The Importance of Temperature Control for Industrial Batteries

All things considered, battery technology is a pretty low-maintenance means of powering your equipment—that’s why they’re so prevalent across industries that rely on mobile power sources. But there are things to keep in mind when using batteries in your operation to keep things running smoothly and to the best of their ability. The temperature, for example—both inside and outside your battery—can impact its performance capabilities.

Understanding how temperature impacts battery function and longevity is important because it will help you grasp the necessity of temperature control for industrial batteries and avoid any negative effects from hot or cold environments. Below we’ll discuss everything you need to know about industrial battery temperature monitoring to optimize battery performance in your work.

Measure and control battery temperature

Battery capacity is measured in amp-hours (or Ah), and this measurement is taken at room temperature, 77 degrees Fahrenheit. Battery capacity increases slightly at higher temperatures. For example, at 122 degrees, battery capacity would go up approximately 12 percent, though additional internal temperature increases could cause the batteries to overheat and stop functioning properly.

As temperatures go down, on the other hand, so too does battery capacity. At freezing, battery capacity drops by 20 percent, and at -22 degrees, capacity is reduced by about half. This changed capacity based on temperature is the result of ions in the battery’s electrolytes moving more slowly in cold temperatures and more quickly at higher temperatures.

Because there is a specific temperature range in which different batteries are able to perform effectively, it’s essential that you understand what type of battery you are using and how it handles in both hot and cold environments. Lithium-ion batteries can perform in much more varied temperatures than lead acid batteries, but extremely cold or hot temperatures can even change the way lithium-ion batteries operate. Knowing this at the outset of a project is important so you can determine how you’ll appropriately measure and control temperature once things get underway.

The best way for you to monitor and control both internal and external battery temperature is through a battery management system or BMS. Using internal sensors, a BMS measures battery temperature and heats or cools it as necessary. Because lithium-ion batteries are important in the cold storage industry, manufacturers have developed batteries with heaters that prevent packs from cooling beyond their optimal temperature range. This advancement has also allowed lithium-ion batteries to become a viable power source in other cold temperature contexts. Some lithium-ion battery manufacturers have even developed forklift battery pack heaters that make operations in very cold climates possible without battery malfunction or degradation.

Measuring and maintaining appropriate battery temperatures on the job is an important way to ensure you’re optimizing the lifespan and functionality of your equipment. If you’re interested in learning more about how you can upgrade your industrial battery temperature monitoring tools, set up a free consultation with one of the knowledgeable staff at Remis Power Systems Inc. We’ll talk through the specifics of your work and determine the best batteries and battery management systems to keep your operations running as effectively as possible.

Categorised in: Industrial Batteries

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