of batteries. At the same time, manufacturers tried to eliminate all significant disadvantages. One of the most popular brands of hybrid batteries is A-Mega. If you pay attention to the density of the electrolyte, then the characteristics are close to the AGM-versions, which are several times more expensive. This indicates the effectiveness and feasibility of the technology.
The special design of the casing and lid reduces water evaporation by 12 times. This makes the battery almost maintenance-free, which is so much appreciated at present. Yes, and all international standards, these data are fully consistent. It makes sense to talk about the high inrush current, which is inherent in models such as TAB and TOPLA, and high capacity. In fact, this is a cheap version of the AGM-series with exactly the same or even better quality.
About plate features
A positive plate is cast from a lead alloy with a small addition of selenium. Negative consists of calcium lead alloy. The peculiarity lies in the fact that during the manufacture of plates, various high-tech alloying additives are added to them. They are needed to improve operational performance and allow for an impressive inrush current or capacity.
Hybrid Plate Advantages
- Low self discharge.
- The capacity of the plates is used to the maximum.
- High starting current.
- It withstands an increased number of deep discharge cycles.
Based on this, we can say that the hybrid battery for the car has the advantages of calcium batteries and is free from the antimony disadvantages. Therefore, this solution is optimal and most appropriate.
For experienced drivers
We can safely say that modern calcium batteries are ideal for drivers with a short driving experience. The fact is that such batteries are maintenance free. Therefore, throughout the entire life cycle, you do not need to worry about adding water, checking the density of the electrolyte, etc.
Hybrid car batteries are a little different. They are made on the principle of calcium and antimony batteries and are low-maintenance. The key difference from a fully serviced battery is that the lids of the cans are sealed, and water needs to be refilled much less often, about once every 3-4 months. But still it is recommended to periodically check the density of the electrolyte, because if you do not, the battery may crumble or simply lose its capacity.
About the benefits of hybrid batteries
First of all, I would like to note that a battery withstands such a plan can withstand about 20 deep discharge cycles. At the same time, calcium batteries "die" almost immediately. Here a lot is taken from antimony batteries, which are also resistant to deep discharge. In addition, although water consumption is available, it is significantly reduced. Therefore, there is no need to check the level every month. This, of course, is necessary, but somewhat less frequently.
Many motorists do not use their own vehicles as often as the rest. And here it often happens that the battery is completely discharged, although there was no load on it. Low self-discharge is another key advantage of hybrid batteries. You can leave the car for a week without movement, and during this time they will not sit down.
Shortly about shortcomings
Despite the large number of strengths, there are also drawbacks. Firstly, the battery has a fairly high cost. When compared with conventional maintenance-free batteries, hybrid ones are 20-50% more expensive, depending on the manufacturer. But if you look at the service life, then everything falls into place. Hybrid batteries last an order of magnitude longer than regular maintenance-free batteries. They are more protected from shedding of plates due to stacking. Therefore, a high price tag can be attributed not so much to their minuses as to features, because such a product cannot be cheap.
Another caveat - a large number of fakes. It really is. Counterfeiting is quite common, so it is recommended not to take batteries on the market in stalls, but to go only to specialized stores. There, the risk of being cheated is minimized, and with proper dexterity, you can perform an express battery check for authenticity. On this shortcomings end.
How to charge a hybrid battery
There is practically nothing complicated. Recharging is carried out in the same way as with a conventional battery, although there are several nuances here. For example, the maximum current should not exceed 10% of the rated capacity. It turns out that the 75 A / h battery can be charged with a current of not more than 7.5 A, and preferably less. But even this indicator is considered too high, and the use of a current equal to 10% of capacity is an extreme measure. For example, you are late and you need to slightly recharge the dead battery. In this case, this method is relevant.
If you removed the battery for maintenance, it is recommended to set the current to no more than 3-4 A. You can set to charge the battery overnight, even at 2A. Yes, it will take a lot of time, but this approach significantly extends the life of the battery. Please note that the charging of hybrid batteries with high currents will be accompanied by active boiling of the electrolyte. This can lead to shedding of the active mass of the plates, therefore, the battery will lose part of its capacity.
Generator and Hybrid Battery
I would like to say about another important point. It consists in the fact that the generators of many modern cars, especially if they are crammed with various electronics, give out a voltage of 14.2-14.5 Volts. At the same time, the old generators did not give a voltage of more than 14 V. All this is especially true for the summer period. At this time of the year, the hybrid auto battery does not experience cold starts and charges much faster. If too high a voltage is applied to the battery, it is possible that the electrolyte boils and the active mass of the plates showers. There is little good in this, therefore it is strongly recommended to top up water once a month in the summer, because the electrolyte boils most often because of its insufficient amount.
Hybrid batteries have exactly the same banks as ordinary ones. Remember to unscrew them while charging. This is necessary so that the gases flow freely. In addition, it is thus convenient to monitor the behavior of the electrolyte. If it starts to boil, then you will immediately notice it.
To summarize
We talked about how to charge a hybrid battery, what advantages and disadvantages it has. As for the price tag, you will have to pay about 4,500 rubles for a 75 Ah battery. If you think about it, it’s actually not so much. After all, the same "Bosch" or "Vatra", which are maintenance-free, cost no less, and often even more.
The average battery life is about 5 years with proper maintenance. But often hybrid batteries work for 6-7 years, but this is more an exception to the rule than some regularity. Should I buy such a battery? It’s quite difficult to answer unequivocally. If you do not want to do water refill and periodically check the density, then you probably should not take a hybrid battery. If this is not a problem for you, then definitely yes. After all, the classic antimony serviced batteries significantly lose in their operational properties, so a hybrid battery is the only normal way out. There are, of course, helium batteries, but they cost a lot of money.