Reliability improvement of lead accumulators of agricultural machines

Introduction. The solution to the problem of reliability increase of the agricultural and reclamation equipment by improving the key reliability indices of the lead-acid accumulator starter batteries (ASB) under their operation and storage is considered. The work objective is to develop ways to improve the maintainability of the lead-acid accumulators of the agricultural and reclamation machines under various operating and storage conditions. Materials and Methods. Methods for increasing the performance characteristics of the lead-acid accumulators in the course of their operation and storage using organic compounds of the sterically hindered phenols (SHP as additives to the electrolyte at the rate of 1 g/l are proposed. The impact of the SHP on the conductor corrosion of smooth and porous lead-dioxide electrodes is assessed. For more objective evaluation of the inhibiting SHP properties, the life time tests of the commercial domestic batteries under plant conditions according to the current GOSTs and by cycling techniques are conducted. Research Results. A technique for increasing the service life of a lead-acid accumulator using the SHP as an additive to the electrolyte is developed, since they have the properties to inhibit the corrosion process of the current collectors of the positive electrode.) Discussion and Conclusions. The results obtained can be used in the operation of the ASB on the agricultural and reclamation machinery, motor vehicles, and other machines, as they slow down the corrosion process of the positive plate grids. In addition, SHP additives can be effectively applied in the seasonal mode of the lead-acid accumulator operation which is typical for operation in the system of the agro-industrial complex.