Definition

Secondary Battery – A critical part of a campervan installation is a secondary battery. These batteries are intending to power the living functions of our van, and choosing the correct battery is vital to travel without worry. An auxiliary battery is usually fits. And larger vans and motorhomes can be equipped with two batteries apart from the main one. Still, a good camper should never go with just one battery. Its components are compatible with the destination and the methodology that the City uses for the final disposal of its solid urban waste -the sanitary landfill-. Due to their composition, secondary piles must be subject to specific management plans since a certification system has not yet been recognizing at the national level.

Why Do  We Use Secondary Battery?

Both cars and vans are equipped with a battery as standard, leaving aside. The batteries of hybrid, plug-in hybrid, micro-hybrid, and electric vehicles. However, that is another story that is beside the point. This element is essential because it acts as an energy accumulator to start the car from a standstill and supply electricity to the vehicle’s electrical components. At the same time, the alternator generates electricity that is uses to recover this consumption.

In an electrical installation of a camper van, we could (in a very optimistic way) think that we can draw from the main battery to feed the consumption of the accessories we install in the living area. And positively. It could be like that in the hypothetical case of using the minimum supplements for a minimal time. Maybe in a tiny camper for punctual outings. Still, we would always run the risk that, oh surprise! when trying starting we would have run out of battery.

To avoid unpleasant situations, his thing is to have a second battery. This second unit will be charging  through the alternator, just like the main one, but be isolates from the circuit when the engine is not running through a relay. Thus, the electrical consumption of the elements of the house will not affect the main battery either.

What Types Of Batteries Are There?

Auxiliary batteries must have a higher capacity than conventional ones to provide the necessary service without being discharge more than 50%, which would be inadequate for their useful life. It is advisable, for this reason, that they exceed at least 100 amps/hour.

A camper’s average daily consumption (it can fluctuate depending on the equipment) is around 50 amps. For this aim, it is worthwhile to have as much capacity as possible to avoid deep discharges below that 50% before moving the vehicle and recharging. There is also the possibility of powering it by installing a solar panel, which guarantees its recharging even when stops.

Classic acid batteries are not recommending for this use since they tolerate charge and discharge cycles less well. Furthermore, they are heavy, bulky, and cannot be laid down, so their placement in the vehicle is more complicates. On the other hand, its price is lower (between 100 and 120 euros) although the previous drawbacks do not compensate for the savings.

The most common batteries in motorized vehicles are AGM (Absorbed Glass Material), which enjoy a good compromise between their price (between 160 and 300 euros) and qualities such as their long functional life, the absence of maintenance, faster recharge times, good low-temperature performance, and ease of placement.

What Is The Battery Technology?

A battery is a device skills of storing energy in an electrochemical way. There are two types: primary batteries and secondary batteries. Primary batteries are characterized by irreversible chemical conversion to electrical energy. That is after the battery has been completely discharges can not return to load Secondary batteries: better known as rechargeable batteries. These, when remove, can be recharge by injecting them with direct current from an external source. In general, the operation of a storm is bases on an electrochemical cell. Electrochemical cells have two electrodes: the anode and the cathode. The anode is the electrode where oxidation takings place (gives)

electrons), and the cathode is where the reduction takes place (captures electrons). The electrodes can be of any electrical conductor material, such as metals or semiconductors. To complete the electrical circuit, the solutions are connecting by a conductor through which cations and anions pass through, known as a salt bridge (or as a salt bridge), to remain neutral. The dissolved cations move towards the cathode and anions towards the anode. Electric current flows from the anode to the cathode because there is a difference in electrical potential between both electrolytes.

What Is The Auxiliary Battery Of A Camper, And What Is It For?

Camperized vans and motorhomes bear higher electricity consumption to power the elements that allow their use as homes on wheels. Like any other vehicle, they have a primary. Or motor battery, which is responsible for accumulating energy to start and supply the electrical components of the mechanics. It recharges while driving thanks to the alternator and is the usual one that all users know.

However, in a camper or motorhome, various elements that need electricity for their operation enter the scene. The main battery is insufficient to meet such demand, so an auxiliary battery is installs. It is also recharge through the alternator . But it has an independent circuit so that the consumption of the equipment does not affect the main one and thus can discharge it.

The secondary battery is using to power elements such as lighting, the refrigerator, television, USB charging ports, and water pumps. They are usually locates under one of the seats so as not to take up space in the passenger compartment. In some cases, they can be seen free from work utilizing a power outlet external to the 220 V electrical network.

Conclusion

Since not all cells and batteries are the same, nor do they require the same treatment. It is essential to discriminate between the different types: primary batteries (non-rechargeable) and secondary batteries (rechargeable). Primary batteries that comply with current legislation have a reduce proportion of contaminants and can be dispose of with household waste.