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| Battery Selection Proves Effective
in Drag Racing and the Performance Industry Knowing the difference in battery technologies can lead to improved performance and fewer maintenance costs By Carie Wlos Many race vehicle owners and even technical experts in the performance industry are unaware of the benefits and drawbacks of different batteries and technologies that are available to power their vehicles. Vehicle owners are faced with various issues concerning their electrical systems, including high-powered electronics that demand more power for longer periods of time. Knowing more about battery technology can improve the performance and power of a vehicle, increase electronic capabilities and cut down on maintenance costs and headaches due to operational issues.
Because of increased electronics such as throttle stops, delay boxes, on-board computers, fans and high compression engines on race cars, along with the new wave of electronics like audio/visual equipment, high draw lighting, larger stereo systems on street performers, additional demands are being placed on a vehicle’s electrical system creating the need for a high performance deep-cycle automotive battery. A dual-purpose battery is needed in many performance vehicles in order to supply reliable starting power to the engine while ensuring a consistent supply of power to a vehicle’s advanced electrical system. And yet, the battery technology in most vehicles remains unchanged.
BATTERY BASICS A deep cycle battery should be used in an application that will typically discharge 25% or more of the battery capacity. Deep cycle batteries have thicker lead plates and/or more dense active material to withstand numerous discharge and recharge cycles. Deep cycle batteries should be used in high-accessory cars and trucks or high cycling applications (i.e. cars and trucks with after-market electronics, navigation systems, game systems, lighting, lift systems, etc).
Starting batteries have thinner lead plates and/or lower density active material, designed to deliver maximum power for a short duration. Starting a vehicle typically discharges a starting battery only 1% to 3%. When used in a deep cycle application, like powering a demanding electrical system, the starting battery’s life will be shortened proportionally to how deeply it is cycled on a regular basis. Starting batteries should be used to start high compressor engines since they deliver the best cranking power. One of the most advanced battery technologies, SPIRALCELL TECHNOLOGY by OPTIMA Batteries, allows deep cycle batteries to provide premium power for engine starting, making them one of the only true dual-purpose batteries. This characteristic is important in performance applications because under severe electronic demands the cranking power of traditional flat-plate batteries can be compromised. SPIRALCELL Technology allows car owners to cycle more often and for longer periods of time while maintaining sufficient cranking power. BATTERY TECHNOLOGIES The chemical reaction in traditional flat plate (flooded) batteries is produced from suspended lead plates, hung from tabs, reacting with free-flowing electrolyte. As the most common product on the market, flooded batteries offer more size and design options than other technologies and are readily available at most outlets. Therefore, for those with very basic power needs, a low cost flooded battery might be the answer.
Although at the most competitive price point and greatest availability, lead-acid (flooded) batteries do have some disadvantages. Metals are added to the lead in flooded batteries to maintain flat plate integrity. The introduction of these metals can cause an increased rate of corrosion, which in turn can shorten battery life. Most flooded batteries do require maintenance, meaning water will need to be added on a scheduled/regular basis, which increases down time and unwanted maintenance costs. But, not doing so can be harmful to the performance of the battery and shorten the life of the product. Much like flooded battery designs, the gel cell design also incorporates lead plates reacting with the electrolyte. However, gel cell batteries introduce silica to the electrolyte, which helps immobilize the acid and is less likely to spill. These batteries typically require purchasing a specific charger, adding to the higher average battery cost of gel cell technology. Gel cell batteries are susceptible to overcharging, so the recharging process needs to be precisely controlled with lower voltages and slower recharge rates. Due to the alloyed lead and silica in the gel, gel cells can also have lower power output (CCA) than more advanced technologies. To further address various battery issues including shortened shelf life, spillage, gassing and failure due to vibration and heat, motorists can utilize flat-plate absorbent glass mat (AGM) technology. This technology places an absorbent glass mat between the lead plates, essentially immobilizing the acid (holding the electrolyte in place). The physical bond between the separator, fibers, lead plates and containers make these batteries spill-proof and even more vibration resistant than flooded batteries. Although more expensive, flat-plate AGM batteries are virtually maintenance-free, spill-proof and more vibration resistant than traditional batteries. A major disadvantage of flat plate AGM technology batteries is their limited size and availability. The final, and most advanced battery technology offered to performance vehicles is spiral wound AGM technology (SPIRALCELL TECHNOLOGY). Like flat plate AGM, SPIRALCELL TECHNOLOGY by OPTIMA Batteries constrains all of the acid in an absorbent glass mat. The mat is spiral-wound with lead grids and placed in one of six cylinders within the battery to create the lead acid reaction. Each cylinder is compressed and locked tightly in place, creating a durable and vibration resistant battery, able to withstand even the roughest terrain. The reaction, housed in a completely sealed case, also means no acid spills or damage to a vehicle’s electrical components. In addition, OPTIMA® batteries utilize a much purer lead than traditional batteries (99.9%), making for a lower rate of corrosion and positively affecting the life of the product.
There are two key advantages to using OPTIMA Batteries in race cars
with extreme electrical demands. One advantage is a higher starting
voltage, which provides stronger cranking power than traditional
batteries, which is extremely important in today’s big-inch,
high-compression, mega-horsepower race powerplants. The other is the
deep cycle capability that the battery provides. The OPTIMA YellowTop™
is a dual-purpose starting and deep cycle battery and is unique in its
ability to be discharged to a low voltage and charge back up to maximum
voltage. |
