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For over a century, lead-acid batteries have been the workhorse of energy storage technology. Although there are ‘better’ batteries out there, lead-acids are still very common due to their reliability, low cost, and robustness. This article discusses the ins and outs of lead-acid batteries, where and why they are still the preferred choice in many industries.
A lead-acid battery is an accumulator where the active materials in the positive plate are lead dioxide and in the negative plate sponge lead and in the diluted electrolyte, sulphuric acid. This battery was discovered in 1859 by a French physicist known as Gaston Plante. The first rechargeable battery is the Lead Acid Battery. Basically, construction of a lead acid accumulator is comprised of many cells, each putting out nearly about 2 volts. When these cells are connected in series, they add up to the requisite voltage for different applications.
Its design is pretty simple. It has a casing of plastic or metal in which cells are housed. Each cell contains a positive plate coated in lead dioxide, a negative plate of sponge lead, and an electrolyte solution of sulfuric acid. Therefore, the chemical reactions between these components are what make the battery work well in storing and releasing energy.
There are various reasons why lead-acid batteries are chosen, but the first of these would be their cost. When compared to other rechargeable batteries like lithium-ion or nickel-metal hydride, lead-acid batteries are very cheap to make and buy which makes them perfect to use in places where cost is an issue.
Other advantages are their robustness. They can take harsh temperatures more than some other battery types and are not highly sensitive to overcharging. Thus, they can be effectively used in harsh applications or environments, where maintenance may not be that frequent.
In addition, lead acid batteries are generally known for a high surge current ability and hence are quite indispensable for applications such as that of starting an automobile engine wherein a huge amount of current is required to be delivered within a short duration of time.
The overall operation of a lead-acid battery is based upon a cycle of electrochemical reactions carried out among its various components. These reactions would give us a view of how the battery may be retaining energy as well as surrendering it when required.
Discharge Process: In discharge, lead dioxide on the positive and sponge lead on the negative inter-react with sulfuric acid electrolyte so that lead sulfate is formed on both plates and water in the electrolyte. This also liberates electrons, which flow through an external circuit providing electrical energy.
Charge Process: For the charging process, the operation is reversed. An external power source applies a higher voltage than that of the battery without any load in it; for instance, it can be the alternator in a car. The lead sulfate thus reconverts into lead dioxide and sponge lead, while the sulfuric acid concentration within the electrolyte increases. By having energy restored through this recharging process, energy can be stored and used all over again.
Battery Conditions: Proper battery management ensures lead acid batteries can last an extended period, benefiting from optimal performance. Good regular care and proper inspection have, over time, been observed to prevent problems like sulfation, which show up as lead sulfate crystals forming on the plates and hence reducing the capacity of the battery. A good approach to battery recharging is also a matter to be on the lookout for, since overcharging or even undercharging can really spoil it.
Lead-acid batteries are highly reliable and cost-effective, making them applicable in a wide variety of applications. Of course, the largest application is within the automotive industry as starter batteries for cars, trucks, and motorcycles. The reason for this being well suited is that they can deliver high surge currents.
Apart from the above-mentioned automotive uses, Lead Acid Batteries find themselves in UPS systems for computers, and telecommunication in most cases. During a grid failure, they then come up as a power source to keep working the necessary systems.
These batteries can also work for alternative energy sources like solar or wind where they store excess energy at the time of peak production and redistribute it at the time of low production balancing supply and demand.
There are various types of lead-acid batteries namely, and each is designed for certain applications according to the condition there are two main categories flooded lead-acid batteries and sealed lead-acid batteries.
Flooded lead-acid batteries: this is the traditional type whereby the electrolyte comes in liquid state and can be maintained, and it is necessary to keep adding distilled water regularly so as to make up for the losses of the water from evaporation during charging. Most automotive and industrial applications use flooded batteries.
Sealed Lead Acid Batteries: Also referred to as valve-regulated lead-acid or VRLA batteries, these are basically free from maintenance since they need not be topped up regularly. The electrolyte is immobilized in gel, i.e., gel batteries or absorbed in a glass mat AGM batteries. These are applied in cases where maintenance would be difficult or where leaka`ge may pose a problem like most UPS and emergency lighting.
Lead acid batteries are, therefore, an economical yet a reliable and high surge current provider, hence proving to be a critical pioneering force component; how they work, and what types are available if known would help in the right selection according to requirement and user application or use and would further help in excellent performance due to good maintenance. With time, lead acid accumulators may undergo further development; only their primary function in energy storage will continue to be unchanged.
