Accumulators for floor cleaning machines: types, specifications and operation features

Harvesting equipment is widely used both by cleaning companies and staff services of large enterprises. Among the assortment of floor cleaning equipment available on the market, the most popular are stand-alone, network-independent battery-powered washing machines. They are convenient and safe to use, but their uptime is limited by the battery life. The average operating time without recharging is 2-8 hours. It is clear from here: in order for the equipment to function smoothly and smoothly, you should take the choice of batteries for cleaning equipment as seriously as possible.

Traction batteries designed for cyclic operating modes come in two types: acid and gel. Their design features allow you to evenly distribute energy in the process. Consider the features of each type.

Types and features of batteries for floor cleaning machines
Lead Acid Battery

These are traditional serviced traction batteries for liquid electrolyte scrubber driers with a classic design. They are distinguished by affordable price, high performance and capacity, which are superior to gel batteries. The energy source is a solution of sulfuric acid H2SO4, a design with tubular electrodes. Such batteries are suitable for floor cleaning machines that are used in technology in large industrial enterprises, warehouse complexes, auto holdings, as well as outdoors.

Battery Features:

Acid is used as the electrolyte, which requires observance of safety measures during use and maintenance.
It is necessary to monitor the level and condition of the electrolyte during the entire period of operation, as well as to carry out maintenance: topping up the electrolyte and distillate.
The batteries are not sealed, so they are operated in an upright position. It is unacceptable to tilt the unit or put it on its side, otherwise the electrolyte may leak.
When charging, the battery compartment must be ajar. Heat and gas, including hydrogen and acid fumes, are released.
To charge the battery, a special room equipped with an exhaust ventilation system should be allocated. Serious requirements are imposed on charging rooms and increased control by the inspecting authorities. In case of violation of fire, environmental and sanitary-epidemiological legislation, severe penalties are imposed.
Charging time is about 13 hours.
Gel (VRLA) battery

Sealed gel batteries are reliable, safe batteries for floor cleaning machines that can withstand more than 700 charging cycles. The electrolyte in the battery has a gel consistency, the prepared H2SO4 mixture also acts as a chemical source (special additives change its structure).

Features of gel batteries:

Do not require topping up of electrolyte and control of its level.
They do not require special equipment for charging.
Gas evolution when charging batteries of this type is minimal. This is ensured by a unique design and special charge cycles.
There are special valves inside the battery to relieve pressure during charging.
They can be installed and transported in all positions due to the complete tightness of the housing.
Requires the use of special chargers.

Compared to acid aggregates, batteries for floor cleaning machines like VRLA are more expensive.

Charging time, depending on the size of the discharge and the characteristics of the gel battery – up to 12 hours.

Not so long ago, lithium batteries began to be used for floor cleaning machines. They can work out with a full internal discharge of several thousand cycles. But it’s more difficult to get them, they cost the battery more.

What to consider when choosing a battery for floor cleaning equipment

When choosing a battery for a floor cleaning machine, the technical parameters should be considered.

Capacity.

The larger the capacity, the longer the battery lasts without recharging. But capacious batteries have a lot of weight and dimensions, they charge for a long time. The dimensions of the battery must correspond to the available space on the cleaning equipment.

The capacity indicator is a relative value, since it varies from the operating conditions. At zero and minus temperatures, the capacity decreases by 10-15%. It also falls in long-running batteries.

The number of charge cycles.

Traction batteries operating in a cyclic mode are designed for 400-1500 charge / discharge cycles. Batteries for cleaning equipment with a large number of charging cycles are more expensive, but their purchase is justified by the long service life due to the large stock of cyclicity and resistance to deep discharges.

The charging algorithm and maintenance.

The batteries will have to be constantly recharged. Acid batteries require special equipment for charging, and gel batteries are unpretentious in maintenance.

Possibility of indoor use.

Scrubber driers are mainly used indoors. Therefore, you should buy only those batteries that do not emit hazardous gases and chemicals during operation. Those. for closed