Battery System Maintenance 101: How To Keep Your Batteries at Peak Performance with Inverter Chargers and System Monitoring

Whether it’s from a storm, an unreliable electrical grid, or a dead battery, no one wants a power failure. The key to avoiding an interruption is a reliable and sustainable backup power system. A lithium-ion battery system is ideal for many reasons, but it needs proper care and the right components to perform at its best.

RV owners are often off-grid and need their portable battery systems to power their lifestyle. Homeowners rely on backup power to keep their homes operational during blackouts. Power outages can severely disrupt business operations. Even boat owners need to know that their batteries will last long enough to get them back to shore.

Let’s review why battery maintenance for power systems such as inverter chargers and monitoring systems is essential.

Why System Maintenance Matters

Effective battery systems include an inverter charger and a battery monitor. Inverter chargers convert DC power from your batteries into AC power that your household appliances can use. They also convert AC into DC energy that can charge your battery systems. Maintaining your inverter chargers ensures that your battery system is running as efficiently as possible for as long as possible.

Battery monitoring systems indicate how much power a battery has left. The right monitoring system can also track information such as power consumption rates, remaining runtime, battery temperature, and voltage. This information supports battery maintenance by allowing you to optimize the performance of your system.

A battery monitoring system is useful for battery maintenance for two key reasons: it enables energy optimization and ensures the longevity of your lithium battery system.

Tools and Equipment for Inverter Charger and Monitoring System Maintenance

Battery maintenance requires the right set of tools. If your systems aren’t properly monitored, then you risk power inefficiencies, frequent maintenance, and even system failure. Let’s look at three of the most important tools for battery maintenance:

Multimeter

A multimeter is a portable device that enables you to measure the voltage, current, and resistance of electrical devices. With a multimeter, you can:

• See if an appliance has power
• Identify faulty switches
• Find functional wires
• Check extension cords
• Test batteries

These functions are important in battery maintenance because they give you a snapshot of your battery system’s overall health.

Load Tester

A load tester measures the battery voltage under a given load condition. Batteries won’t show their actual voltage unless they’re under a load. Load testers allow you to check on your battery system functionality conveniently and quickly.

Battery Monitor

A battery monitor is an important piece of equipment for battery maintenance. By measuring the voltage, current, capacity, and temperature of a battery in real-time, users will grasp a full understanding of their energy storage system.

Proper Maintenance for Your Inverter Chargers and Battery Monitoring Systems

Inverter chargers and battery monitors are both straightforward if you follow some simple steps. It’s also important to understand the type of batteries you have in your system and their depth of discharge (DoD).

DoD is the amount of the battery’s total capacity that’s been used during a use cycle, and the DoD varies significantly in lead acid versus lithium batteries. Battle Born Lithium Batteries achieve 100% depth of discharge (DoD), while discharging lead acid batteries below 50% charge will increase a chemical reaction called sulfation and damage the battery. Because of this, it is recommended not to put out more than half of the rated capacity of lead acid batteries or battery life will be reduced.

Here’s how to get the most out of your battery systems:

• Choose the Right Battery: Some batteries are more resistant to heavy use and deep discharge than others. Choose the right LiFePO4 batteries for your needs to ensure proper battery maintenance.
• Incorporate Low Voltage Disconnect: Use inverters with a low voltage disconnect feature or opt for lithium batteries that feature a battery management system (BMS) with low voltage disconnect protection.
• Quality Accessories: Use high-quality accessories such as extension cords, cables, and connectors that are a part of your system.
• Adequate Ventilation for Lead Acid Batteries: Lead acid battery systems heat up during operation. Proper battery maintenance includes placing a lead acid system in a well-ventilated area to keep it cool. Battle Born Lithium Batteries, however, are safer options that can be placed in any orientation and location, requiring no ventilation.

Only the Best for Battery Maintenance

You only want the best for your energy storage systems, whether they power your RV, boat, home, or business. With proper battery maintenance, you’ll have peace of mind that your battery systems will last as long as possible. You can also be confident that you’re using and storing your reliable and renewable power system safely.

Battle Born Batteries is a collection of the best products for your battery system. We carry a range of inverter chargers, batteries, battery monitoring systems, and more, so we’re sure to have what you need. Contact us today to get in touch with one of our experts.