What is a lead acid battery?

The lead acid battery is traditionally the most commonly used battery for storing energy. It is already described extensively in Chapter 6 via the examples therein and briefly repeated here. A lead acid battery has current collectors consisting of lead. The anode consists only of this, whereas the anode needs to have a layer of lead oxide, PbO 2.

What is a lead-acid battery?

The lead–acid battery is a type of rechargeable battery first invented in 1859 by French physicist Gaston Planté. It is the first type of rechargeable battery ever created. Compared to modern rechargeable batteries, lead–acid batteries have relatively low energy density. Despite this, they are able to supply high surge currents.

What are the applications of lead – acid batteries?

Following are some of the important applications of lead – acid batteries : As standby units in the distribution network. In the Uninterrupted Power Supplies (UPS). In the telephone system. In the railway signaling. In the battery operated vehicles. In the automobiles for starting and lighting.

What happens when a lead acid battery is charged?

5.2.1 Voltage of lead acid battery upon charging. The charging reaction converts the lead sulfate at the negative electrode to lead. At the positive terminal the reaction converts the lead to lead oxide. As a by-product of this reaction, hydrogen is evolved.

What are the advantages of lead acid batteries?

One of the singular advantages of lead acid batteries is that they are the most commonly used form of battery for most rechargeable battery applications (for example, in starting car engines), and therefore have a well-established established, mature technology base.

Do lead acid batteries need to be sulfated?

Periodic but infrequent gassing of the battery to prevent or reverse electrolyte stratification is required in most lead acid batteries in a process referred to as "boost" charging. Sulfation of the battery.