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Monday, 2 October 2023

Lead-acid battery

Lead-acid batteries are a type of rechargeable battery that has been in use for well over a century. These batteries are known for their reliability and are commonly found in a variety of applications. Here are some key details about lead-acid batteries:

Chemical Composition: 

Lead-acid batteries are composed of the following key components:

Positive Plate (Cathode): The positive plate typically consists of lead dioxide (PbO2) or a lead-based composite.

Negative Plate (Anode): The negative plate is usually made of sponge lead (Pb).

Separator: A separator, often made of porous materials like rubber or plastic, separates the positive and negative plates while allowing the flow of electrolyte.

Electrolyte: The electrolyte in lead-acid batteries is a solution of sulfuric acid (H2SO4) mixed with water. This electrolyte allows the flow of ions between the positive and negative plates.





How Lead-Acid Batteries Work:
Lead-acid batteries operate based on a chemical reaction between the positive and negative plates and the sulfuric acid electrolyte. During discharge, lead dioxide at the positive plate reacts with sponge lead at the negative plate to generate electrical energy, water, and lead sulphate. During charging, the process is reversed as electrical energy is used to convert lead sulphate back into lead dioxide and sponge lead.

Voltage and Capacity:
Lead-acid batteries come in various sizes and capacities, but the most common voltage for a single cell is 2 volts. Multiple cells are connected in series to achieve higher voltages. Common lead-acid battery voltages include 6 volts, 12 volts, and 24 volts.

Types of Lead-Acid Batteries: 

There are several types of lead-acid batteries, including:

Flooded Lead-Acid Batteries:
These batteries have a liquid electrolyte and are commonly used in automotive applications and uninterruptible power supplies (UPS).

Valve-Regulated Lead-Acid (VRLA) Batteries: VRLA batteries are sealed and maintenance-free. 

They come in two subtypes:

Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM):
AGM batteries use a glass mat separator to hold the electrolyte in place. They are used in applications like motorcycles and alarm systems.

Gel Batteries: Gel batteries use a thickening agent to immobilize the electrolyte. They are often used in solar and off-grid applications.

Applications of Lead-Acid Batteries: 

Lead-acid batteries are widely used in various applications, including:

Automotive: Most cars, motorcycles, and trucks use lead-acid batteries for starting, lighting, and ignition (SLI) systems.

Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS): Lead-acid batteries provide backup power in case of electrical outages, ensuring uninterrupted operation for critical equipment and systems.

Telecommunications: They are used in cell towers and telecommunications infrastructure to provide backup power.

Solar and Renewable Energy: Some off-grid and grid-connected solar systems use lead-acid batteries to store excess energy for later use.

Recreational Vehicles (RVs) and Boats: Lead-acid batteries are commonly used to power lights, appliances, and onboard electronics in RVs and boats.

Electric Wheelchairs and Mobility Scooters: Lead-acid batteries are used to provide mobility for individuals with disabilities.

Industrial Applications: Lead-acid batteries are used in forklifts, golf carts, and other industrial vehicles.

While newer battery technologies have emerged, lead-acid batteries remain relevant due to their affordability and reliability in specific applications. However, they are bulkier and heavier compared to newer technologies like lithium-ion batteries, which have gained popularity in portable electronics and electric vehicles.

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