LEAD-ACID

BASES
GROUP 2
 OUR TEAM

April Obhie Squall Kent

 HISTORY
1 The lead–acid battery was invented in 1859 by French physicist
Gaston Planté

It is the oldest type of rechargeable battery (by passing a reverse

2 current through it).

As they are inexpensive compared to newer technologies, lead–acid

3 batteries are widely used even when surge current is not important
and other designs could provide higher energy densities.
 HISTORY
4 This battery uses a gel electrolyte instead of a liquid allowing the
battery to be used in different positions without leaking.
 LEAD-ACID BATTERY: CONSTRUCTION

Negative Positive
electrode: electrode:
Porous lead Lead dioxide How it works
Characteristics and models
Charge controllers

Electrolyte: Sulfuric
acid, 6 molar
 ELECTRICAL CONDUCTION
MECHANISM
Lead and lead-dioxide are good electrical
conductors.
The conduction mechanism is via electrons
jumping between atoms.
The electrolyte contains aqueous ions (H+
and SO4-2). The conduction mechanism
within the electrolyte is via migration of ions
diffusion or drift.
CONDUCTION MECHANISM AT THE
SURFACE OF THE ELECTRODE
Oxidation-reduction (Redox) reaction transfers charge from ions in solution
to conducting electrons in the electrode.

At the surface of the lead (negative) electrode:

 HOW THE BATTERY DEVELOPS
VOLTAGE
Consider the following experiment:
New electrodes are placed inside electrolyte, with no external electrical circuit connected

The reactions start to occur

They use up aqueous ions near electrodes.
Diffusion within electrolytes replenishes ions near
electrodes.
Excess electrons are created in lead electrode, and
electron deficit is created in lead-dioxide electrode,
Electric field is generated as electrode surfaces.
The electric field opposes the flow of ions.
 TYPES OF LEAD-ACID
BATTERIES
CAR BATTERY
“SLI” - starter lighting ignition
Designed to provide short
burst of high current
Maybe 500 A to crank engine
Cannot handle “deep
discharge” applications
Typical lifetime 0f 500 cycles
at 20% depth of discharge
DEEP DISCHARGE
BATTERY
We have these in power lab carts more
rugged construction
Bigger, thicker electrodes
Calcium (and other) alloy: stronger plates
while maintaining low leakage current.
More space below electrodes for
accumulation of debris before plates are
shorted
Seales, valve regulated, absorbent glass
mat
Rated 56 A-hr at 2.33 A (24 hr) discharge
rate
TYPES OF LEAD-ACID BATTERIES
“Golf cart” or “forklift” batteries
Bigger, very rugged
Low cost - established industry Antimony alloy
Strong big electrodes
But more leakage current that #2 can last 10-20 years
 TYPES OF LEAD-ACID BATTERIES
Manufacturer’s specifications for our power lab batteries:

Nominal capacity: A-hrs @ 25 °C to 1.75 V/cell

1 hr 2 hr 4 hr 8 hr 24 hr

36 A-hr 45 A-hr 46 A-hr 49 A-hr 56 A-hr

 APPLICATIONS
Automotive and traction applications
Standby/Back-up/Emergency power for electrical
installations.
Submarines
UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supplies
Lighting
High current drain applications
Sealed battery types available for use in portable equipment
 ADVANTAGES

Low cost
Reliable. Over 140 years of development
Robust. Tolerant to abuse
Low internal impedance
Can deliver very high currents
Indefinite shelf life if stored without electrolyte
 ADVANTAGES

Can be left on trickle or float charge for prolonged

periods
Wide range of sizes and capacities available
Many suppliers world wide
The world’s most recycled product
 DISADVATAGES

Dangers from chemical burns

Batteries can be heavy
Flammable gases while charging
Electrolyte can evaporate
THANK
YOU