Energy storage batteries have a reputation for being difficult to look after and keep running optimally and this was definitely true of the traditional lead acid technology, however things have changed in the field of energy storage batteries. Although some battery technologies still have a number of risk factors that can effect their longevity not all batteries have the same operating restrictions.
However, there are a number of things that can still affect a batteries life which is one reason most battery manufacturers are reluctant to give long warranties. If you know what these risk factors are and you keep your energy storage battery working within them then a battery will usually last a lot longer than it’s warranted period.
Ambient temperature where a battery is housed is one of the biggest factors in potentially reducing a batteries lifetime. Most batteries will operate, with varying degrees of effectiveness in the 5-35°C range but when the temperature is outside these temperatures it puts added stress on the battery and the battery structure can start to degrade and therefore have a reduced lifetime.
The SoNick or molten salt batteries have an operating range of -20° to +60°C so are not affected by temperature like lead acid and lithium ion batteries are.
These temperature restrictions are why it is particularly important to check your battery in extreme hot or cold weather as it may be advisable to not use the battery in extreme temperatures rather than restrict its lifetime. Of course it is often in particularly hot or cold weather that the battery is needed most to supplement either heating or cooling.
If you recognise the value in utilising battery storage and would like to understand more about different battery characteristics please visit our website at http://quantum.gridedge.com.au/ or feel free to contact us for more information at admin@grid-edge.com