University of Rajshahi
Assignment on
Lead-Acid Accumulator
Course Name: Materials For Energy Conversion and Storage
Course No: MSE2221
Submitted By Submitted To
Name: Md.shoub Akter Name: Md. Asahdul Islam
Student Id: 2210678153
Assistant professor
Year: 2nd
Semester:2nd Department of Materials Science
and Engineering
Session:2021-22
University of Rajshahi
Department of Materials Science
and Engineering
University of Rajshahi
Date of Submission: 20-01-2025
Q1: What are the two factors that determine the life of an accumulator?
The life of an accumulator depends on two main factors:
(i) Cycle Life:
This is how many times the accumulator can charge and discharge before it wears out.
• Material Fatigue: Repeated stretching and shrinking of parts can cause wear.
• Pressure: Too much pressure or sudden changes can damage it.
• Usage Frequency: The more it’s used, the faster it wears out.
(ii) Operating Conditions:
This is about how the environment and usage affect its lifespan.
• Temperature: Extreme or changing temperatures can harm seals and materials.
• Fluid Quality: Dirty or unsuitable fluid can cause damage inside.
• Maintenance: Regular checks and repairs can help it last longer.
• Shock Loads: Sudden or heavy loads can cause damage over time.
Keeping the accumulator clean, maintained, and within safe limits helps it last longer.
Q2: What is trickel charging ? Why is it more satisfactory with plante plates than with pasted plates?
(i) Trickle Charging:
Trickle charging is a low, steady charge that keeps a battery full by replacing self-discharge. It’s used in
standby systems like emergency power backups.
(ii) Trickle Charging is More Satisfactory with plante plates than with pasted plates.
Because
• Durability: Plante plates (made of pure lead) are more robust and can withstand continuous low-rate
charging better than pasted plates, which are made of lead paste.
• Resistance to Sulphation: Plante plates are less prone to sulfation (the formation of lead sulfate
crystals) under prolonged charging, making them ideal for trickle charging.
• Longevity: The pure lead composition of Plante plates allows for a longer lifespan and better
performance in trickle charge conditions, unlike pasted plates, which degrade faster under continuous
charging.
Q3: What are the practical limits to the plate separation of a lead-acid accumulator?
The practical limits to the plate separation of a lead-acid accumulator are determined by:
(i) Internal Resistance: Larger plate separation increases the internal resistance, reducing the battery's
efficiency and power output.
(ii) Electrolyte Conductivity: The farther apart the plates, the longer ions must travel through the
electrolyte, slowing the chemical reactions and reducing performance.
(iii)Mechanical Stability: Excessive separation may weaken the structural integrity of the battery and
increase the risk of plate misalignment or damage.
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(iv) Compactness: Lead-acid batteries are designed for portability and space efficiency. Larger separations
increase battery size unnecessarily.
Optimal plate separation balances efficiency, durability, and size.
Q4: How can we overcome the limitations of plate separation of a lead-acid accumulator?
To overcome the limitations of plate separation in a lead-acid battery:
(i) Use Better Separators: Advanced materials like fiberglass help reduce resistance and improve
performance.
(ii) Optimize Electrolyte: Improving the electrolyte's concentration and conductivity helps maintain
efficiency with larger plate gaps.
(iii)Increase Plate Surface Area: Using efficient plate designs increases capacity without needing more
space between plates.
(iv) Improve Design: Compact and durable designs reduce the negative effects of separation while keeping
power output high.
Q5: How the concentration of acid and temperature in electrolyte impact the performance and
efficiency of a lead-acid accumulator?
The concentration of acid and temperature in the electrolyte significantly impact the performance and
efficiency of a lead-acid battery:
(i) Acid Concentration:
• Higher concentration increases battery capacity and efficiency but may cause corrosion of the
plates over time.
• Lower concentration reduces performance but can extend the battery's lifespan by reducing
corrosion.
(ii) Temperature:
• Higher temperatures increase the chemical reaction rate, improving efficiency but also causing
faster wear, reduced battery life, and risk of overcharging.
• Lower temperatures slow down the reactions, reducing efficiency and performance but can
extend battery life by reducing wear.
Q6: Describe the factors that cause lack of the efficiency of accumulator? How can we reduce the
factors?
(i)Factors that cause a lack of efficiency in an accumulator (like a lead-acid battery) include:
• Internal Resistance: Increases with age, reducing power output and efficiency.
• Plate Corrosion: Leads to reduced capacity over time.
• Sulphation: Formation of lead sulfate crystals on the plates reduces capacity.
• Improper Charging: Overcharging or undercharging can damage the battery.
• Temperature Extremes: High or low temperatures affect performance.
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(ii)We can reduce the factor by-
• Use high-quality materials, improve separators, and ensure proper maintenance.
• Use additives in the electrolyte and optimize charge/discharge cycles to minimize corrosion.
• Regularly fully charge the battery to prevent sulphation.
• Use a properly regulated charging system to maintain optimal charge levels.
• Keep the battery at a stable temperature within the recommended range.
