A lead-acid battery is a type of rechargeable battery that has been used for more than 150 years It is one of the oldest, most reliable and most widely used types of batteries. The lead-acid battery consists of two electrodes - a positive lead plate and a negative lead plate, both immersed in dilute sulfuric acid solution. The electrolyte in the lead-acid battery is the sulfuric acid solution, which acts as a conductor between the two electrodes, allowing electrons to flow. When the battery is being charged, the positive lead plate and negative lead plate draw electrons from the acid solution, and when the battery is being discharged, electrons return to the acid solution.
The lead-acid battery has many advantages over other types of batteries, such as its low cost, long life and good performance, making it popular for a variety of applications. As well as being used in cars and other vehicles, the lead-acid battery is also widely used in devices such as UPS systems, solar energy storage systems, and mobility scooters. The lead-acid battery is also used as a backup power source in many residential and commercial applications, as it is capable of being recharged a number of times.
Below are five of the best examples of lead-acid batteries currently in use:
1. Automotive Batteries: Automotive batteries are a type of lead-acid battery that are used to power cars, trucks, boats and other motorized vehicles. Automotive batteries are usually 12-volt batteries, but some large trucks and commercial vehicles require more power and use 24-volt batteries.
2. AGM Batteries: Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) batteries are a type of lead-acid battery which feature a sandwich of glass mats and an electrolyte suspender. These batteries are renowned for their long life, low self-discharge rate, and ability to withstand hundreds of charge/discharge cycles.
3. VRLA Batteries: Valve Regulated Lead-Acid (VRLA) batteries are an advanced type of lead-acid battery that are sealed and maintenance-free. These batteries are commonly used in applications where a large amount of energy needs to be stored, such as UPS systems, solar energy storage systems and industrial equipment.
4. Deep-Cycle Batteries: Deep-cycle batteries are designed for deep discharge applications, meaning they are capable of supplying a large amount of current over an extended period of time, making them ideal for applications such as trolling motor batteries, golf cart batteries and marine batteries.
5. Gel Cell Batteries: Gel cell batteries are a type of lead-acid battery that feature a gel electrolyte, instead of the conventional liquid electrolyte found in most lead-acid batteries. The gel electrolyte makes the Gel cell batteries more robust, enabling them to withstand vibrations, shocks and extreme temperatures. They are better suited for applications such as marine batteries, boat batteries, wheelchair batteries, and recreational vehicle batteries.