A lead-acid battery is a highly common and widely used type of rechargeable battery. It is most commonly utilized in industries and for automotive applications. The battery is called lead-acid because its core components include lead electrodes and an electrolyte solution consisting of sulfuric acid.
The design of a lead-acid battery usually involves multiple cells interconnected, typically six cells in a single battery unit. Each cell contains positive and negative electrodes composed of lead in different forms. During the charging process, the electric current breaks down the sulfuric acid electrolyte into hydrogen and oxygen gases and lead sulfate, storing electrical energy in the battery. When discharge occurs, the battery releases the stored energy by converting lead sulfate back into lead and sulfuric acid.
Lead-acid batteries have several advantageous qualities, including a relatively low cost, high energy density, and the capacity to provide high discharge rates. Furthermore, they are renowned for their ability to deliver a large amount of power in a short period. Due to their high reliability and robustness, these batteries are frequently employed in vehicles, uninterruptible power supply systems (UPS), and other applications requiring a reliable source of energy.
However, lead-acid batteries also have certain limitations such as being heavy and bulky, limited cycle life, and requiring regular maintenance. Additionally, they should be handled with utmost care due to the toxic and corrosive nature of sulfuric acid. Nevertheless, the numerous advantages and frequent use of lead-acid batteries make them an indispensable source of energy in various industries.
