TOPIC:

Lead-acid battery
History:
 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 current
through it).
 As they are inexpensive compared to newer technologies, lead–acid
batteries are widely used even when surge current is not important and other
designs could provide higher energy densities.
 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

Pb PbO2

Negative Positive
electrode: electrode:
Porous Lead-dioxide
lead

H2O H2SO4

Electrolyte: Sulfuric acid, 6 molar

• How it works
•Characteristics and models
•Charge controllers
Electrical conduction mechanisms
 Lead and lead-dioxide are good electrical
conductors.
 The conduction mechanism is via Pb PbO2
+
+ H
electrons jumping between atoms. H
+
H
+
 H
The electrolyte contains aqueous ions (H +
-2
SO4
and SO4-2). The conduction mechanism SO4
-2

within the electrolyte is via migration of

ions via diffusion or drift.
H2O
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:

0 Sulfuric acid electrolyte 0 Sulfuric acid electrolyte

Pb Pb
Lead Lead
electrode electrode
H+ H+
0 0
Pb Pb
H+ H+
0 0
Pb Pb
–
0 -2 -2 +2 -2 -2
Pb SO4 SO4 Pb SO4 SO4
–
+ +
0 H 0 H
Pb Pb
0
Pb H+ Pb
0 H+
H2O H2O
0 0
Pb Pb
 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
nearelectrodes Pb PbO2
•Diffusion within electrolytereplenishes 0
H2O
-2
SO4
O
–2

Pb +4

ions near electrodes + Pb

0 + H
Pb H + –2
+ O
•Excess electrons are created inlead H H
0
Pb –2
-2 O
– -2 SO4
electrode, and electron deficit is created
+2 -2 SO4
Pb SO4 +4 –
-2 Pb
– + SO4
0 H –
Pb
in lead-dioxide electrode
–2
+ O
0 + H
Pb H
•Electric field is generated at electrode
–2
H2O + O
H
0
Pb +4
Pb
surfaces. This electric field opposes the H2O
O
–2

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 of 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 others) alloy: stronger plates while maintaining low leakage current
 More space below electrodes for accumulation of debris before plates are shorted Ours are
 Sealed, valve regulated, absorbent glass mat
 Rated 56 A-hr at 2.33A (24 hr) discharge rate
Types of lead-acid batteries
 “Golf cart” or “forklift” batteries
 Similar to #2
 Bigger, very rugged
 Low cost — established industry Antimony alloy
 Strong big electrodes
 But more leakage current than #2 Can last 10-20 years

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.
 Tolerant to overcharging.
 Low internal impedance.
 Can deliver very high currents.
 Indefinite shelf life if stored without electrolyte.
 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.
Disadvantages
 Dangers from Chemical Burns
 Batteries Can Be Heavy
 Flammable Gases While Charging
 Electrolyte Can Evaporate
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