The Ventura traction battery is an electrochemical device that powers electric vehicles and industrial equipment.This type of battery is specially designed to handle high discharge and charging loads,making it an ideal choice for high-intensity operations:the operation of cargo handling and lifting equipment,which is increasingly being used in warehouse machinery,ships,and light electric vehicles.In these devices,the power supply needs to continuously output energy over multiple charge-discharge cycles,operate in a vibrating environment,and sometimes cope with harsh conditions.
This article will explore what Ventura traction batteries are,their internal structure,the various types of batteries,the parameters to compare different models based on,and how to use them without compromising their service life.
What is a Ventura traction battery,and how is it different from a starter battery?
The starter battery is designed to release a very large current for a short period of time(engine start)and is immediately charged by the generator.The traction battery,on the other hand,is suitable for discharging at a medium current for a long period of time,supporting regular deep cycling,but not exceeding 60-80%of the maximum allowable discharge depth,and has vibration resistance.
According to the GOST R 71456-2024/IEC TS 61044:2021 standard,the maximum depth of discharge for traction lead-acid batteries is 80%for open batteries(SKABO)and 60%for sealed valve-regulated batteries(SKABG),unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer.This standard applies to traction lead-acid batteries and stipulates the requirements for intermediate boost pulse recharging(PPPR)during battery operation in the absence of a specific working procedure provided by the manufacturer.
Actual differences:
Plate structure.Starting lead-acid batteries utilize thin plates with a large surface area(high starting current,poor deep discharge tolerance).Traction batteries,on the other hand,employ thicker/tubular plates,equipped with reinforced separators and casings(long cycle life).
Operating mode.The starter battery is designed to withstand short-term current peaks.The traction battery,on the other hand,is specifically designed for long-term discharge,typically achieving a depth of discharge of 60-80%.
Resources.The starter battery is designed for thousands of short-duration charge-discharge cycles with a shallow depth of discharge.The Ventura traction battery,on the other hand,is designed for hundreds or even thousands of full charge-discharge cycles with a deeper depth of discharge.The specific resource values depend on the battery's chemical composition and the target depth of discharge.
The structure and working principle of Ventura traction battery
The Ventura traction battery pack consists of cells connected in series.For lead-acid systems,the voltage of a single cell is 2V;for lithium iron phosphate(LiFePO4)systems,it is approximately 3.2V.The nominal voltage of the battery(12/24/36/48/80/72V,etc.)is determined by the number of cells connected in series.The effective capacity is determined by the amount of active material and the plate area(for lead-acid batteries)or cell configuration(for LiFePO4),as well as the allowed depth of discharge.
During discharge,chemical reactions within the battery cell drive electrons to flow in the external circuit.During charging,these reactions proceed in reverse,thereby restoring the active components.The charging algorithm depends on the chemical composition of the battery:
Lead-acid Ventura traction batteries.This type of battery adopts a three-stage IUoU charging curve:first,it charges at a set current(I),then limits the voltage until it reaches the stage completion criterion(U),and finally maintains a float voltage(U).
Lithium iron phosphate battery(LiFePO4).In this case,a CC/CV charging curve is adopted:a constant current(Constant Current)phase until reaching the target voltage,followed by maintaining a constant voltage(Constant Voltage)until the current drops to the cut-off threshold.The working process is controlled by a built-in BMS(Battery Management System),which manages current/voltage,monitors temperature,and performs protective shut-off when parameters exceed the allowable range.
Main types of Ventura traction batteries
There are several types of Ventura traction batteries:
Lead-acid flooded type(FLA,OPzS).It has the highest tolerance for long-duration discharge and overload,but it is heavy and requires maintenance(level,density).It needs ventilation during charging and is resistant to cold.
Lead-acid AGM.The electrolyte is absorbed in glass fibers.It is maintenance-free,has low gas emission,is resistant to vibration,and is suitable for indoor use.
Lead-acid gel(including OPzV).Gel-like electrolyte,with good lifespan under medium current and long-duration discharge,sensitive to overcharging.
Lithium-ion(mainly LiFePO4)batteries have a long cycle life,are lightweight,fast-charging,efficient,and exhibit good load stability.However,they have high requirements for temperature during the charging phase and compatibility with charging equipment.
Key characteristics:What should be noted?
Before selecting a battery,please determine the voltage required by your system,the current and duration of battery discharge,the operating temperature range,and whether there are weight and size constraints.Then,compare different models based on their specifications.
The rated voltage must match the controller or driver(operating voltage:12/24/36/48V).Capacity comparison should be accurate-it needs to be under the same discharge duration(e.g.,at C20 or C10).The most important thing is to evaluate whether the battery can withstand your actual operating current.Battery life is determined by the number of charge and discharge cycles at a given depth of discharge:the deeper the discharge depth,the fewer the cycles,and vice versa.The allowed charging and discharging currents are also important,as they determine the recovery speed and ability to withstand instantaneous load peaks.
Please pay attention to internal losses(voltage drop and heat generation),temperature tolerance,and maintenance requirements.Lead-acid batteries lose usable capacity at low temperatures and require stricter charging control.Lithium iron phosphate batteries are generally lighter and have better load stability,but charging at negative temperatures is usually prohibited.
It is essential to check the compatibility with the charger.Lead-acid batteries require a three-stage charging algorithm with float voltage,while lithium-ion batteries necessitate a current-limiting mode followed by a constant voltage maintenance mode.Temperature compensation and state sensors are essential in any configuration.
The purpose and application fields of traction batteries
Ventura traction batteries are widely used in the following types of equipment:
Ground trackless transportation equipment(self-propelled wheeled machinery used for cargo transportation,traction,stacking,and loading and unloading operations).
Warehousing equipment(forklifts,stackers,reach trucks,electric pallet trucks,etc.).
Municipal and cleaning equipment(floor scrubbers/sweepers,golf carts,etc.).
Maritime transportation and tourism(marine electric motors,slow-speed navigation modes,yacht onboard power grids,etc.).
Light electric vehicles(practical platforms,all-terrain vehicles,special trailers with drives,etc.).
Usage rules and service life
In order to maintain the stable operation of battery resources and battery packs,the following usage rules must be adhered to:
Charging equipment matching.The charging curve and voltage of the charger must match the chemical composition of the battery.Incorrect parameters can lead to sulfation of lead-acid batteries or degradation of lithium battery cells.
Temperature.Please keep it within the specified operating temperature range according to the product manual.
Depth of discharge.Please maintain the average depth of discharge at a moderate level and avoid frequent deep discharges.
Before putting the battery into use,please conduct a start-up test and record the results in the report.During use,please regularly check the tightening torque of the terminal blocks,check the battery voltage,and monitor the temperature of the battery cells under load.
The service life of Ventura traction batteries depends on the specific series,depth of discharge,and operating temperature.Flooded lead-acid batteries can provide hundreds to thousands of cycles at a moderate depth of discharge.AGM/GEL batteries can provide approximately 500-1200 cycles or more.Lithium iron phosphate batteries can provide approximately 2000-6000 cycles or more,provided that temperature and electrical limitations are observed.
The compliance inspection of Ventura traction batteries can be conducted in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.Below are some standards that involve Ventura traction batteries and include their inspection and control requirements:
GOST R IEC 62485-3—2020.This standard states that regular inspections must be conducted to ensure the safe operation of traction batteries.Any signs of battery deterioration,especially electrolyte leakage and insulation damage,must be recorded and addressed.
GOST R IEC 62928—2021.This standard specifies the requirements for traction lithium-ion batteries.It indicates the need to inspect or monitor the insulation status,such as measuring insulation resistance.Inspection can be conducted through regular visual inspection or automated means.
GOST R 52846-2007(IEC 60254-1:2005).This standard applies to lead-acid Ventura traction batteries and single-cell batteries used as power sources for electric motors.It specifies the main characteristics of the equipment and their measurement methods.
Summary:How to choose a Ventura traction battery?
Clarify initial requirements:system voltage,operating current,and target endurance time.Select the battery type based on these conditions.Next,check the compatibility of the battery with your charging device and controller:charging/discharging limit current,voltage level,and charging algorithm.
It is essential to consider the usage conditions-ventilation,water resistance,temperature range,and vibration.Lastly,assess the total cost of ownership:price,lifespan(number of cycles),maintenance requirements,and charging/replacement costs.This process ensures technically correct traction battery selection,achieving predictable range and lifespan.
