Reserve Batteries

Reserve batteries separate the electrolyte from the rest of the battery so that the electrolyte remains inert. There are four basic types of batteries: primary, secondary, reserve, and fuel cell batteries. Reserve batteries are often used as emergency equipment batteries or for long-life munitions. A reserve battery functions by keeping the electrolyte of the battery separate from the plates so that the battery is inert. When the battery is activated, the cells fill with electrolytes and the battery will operate at full power almost instantly. The shelf life for reserve batteries can last for years or even decades. This longevity, however, comes at a price. The cost for reserve batteries is significantly higher than standard batteries.

When selecting reserve batteries, ratings, condition of use, operating temperature, voltage, and storage conditions should be considered. Lead-acid batteries were the first commercially available reserve batteries and they remain popular today due to their low manufacturing cost. A lead-acid battery uses a reversible chemical reaction to store energy. Lead-acid batteries are made up of plates, lead, and lead oxide with a 35% sulfuric acid and 65% water solution. When the battery charge is low, recharging a lead-acid battery will return the sulfur from the battery plates to the electrolyte. The electrolytes in lead-acid reserve batteries are hazardous and may produce burns. One important consideration when choosing a lead-acid battery is reserve capacity. Battery reserve capacity is defined as the number of minutes that a lead-acid battery can deliver 25 amps at 80 degrees F and maintain a useful voltage of at least 1.75 volts/cell.

There are many applications for reserve batteries. Lead-acid batteries are commonly used as automobile batteries. Lithium batteries are used in portable electronic devices such as cameras, watches, cell phones, and computers) Lithium batteries have a long life (up to seven years) and can deliver high currents.

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Part Numbers for Reserve Batteries