Understanding 24V Batteries: Why They Exist and How They Are Manufactured
The question of why there are no 24V batteries in common usage seems to stem from a misunderstanding of battery manufacturing and configuration. To address this, it’s important to understand both the technical and practical aspects of why we see 24V batteries in existence and why they are not more widespread.
Connecting Batteries in Series
One common method to achieve a higher voltage is by connecting batteries in series. This concept is analogous to attaching the positive terminal of one battery to the negative terminal of another, thus creating a system with twice the voltage. For instance, two 12V batteries in series effectively create a 24V system. This practice is widely employed in applications that require higher voltages, such as automotive systems, emergency lighting, and power tools.
Battery Configuration and Manufacturing
Beyond the practical configuration of batteries, there are also factors related to manufacturing. 24V batteries do indeed exist and are predominantly manufactured as sealed lead-acid (SLA) batteries, lithium-ion batteries, or other chemistries. These batteries find applications in electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, and industrial equipment where a higher voltage is advantageous for efficiency and performance.
Convenience and Modularity
The convenience and modularity of using two 12V batteries instead of a single 24V battery cannot be overstated. If a single 24V battery fails, the entire system may need replacement, whereas with a dual 12V setup, only the faulty battery needs to be replaced. Additionally, 12V batteries are widely available, making them more convenient for applications like backup power systems, inverters, and remote monitoring devices.
Standardization and Storage Capacity
The 12V battery is a de facto standard in automotive and consumer electronics due to its widespread use and compatibility with existing systems. This standardization, however, makes 24V systems more specialized and less common. While 24V batteries are available, they are not as readily stocked in retail stores and are often used in more specialized applications such as large industrial systems, telecom substations, and microgrids where higher storage capacity and current delivery are required.
Manufacturing of 24V Batteries
If we delve deeper into the manufacturing of 24V batteries, it becomes clear that they can be created in several configurations. For example, two 12V lead-acid batteries connected in series, four 6V lead-acid batteries connected in series, twelve 2V cells (either lead-acid or nickel-cadmium) connected in series, or eight 3.2V lithium ferrous phosphate (LiFePO4) cells connected in series. Each of these combinations serves distinct needs, such as high current delivery or specialized industrial applications.
Lithium Ferrous Phosphate Batteries (LiFePO4)
Lithium ferrous phosphate batteries (LiFePO4) are another popular choice for 24V applications. These batteries are available readily in 24V configurations, though their nominal voltage is generally 25.6V, equivalent to 8 cells of 3.2V. This combination of cells is used in applications where the battery needs to deliver high currents and maintain long-term stability, such as in golf carts, telecom systems, and microgrids.
In conclusion, while two 12V batteries can be effectively used to create a 24V system, 24V batteries do exist and are tailored to specific applications. The choice between using pre-manufactured 24V batteries or a series connection of 12V batteries depends on the intended use and the market demand. The emergence of specialized applications continues to drive the development and availability of 24V batteries.
Key Takeaways:
Batteries can be connected in series to achieve higher voltages (e.g., two 12V batteries in series yield 24V). 24V batteries do exist but are often specialized for specific applications where higher voltage is needed. 12V batteries are more common due to their wide availability and standardization in various applications. Lithium ferrous phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries are readily available in 24V configurations for high current delivery and long-term stability.For more information on battery configurations, manufacturing, and applications, consult the relevant technical literature or expert sources in the field.