The lead-acid batteries commonly used in diesel generator sets are mainly divided into two types, namely dry-charged batteries and maintenance-free batteries.
1) Dry-charged battery: Its full name is dry-charged lead-acid battery. Its main feature is that the negative plate has a high storage capacity. In a completely dry state, it can retain the obtained electricity for two years. When in use, just add electrolyte and wait for 20 to 30 minutes before it can be used. Its main advantages are stable voltage and low price. The disadvantages are low specific energy (i.e., the amount of electrical energy stored per kilogram of battery), short service life and frequent daily maintenance.
2) Maintenance-free batteries: Due to their structural advantages, maintenance-free batteries consume very little electrolyte and basically do not require distilled water replenishment during their service life. It also features shock resistance, high-temperature resistance, small size and low self-discharge. The service life is generally twice that of ordinary batteries. There are also two types of maintenance-free batteries on the market: The first type is filled with electrolyte once at the time of purchase and does not require maintenance (adding supplementary liquid) during use. Another type is that the battery itself has already been filled with electrolyte and sealed at the factory, and users simply cannot add any supplementary liquid.
Lead-acid batteries come in 2.4V, 4V, 6V, 8V, 12V and 24V series, with capacities ranging from 200 milliampere-hours to 3000 ampere-hours. Generally, diesel generator sets are started with 12V or 24V batteries.
