A lead acid battery is a rechargeable battery technology that is used in numerous applications today. It stores chemical energy that can be converted to electric energy. Some of the key advantages of rechargeable battery include high power density, high cycle life, good thermal stability and relatively low production costs. These factors have made rechargeable battery one of the most popular rechargeable battery types in the world.

Chemistry of Rechargeable Battery

A rechargeable battery uses lead and lead oxide for the electrodes and sulfuric acid for the electrolyte. During discharge, the lead (Pb) electrode is converted to lead sulfate (PbSO4) and the lead oxide (PbO2) electrode is converted to lead sulfate. Electrons flow from the Pb electrode to the PbO2 electrode through the external circuit, providing electrical energy. During charge, the opposite chemical reaction takes place restoring the battery to its original state.

Types of Lead Acid Battery

There are mainly three types of Lead Acid Battery used commercially - flooded, gel and AGM (absorbed glass mat). Flooded rechargeable battery contain liquid electrolyte that can spill or leak if not properly maintained. Gel rechargeable battery use an immobilized electrolyte gel that is less prone to spilling but has slightly lower performance. AGM rechargeable battery use fiberglass mats to safely absorb and immobilize the electrolyte, offering spill-proof operation and improved vibration resistance.

Applications of Lead Acid Battery

Due to their ruggedness, low cost and wide availability, rechargeable battery find applications across different industries:

Starting, Lighting and Ignition (SLI) in Vehicles

Rechargeable battery are most commonly used as SLI batteries in automobiles, trucks, buses, forklifts etc. to start the engine and power lights and accessories. Their high current delivery abilities make them ideal for starting large internal combustion engines.

Backup Power and UPS Systems

Many homes, businesses, telecom towers and data centers use rechargeable battery based UPS (uninterruptible power supply) systems as emergency backup power sources in case of power outages from the main utility.

Motive Power in EVs and Forklifts

Wheelchair motors, golf carts, ATVs, forklifts and other industrial electric vehicles use flooded or VRLA rechargeable battery for traction power. Their robustness and ability to deliver short bursts of high currents suits these applications.

Renewable Energy Storage

In off-grid solar, wind or hybrid power systems, rechargeable battery are commonly used for energy storage and as emergency backup. Their cycling abilities allow integration with variable renewable energy sources.

Telecommunications

Telecom towers, cell sites, cable TV networks employ large stationary rechargeable battery banks to provide backup power for essential equipment in case of power disruptions.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Rechargeable Battery

Benefits:

- Low cost of acquisition

- High power density and current delivery capabilities

- Mature technology with widespread manufacturing infrastructure

- Good thermal stability - can operate in temperatures from -40°C to 60°C

- Tolerates overcharging and discharging conditions better than other battery chemistries

- Technologies like AGM and gel variants offer maintenance-free design

Drawbacks:

- Relatively low energy density requiring larger/heavier battery packs

- Self-discharge rate higher than other technologies like Li-ion requiring maintenance charging

- Limited cycle life (300-500 cycles) and shorter float service life compared to newer technologies

- Requires venting of hydrogen gas during charge - need for well-ventilated areas

- Electrolyte (sulfuric acid) is corrosive and environmentally hazardous if not handled/recycled properly

The rechargeable battery remains the dominant rechargeable battery technology globally due to its widespread availability, reliability, low acquisition cost and ability to deliver high currents. Modern variants like AGM and gel batteries have improved the design to eliminate maintenance issues. Though newer battery chemistries offer better energy/power densities and cycle life, rechargeable battery will continue playing a crucial role in automotive, industrial, telecom and backup power applications for their technical and economical merits. Ongoing research also aims to further enhance the performance of rechargeable battery technology.

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